Photography Terms

A CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) is a type of metal–oxide–semiconductor that is one of two types of sensors used in digital cameras, the other being […]

The term contrastThe term contrastThe term contrast defines the range of tonal difference between the shadows and lights of an image. As the contrast becomes higher it emphasises these variations, resulting in stronger textures and colours. Pictures with lower contrast may be perceived as dull or flat, as a smaller difference between lights and shadows results in a muted appearance. More defines the range of tonal difference between the shadows and lights of an image. As the contrastThe term contrast defines the range of tonal difference between the shadows and lights of an image. As the contrast becomes higher it emphasises these variations, resulting in stronger textures and colours. Pictures with lower contrast may be perceived as dull or flat, as a smaller difference between lights and shadows results in a muted appearance. More […]

Crop factorCrop factor is the ratio of the camera sensor size to what the lens can see. DSLRA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera  - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale.    [rdp-wiki-embed url="http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/DSLR" toc_show='0′ edit_show='0′ infobox_show='1′] More cameras often have multiple […]

The spatial area in a shot that is in focus. The depth of field is influenced by the apertureThe apertureThe aperture is basically a hole in the camera’s lens that lets light pass through it to the shutter and ultimately the film or censor. The aperture not only influences picture brightness but also regulates depth of focus. Most cameras are equipped with an iris aperture that can be freely adjusted or set according to pre-selected values. More is basically […]

Concerned with the way something changes or develops over time, as opposed to examining it at a single fixed point. In rephotographyRephotography […]

A digicamA digicamA digicam, short for digital camera, is a camera that captures and stores photographs electronically instead of using photographic film like traditional cameras. The term is most usually used for older digital cameras and can be sought after as film camera replacements. Digicams record images using digital technology, typically saving them on a memory card for easy transfer to a computer or other device. These cameras have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, ease of use, and ability to instantly view and share photos. More, short for digital camera, is a camera that captures and stores photographs electronically instead of using photographic film like […]

A digital viewfinderA digital viewfinderA digital viewfinder is effectively a small screen that displays the image the camera is capturing in real-time. This allows the photographer to see exactly what the camera is pointing at and make any necessary adjustments to framing, focus, exposure, and composition before taking the shot. Digital viewfinders can be found on most modern digital cameras, ranging from compact point-and-shoots to high-end professional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They offer a clear and accurate preview of the final image, making it easier for the photographer to get the perfect shot. They hold advantages on an optical viewfinder. More is effectively a small screen that displays the image the camera is capturing in real-time. This allows […]

A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLRA single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is a camera that typically uses a mirror and prism system […]

Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIFExchangeable Image File Format (EXIFExchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) is a standard that defines specific information related to an image or other media captured by a digital camera. It is capable of storing such important data as camera exposure, date/time the image was captured, and even GPS location.) is a standard that defines specific information related to an image or other […]

The amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposureThe […]

Adding to or subtracting from the “correct” exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light […]

The f-stop is the apertureThe aperture is basically a hole in the camera’s lens that lets light pass through it to the […]

Film grain is the optical ‘texture’ you can see in film photos that give them a unique look. It comes from particles […]

The optical distance in millimetres between a camera lens and the film (or sensor on a digital camera). It determines the height […]

Shutter comprising one or more roller blinds of fabric or metal, having a variable slit which moves across the back of the […]

Point of intersection of all rays of light transmitted by a lens from a given object point. When the object is at […]

FPS stands for frames per second and determines the speed at which a camera can take photos/frames. It is especially important for […]

In its purest form, a gimbal is a pivoted support that permits the rotation of an object about an axis. In photography terms […]

Half frame cameras allow you to take two photos on one standard 35mm frame. This means that you can take 72 photos […]

A camera hot shoe is a metal bracket on the top of a camera that allows various accessories to be attached, such […]