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A B C D
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Z Other
A.
AE
Abbreviation for autoexposure. A good photograph requires the shutter
speed and lens aperture to be set to expose the film with the proper
amount of light. With AE, a camera makes these adjustments
automatically.
AEB
Abbreviation for auto exposure bracketing. With this function, the
camera automatically takes a rapid series of shots, slightly varying the
exposure for each one. The photographer can then choose the best
exposure. Especially useful with color reversal film.
AF
Abbreviation for autofocus. It is usually activated with a half-press of
the shutter, and is now available on almost all cameras except the most
basic models.
Angle of view
The visual arc encompassed by a lens, usually measured on the diagonal
of the frame. Angle of view is generally over 60� for wide-angle
lenses, 40-60� for �normal� lenses, and less than
40� for telephoto lenses. Examples in the 35mm format include
75� for a 28mm lens, 47� for a 50mm lens, 34� for a
70mm lens, and 24� for a 100mm lens.
Aperture
Lens opening. The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to
expose the film. The size of aperture can be either fixed or adjustable.
Aperture size is usually calibrated in f numbers -- the larger the
number, the smaller the lens opening. Aperture helps determine the depth
of field of a lens: the larger the working aperture (i.e. the smaller
the f number), the less of the photo will be in sharp focus.
Aperture-priority AE
An autoexposure mode that lets the user set the lens aperture. The
camera then automatically determines the correct shutter speed. This
allows effective control of depth of field, and is popular among
advanced photographers.
APS camera
A camera that uses Advanced Photo System film, a small film format
designed for ease of use. The drop-in cartridge makes film loading
especially simple. A magnetic strip on the film records shooting
information to assist in processing and printing.
B. Return to Top
Back focus
A situation where the lens is actually focused behind the main subject,
resulting in a slight softness of that subject. Back focus is a common
problem when there is another object behind the main subject and the auto focus
locks onto it instead.
Background
The backdrop behind the main subject, and a key element of photographic
composition. Choosing the right background � a particular color,
for example, or buildings or trees or sky � has a major effect on
the impact of your photo.
Backlight
Light, particularly sunlight, that illuminates subject on the side
opposite the camera. It can fool a camera into underexposing the
subject, i.e. making it too dark. Backlight can be countered by
increasing the exposure, and can produce very attractive portraits.
Backlight compensation
Increasing exposure to counter backlight on a subject. Because most
metering systems tend to underexpose a backlit subject, it�s
generally a good idea to increase exposure by about 1.5EV.
Bit
Stands for binary digit. It is the basic unit of digital information.
BMP
The BMP format is compatible with most graphic software for Windows PCs.
Images can be saved either in full color (16.77 million colors) or in
256-color formats. However, as data is not compressed, BMP image files
are very large.
Bulb (B)
A setting that lets you open and close the shutter manually, useful for
very long exposures (e.g. 5 or 10 seconds or more). Traditionally it was
activated by a cable release with a lock on it. Most current cameras use
an electronic control cable instead.
Byte
A unit of measure equal to 8 bits of digital information. The standard
unit of measurement for file size.
C. Return to Top
Camera angle
The relationship of the position of the camera to that of the subject.
Most common is to hold the camera horizontal to the subject, but often
more impact can be achieved by altering the camera angle to change the
perspective and line the subject up with an interesting background.
Camera batteries
Batteries designed to power the various functions of cameras. Lithium
batteries are popular for this use thanks to their small size and long
life. Common 3V types include CR2 and CR123A, while 6V types include
CRP2 and 2CR5. Flash units normally use AA-size batteries.
Camera shake
Any movement of the camera at the moment the shutter is pressed. Camera
shake is one of the main reasons for blurry photos, and is especially
likely at shutter speeds of 1/30 second or below. Another cause is
pressing the shutter with too much force.
Cassette
The container housing the roll of film, especially for 35mm film. 35mm
film loaded into a cassette is also called 135 format. It is available
in lengths of 12, 24, and 36 frames, and can be used in any 35mm camera
past or present.
Catchlight
Bright reflections of light seen in the eyes of a photographed subject.
Catchlights are especially important in head-and-shoulder portraits and
large prints, where they give sparkle and life to a subject�s
eyes. They are easily achieved with a flash or reflector in front of the
subject.
CCD
Charge Coupled Device: one of the two main types of computer chips used
to capture digital camera images.
Close-up
A photo taken close to the subject, usually defined as within 1m or
less. Popular close-up subjects include flowers, insects, and small
objects. While most ordinary lenses can focus as close as 40-50cm,
specialized macro lenses offer higher performance for serious close-up
photography.
