Glossary of Photography Terms

Bayonet

Bayonets are used to attach lenses to the camera body and some types of compacts. In addition to the mechanical coupling, the bayonet ensures communication between the camera and lens due to the fixed attachment being made of metal. Types depend on the brand of the lens, with each manufacturer offering its own mounting system.

CCD Sensor

Camera sensors (Chips) record image information send it to the processor. Camera-sensor technology is divided into two types: CCD and CMOS.

Aperture

Aperture controls the amount of light that passes through the lens and the consequent impact on the camera sensor. It affects the brightness of the resulting image. It is a device that changes the size of the opening through which light passes.

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CMOS Sensor

Camera sensors (Chips) record image information and send it to the processor. Camera-sensor technology is divided into two types: CMOS and CCD.

Compact Flash Cards

Compact Flash cards are used to store data in older digital cameras, game consoles and other portable devices. They are available in two types with different thicknesses.

Crop Factor

Crop factor is a coefficient, which converts the focal length of the lens to obtain the actual viewing angle. It is the ratio of the diagonal of the reference format to the diagonal of the sensor in the camera.

Face Detection

Digital cameras with face detection technology can detect a human face in the frame and automatically focus on it. The focus is based on the detection contrast whereby the lens tries to focus by moving forwards and backwards, while the sensor monitors the photographed image.

Digital Zoom

In addition to optical zoom, some cameras offer digital zoom. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom is not based on changes in the focal length and the subsequent aperture of the lens; instead it uses an interpolation method to enlarge the area at the centre of the picture, resulting in artificial expansion of the image and a loss of image quality.

TTL Metering

TTL metering provides the values needed to properly set up your camera or flash by measuring the light in the framed scene. There's no need to worry about using manual mode, as the camera processes and converts all the necessary data.

EF and EF-S Lenses

EF lenses (Electro Focus) automatically focus electronically using a motor that is built into the lens body. They focus very fast and quietly. EF-S lenses (Electro Focus Short Back Focus) is designed for digital SLR cameras with smaller APS-C sensors, and sit closer to the sensor than EF lenses.

Full HD Video

Full HD (High Definition) expresses the highest quality video format, which is designed for playback on big screens.

Depth of Field

Depth of field is the difference between the distance of the nearest and farthest object appearing in the final image, which appears sharp to the human eye.

Digital SLR

A DSLR, or digital SLR, is a digital camera that combines a digital image sensor with the optics and mechanisms of a traditional SLR camera.

Compact Camera

Unlike other camera types, compact cameras do not have detachable lenses. They are lightweight, small, and perfect for those who want a simple and versatile camera.

HSM Focus

HSM (HyperSonic Motor) is a lens sharpening system characterized by Sigma. This drive uses an ultrasonic micromotor to autofocus on subjects. Read more »

White Balance

White balance is a feature that changes the colour balance in your pictures, making it cooler or warmer depending on the light in which you are shooting. You can choose from many modes depending on the light conditions, including Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent, or Automatic.

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