Understanding Digital Photography Terms And Definitions

The following are commonly used terms in digital photography:

Aperture: The aperture is an opening that allows light to travel into the digital cameras interior where the sensor is situated.

Digital Zoom: Digital zoom is the blowing up of one aspect of the picture. Using digital zoom will reduce picture quality.

JPEG: JPEG describes the compression of a digital image. The Joint Photo Experts Group devised a compression ratio that reduces the picture size. This reduction will lead to a substantial loss of picture quality.

Megapixels:One megapixel equals one million pixels.

Memory: Memory is the storage space capability that the digital camera holds to store pictures.

1 MP Camera: A 1 MP Camera can shoot a picture that consists of one million pixels.

Optical Zoom: The optical zoom changes a lens focal length and magnification.

Pixels: Pixels is an abbreviated term (Picture Element) that has a numerical value between 0-255. There are three color channels (red, green and blue) in each pixel.

Pixel Count: A pixel count is the number of pixels in each image.

PPI: PPI (pixels per inch) describes picture quality. The higher the PPI, the clearer and more resolved the photo.

RAW/NEF: These are two terms that both mean the uncompressed image as shot by the camera. The RAW format is used by Canon digital cameras and the NEF format is used by Nikon digital cameras.

Sensor: The sensor is the digital strip within the digital camera that receives the light. The sensor's job is comparable to the negative in a non-digital camera.

Shutter Speed: Shutter Speed refers to the length of time the digital cameras aperture is open and allowing light inside the camera.

TIFF: TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format, a format that uses a very large file size, but has the advantage of no loss of information.

White Balance: White balance adjusts the white color quality of your image. Digital cameras usually have adjustable settings for electronic flash, shade, sunlight, fluorescent lighting and tungsten lighting.

For more digital photography terms and information on how a digital camera works try visiting http://www.digital-photo-tips.info, a website that specializes in providing digital photo tips, advice and resources to include a digital camera buying guide.

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