Close-up frame marks
Small additional marks inside the viewfinder of compact cameras that
approximate the frame size when shooting at close distances. Use these
marks when shooting close-up to prevent mistakes like cutting off the
heads of your subjects.
CMOS
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor: one of the two main types of
computer chips used to capture digital camera images. CMOS sensors are
currently found in only a handful of digital cameras.
Color negative
Film for color prints. The film records a negative image (i.e., colors
and lightness/darkness exactly opposite of reality), which then becomes
positive when printed onto color paper. Color negative film is tolerant
to a wide range of exposure, making it easy to use.
Color reproduction
The color fidelity and beauty with which color prints and slides render
the original scene. Different films have different color
characteristics, and are each capable of producing their own distinctive
�look�.
Color reversal film
Film for color slides. The film records a positive image (i.e. colors
and lightness/darkness the same as reality). This type of film can be
used not only for slides but also direct color prints and scanning.
Exposure must be fairly precise, so color reversal film is best suited
to intermediate to advanced photographers.
Color slide
A frame of color reversal film placed in a film mount, for use in a
slide projector. The sharpness and vibrant colors of this type of film
give slide presentations their impact and enjoyment.
Color temperature
A measure of the redness (warmth) or blueness (coolness) of light,
expressed in degrees Kelvin. Higher numbers mean cooler light and lower
numbers indicate warmer. Standard noon daylight is considered to be
5400K, while the light two hours after sunrise or before sunset is
4800K.
Compact camera
The general term for small, light cameras designed for convenience.
While they do not offer interchangeable lenses, they are perfectly
usable for snapshots, and some do employ high-performance optics. Ideal
for travel or �visual notebook� applications.
Composition
The arrangement of all the visual elements within a photo. Note that the
main subject does not always have to be in the center of the frame. When
composing a shot, consider the whole frame, all the way to each corner.
Continuous shooting
Holding down the shutter to take one shot immediately after another.
Cameras generally can shoot one to two frames per second, while higher
speed models can achieve four to five frames. Continuous shooting is
especially useful in sports photography.
Contrast
The difference in light level between the brightest parts of the image
(the highlights) and the darkest ones (the shadows). High-contrast
images show a stark difference between light and dark, while
low-contrast ones are more muted.
Correct exposure
A combination of shutter speed and lens aperture that delivers exactly
the right amount of light to produce a good image on film. The camera
function that automatically makes these settings is known as
autoexposure (AE).
D. Return to Top
Data imprinting
Data printed by camera on the film next to or over images. Types of
imprinted data can include date and time, shooting mode, focus distance,
aperture and shutter speed, exposure compensation, AF/MF, flash on/off
etc. A number of 645 and APS cameras offer this capability, and data
backs are also available for some camera models.
Depth
The quality of three-dimensional depth in a photograph. There are a
number of ways to achieve a sense of depth, such as compressing the
perspective of a distant subject, dramatic cameras angles, and selective
focus.
Depth of field
The distance in front of and behind the point of sharpest focus that is
still acceptably sharp. The larger the aperture of a lens, the less
depth of field, while wide-angle lenses offer greater apparent depth of
field.
Direct print
A print made directly from a color slide. Fujifilm direct prints are
called Fujichrome prints, in contrast to Fujicolor prints, which are
made from color negative film. Direct prints tend to look sharp with
high-contrast and deep, rich colors.
DX code
A camera-readable code printed on the outside of 35mm film cassettes and
APS cartridges. It provides information on ISO speed and film type and
length, allowing the camera to adjust exposure settings and frame count.
E. Return to Top
EI
Abbreviation for exposure index, a figure used when film is
�rated� (exposed) at a speed other than its nominal ISO
speed. An ISO 100-speed film for example can be pushed to an EI of 400
by exposing it as if it were an ISO 400 film, and then processed
accordingly.
Enlargement
Refers to larger print sizes, usually 8 x 10� and above.
Enlargements offer greater impact than ordinary size prints.
EV
Exposure value, a measure of how much light strikes the film. Exposure
is determined by the combination of shutter speed and lens aperture.
Each doubling/halving of shutter speed or opening/closing of the lens by
one f-stop is equivalent to 1 EV.
Exposure compensation
A manual override that allows you to increase or decrease exposure when
you have reason to believe that the camera�s autofocus will not
produce a correct exposure. Cameras typically offer a range of
�3EV of exposure compensation. Normal compensation for backlight,
for example, is +1.5EV.
F. Return to Top
Fast lens
A lens with a wide maximum aperture (e.g. f/1.7 or f/2.8), allowing in a
large amount of light. While they perform well in low light, fast lenses
tend to be large and expensive. Lenses with small maximum apertures
(e.g. f/5.6 or f/8) are called slow lenses.
Fill
Supplementary light from a flash, lamp, or reflector, used to brighten
the shadows that occur on a subject illuminated by direct sunlight.
Shooting without fill in this situation tends to produce harsh contrast.
Filter
An optical device that attaches to the front of a lens to provide a
specific visual effect. Common types include UV filters to block
ultraviolet light, polarizing (PL) filters to cut reflections and darken
skies, light-balancing (LB) filters to compensate for dawn and dusk and
overcast light, and color correction (CC) filters for precise color
control.
Flash photography
Using a built-in or external flash to illuminate your subject. Skillful
use of a flash can brighten a subject for beautiful results, but is best
used together with existing light for a natural-looking photo.
F number
A measure of the aperture, i.e. optical diameter, of a lens, written
either �f/� (e.g. f/2.8) or with a colon (1:2.8). The
smaller the number, the brighter the lens. The progression of f- numbers
is: f/1.0, f/1.4, f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22, f32.
Focus
Adjusting the point of maximum sharpness when photographing a subject.
Autofocus cameras handle this automatically, but note that when shooting
close up, it is often quicker and more accurate to switch to manual
focus.
Focus lock
A feature on most AF cameras that allows you to focus on one part of the
image by half-pressing and holding the shutter button, then recomposing
and further pressing the shutter to take the shot. Routine use of the
focus lock helps ensure that your focus is exactly where you want it.
Foreground
The portion of a scene closest to the camera, in contrast to the middle
ground and background. Including a foreground in a landscape or snapshot
helps create a sense of depth, and can add a useful accent or setting
for the main, more distant subject.
Frame size
The area of the film that records the actual image. Also known as film
format. Common formats include APS (16.7 x 30.2mm), 35mm (24 x 36mm),
645 (41.5 x 56mm), 6x7 (56 x 69mm), 6x8 (56 x 76mm), and 6x9 (56 x
82.6mm).
Front focus
The situation when the lens is actually focused in front of the main
subject, resulting in a slight softness of that subject. Front focus can
be problem when photographing a distant landscape or scene and the
autofocus instead locks onto an object in the foreground.
Front light
Light striking the subject from the same direction as the camera. This
even, direct illumination makes it safe to use auto exposure. While
front light is ideal for shots of large groups of people, the lack of
shadows and contours does not make this the most attractive light for
most subjects.
Full aperture
To use a lens with its aperture fully open, i.e. at its largest setting.
Full aperture for an f/2.8 lens is thus f/2.8. This minimizes the zone
of sharpness (technically known as depth of field), helping to soften
backgrounds and make your subject stand out.
H. Return to Top
H-format
The standard print format from negatives from APS film. Its 16:9 aspect
ratio is the same as high-definition TV, and is useful for showing the
horizontal or vertical expanse of a subject, as well as adding a sense
of depth to the scene.
Highlights
The lightest parts of an image. Highlights are the opposite of shadows,
the darkest parts of the image, and it is the transitions between the
two that give photos their sense of tonality. A correct exposure should
make highlights sparkle while still preserving their details.
High shutter speed
Shutter speeds of roughly 1/250 second or faster. Speeds of 1/250 and
1/500 are generally fast enough to prevent camera shake. Modern cameras
offer ultra-high shutter speeds of 1/1000, 1/2000, and even 1/4000 and
beyond.
High-speed film
Film with a speed of ISO 400 to 800. Modern high-speed films offer very
fine grain and rich color, making them a good all-purpose replacement
for the slower ISO 100 films of the past.
Horizontal
A frame oriented with the long side on the horizontal, usually when the
camera is kept level with the horizon for a natural-looking shot. While
most photos are horizontal, more advanced photographers tend seek out
variety by increasingly shooting vertical as well.
I. Return to Top
Image quality
An evaluation of the overall visual quality of a finished print. Image
quality criteria include good sharpness, smooth tonality, fine grain,
shadow and highlight detail, and color fidelity and richness.
ISO speed
An international standard measurement of film sensitivity. A more
sensitive film (i.e., one that requires less light for an exposure) is
called �high-speed�, while a less sensitive one is
�low-speed�.
J. Return to Top
JPEG
JPEG compresses files by discarding color information that the human eye
cannot perceive. This format significantly reduces the file size, but
image quality deteriorates as the compression rate increases. Once the
data is saved, the compression cannot be reversed.
L. Return to Top
Latitude
The range of allowable exposure values of a film. While there is usually
a single �correct� exposure that yields the full range of
tonality from shadows to highlights, film does tolerate some degree of
over- or under-exposure, and this can be taken into account when setting
exposure.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display screen found on many digital cameras that allows
previewing or reviewing of images.
LCD panel
A display panel found on most cameras that can provide shooting
information including film loading status, frame number, date and time,
flash on/off, battery status, shutter speed, aperture, scene mode,
metering mode, infinity focus, etc.
Lens hood
A circular shade that blocks extraneous light from entering a lens.
Using a lens without a hood risks flare, which often appears as a white
haze over the image.
Low-speed film
Film with a sensitivity below ISO 100. These films feature extremely
fine grain, excellent sharpness, and rich, vivid color reproduction.
Their slow speed tends to result in slow shutter speeds, making
advisable a tripod or other camera support.
M. Return to Top
Macro lens
A lens designed for close-up photography, i.e. within about 20cm. Macro
lenses are the preferred choice for photos of flowers and insects.
Popular focal lengths are 50-60mm, while 90-100mm macro lenses are
useful when you need slightly more distance to your subject.
Manual
Any non-automatic function. Common manual settings include manual
focusing, manual control of exposure (by setting both shutter speed and
aperture), and manual inputting of film ISO, overriding the DX code.
Megabyte
A unit of measure of stored data equal to 1,024 Kilobytes, or 1,048,576
bytes.
Megapixel
Indicates image resolution of one million pixels or more. The more
pixels in an image, the higher the resolution and therefore the greater
the quality of the image.
N. Return to Top
Nature photo
Any photo of a natural subject, from animals, birds, and insects to
plants and flowers and even underwater subjects. There exist an infinite
number of possibilities, using all lenses from telephoto to macro.
Especially popular and easy to photograph close-up are flowers and
birds.
Noise
Graininess in an image, caused by too little light or by defects in the
electrical signal generated during the image-capture process.
O. Return to Top
Out of focus
Falling outside the zone of sharp focus of a lens. Common examples
include the blurred grass in the foreground when focusing on a distant
landscape, or the blurred background in a close-up shot of a flower.
Overexposure
When the film has received too much light for a correct exposure.
Negatives look dark, producing a white haze and burned-out highlights on
prints. Overexposed slides are pale and hazy.
P. Return to Top
Pan focus
To focus a lens so that everything from near to far is in acceptably
sharp focus. This is best done by using a wide-angle lens and changing
down to a small aperture, then setting focus to maximize the area of the
frame that appears sharp.
Panning
Following a moving subject with the camera, usually using a slow shutter
speed of about 1/60 second. This has the effect of blurring the
background while keeping the subject in sharp focus, bringing out a
sense of movement and speed.
Parallax
Viewfinder inaccuracy due to the viewfinder and lens seeing the subject
from slightly different angles. Parallax increases as you move closer to
the subject. One of the benefits of the SLR camera design is the absence
of parallax.
Pixel
Stands for picture element. A single dot on a computer display or in a
digital image.
Portrait
A photo of a person, normally posed. In the 35mm format, a lens in the
80-100mm range gives a natural perspective. Rather than shooting
head-and-shoulder portraits straight on, photographers usually have the
subject sit at an angle, and then turn their head toward the camera.
Serious portrait work is best done with a large-format camera.
Program AE (P)
A fully automatic AE mode in which the camera determines both the
shutter speed and the aperture. The program is designed to minimize
camera shake while allowing for as much of the scene to be in focus as
possible.
R . Return to Top
RAW
The RAW image format contains data as it comes directly off a digital
camera's image sensing device, with no in-camera processing performed.
Red-eye reduction
A mode on many cameras that fires a pre-exposure light or flash in order
dilate subjects� pupils and prevent the common problem of red-eye
with flash photography. Especially useful when photographing people in
low light.
Reflector
A white, silver, or other reflective object used to reflect light into
the shadow areas of a subject, especially in direct sunlight where
contrast is high. Reflectors can be bought or easily improvised, and are
especially essential at model shoots.
Resolution
The number of pixels per linear inch in an image, or the number of dots
per linear inch produced by an output device.
S. Return to Top
Sense of motion
A quality of photographs of moving objects where the camera has not
simply frozen the motion, but shows it in some way. This can be done by
purposely letting the subject blur somewhat, or by using a slow shutter
and panning with the subject, blurring the background.
Sensitization
To expose film at a higher EI than its nominal ISO, and then compensate
in the processing stage.
Shadows
The darkest parts of a subject or image. The opposite of shadows are
highlights, the lightest parts of the image, and it is the transitions
between the two that give photos their sense of tonality. A correct
exposure should preserve fine detail even in shadow areas.
Slide mount
A plastic or stiff paper frame used to hold a frame of slide film. 35mm
slide mounts measure 5 x 5cm. Usually ordered when delivering film to
the lab by asking for the processed film to be �mounted�.
Slow shutter
A slow shutter speed, i.e. the shutter remains open for a long time.
Generally this means 1/30 second or longer. As handholding a camera at
slow shutter speeds often results in camera shake, always try to use a
tripod or other support to steady the camera.
SLR
Abbreviation for single-lens reflex, a type of camera that shows the
user the actual view through any lens that is attached, from wide-angle
to telephoto to zoom. Its versatility makes it indispensable for serious
photography.
Snapshot
A photograph taken quickly and reflexively, usually of people: ordinary
activities in city streets or the countryside, children at play, etc. A
compact camera with high-speed film and a wide-angle lens is the
customary tool for this kind of photography, but telephoto lenses can
also be used. The key is to approach the subject as closely as possible.
Solution leakage
Liquid leakage that can result from leaving a discharged battery in a
camera. Damage caused to internal components can cause malfunctions and
can be difficult to repair. Always switch cameras off when not in use.
For longer storage, remove batteries and keep in a cool, dry place.
Speed
A film�s sensitivity to light, i.e. how much light is required to
produce an image. The more sensitive the film, the faster it is said to
be. Film speed is expressed in ISO, e.g. ISO 400 or ISO 800, with higher
numbers indicating greater speed.
Spot metering
A metering mode found in many SLR cameras that judges exposure according
to a small area in the center of the frame. Spot metering is useful for
subjects with high-contrast, allowing you to meter both light and dark
areas and then choose an intermediate exposure. Another use is for stage
photography or other situations where subjects are lit selectively.
Subject
The most important object in a photograph � a person, an animal,
a plant, a mountain etc. While the subject should be the focus of the
photograph, other objects can be included to add accent and interest.
It�s always worth asking yourself: what is my subject in this
photo, and how am I trying to portray it?
T. Return to Top
TIFF
The TIFF format was developed to permit handling of image data on
different platforms. It allows image files to be saved with no
compression.
Tonality
The gradations of light and dark of a subject or photo, from highlights
to shadows. Tonality can be hard, with a strong difference between
tones, or soft, meaning a more gentle transition of tones.
Tripod
An essential accessory for holding a camera steady at slow shutter
speeds or when using long lenses. A tripod is the best way to prevent
camera shake. When choosing a tripod, look for one with simple operation
and of the largest size practical for your needs.
U. Return to Top
Underexposure
When the film has not received enough light for a correct exposure.
Underexposure makes negatives look �thin� (light), which
produces murky, grainy prints. Underexposed slides look dark and muddy.
Use-by date
The date by which film should be exposed and processed, usually printed
on the outside of the box. Using film by this date assures full image
quality. Avoid using out-of-date film, as it can result in loss of image
brilliance and detail.
V. Return to Top
Vertical
A frame oriented with the long side on the vertical. Holding the camera
vertically and including foreground, middle ground, and background is an
effective way to create a sense of depth. Good vertical compositions are
a mark of an accomplished photographer.
Viewfinder
The window on a camera that shows your scene. Autofocus cameras normally
focus on the center of the frame as shown in the viewfinder. Use focus
lock to ensure that you�re focused correctly: center the frame
over your subject, half press the shutter and hold it, then recompose to
your liking and press the shutter the rest of the way.
W. Return to Top
White balance
Adjusting the camera to compensate for the type of light illuminating
the photographic subject. Eliminates unwanted color casts produced by
some light sources, such as fluorescent lighting.
Z. Return to Top
Zoom lens
A lens that offers a continuous range of focal lengths, especially from
wide-angle to telephoto. While larger, heavier, and slower than
comparable single focal-length lenses, zooms offer convenience and
increasingly good quality, and have gained a large following among
photographers.
Zoom up
To use a zoom lens to enlarge one part of a subject and crop out the
rest. Because the aperture of most zooms becomes smaller at longer focal
lengths, be careful when zooming up to ensure that your shutter speed
remains high enough to prevent camera shake.
Other Return to Top
135-format film
The familiar 35mm film, contained in a cassette. The most popular film
size, it is available in 12-, 24- and 36-exposure rolls. A DX code on
the cassette allows the camera to set ISO speed and other parameters
automatically.
35mm camera
A camera that uses 35mm film, a format that allows them to be small and
convenient. While they take a variety of forms, they can generally be
divided into SLRs, which feature interchangeable lenses, and compact
cameras, with fixed lenses.
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