Glossary of terms for Digital Cameras

Built-in Memory

Some cameras have some flash memory built-in used to store pictures and movies.


Memory Type

There are many types of storage media for cameras, but most models are compatible with only one storage type. Generally speaking, Digital SLRs and the more advanced standard cameras use CompactFlash and Microdrive cards, while the rest use Memory Stick (Sony), xD-Picture Card (Olympus, Toshiba, Fuji) or Secure Digital card (most of the other brands).


Weight

Weight of the digital camera including memory card and batteries. SLR camera weights are body only, without lens.


Camera Type

There are several different types of digital cameras:
- compact and ultra-compact are light, pocket-sized cameras that are easy to carry, usually with a built-in lens.
- Standard point-and-shoot cameras are of medium size, usually come with a built-in lens, and have basic features that are useful for the casual photographer.
- SLR (Single Lens Reflex) are professional cameras that are usually larger, but offer more advanced features and detachable lenses for the photography enthusiast or professional.


Connector Type

Connector Type indicates what type of port the camera has for connection to a computer or other video device:
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) - a new interface making it possible to have a faster data transference.
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) - a newer interface for connection with the latest devices for the best display pictures


Image Stabilizer

Image stabilization (IS) is a mechanism used to increase the stability of recorded image by varying the optical path to the sensor.


White Balance

White balance is a name given to a system of color correction to deal with differing lighting conditions (sunny, cloudy, tungsten etc.). Can be Auto (AWB), Preset or Manual.


Max Shutter Speed

The shutter speed of a camera depends on two variables: the size of the lens and the actual timing of the shutter, opening and closing. These two factors work as a team to control the amount of light that enters the camera. Max shutter speed is measured in fractions on a shutter speed dial which illustrates how long the shutter opens and closes in a set period of time. The term "speed" refers to how long the lens remains open. For example, a setting of 1/60 on a shutter speed dial means that the shutter opens and closes within 1/125 of a second.


Min Shutter Speed

The shutter speed of a camera depends on two variables: the size of the lens and the actual timing of the shutter, opening and closing. These two factors work as a team to control the amount of light that enters the camera. Min shutter speed is measured in fractions on a shutter speed dial which illustrates how long the shutter opens and closes in a set period of time. The term "speed" refers to how long the lens remains open. For example, a setting of 1/60 on a shutter speed dial means that the shutter opens and closes within 1/125 of a second.


Light Sensitivity

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) it a rating system for describing the sensitivity of the camera's imaging sensor. For example, ISO 200 is twice as fast as ISO 100, but only half as fast as ISO 400. Generally, with higher ISO speeds there is more noise.


Optical Sensor Type

The sensor is the chip which records light falling on it, in the digital camera. There are two main types of image sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device) and CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor). CMOS are generally cheaper to produce and consume less power, but are also less sensitive than CCD. However both produce roughly the same quality image.


Resolution

Resolution is measured in megapixels and this tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The higher the megapixels, the sharper and more detailed the pictures your digital camera can take, and the more you can enlarge them without losing the sharpness of the image.


AutoFocus

Autofocus works similar to the human eye, focusing on the main object that you are take a picture automatically.


Manual focus

Manual focus indicates if the camera has a manual focus option so that the user can set the focus accordingly.


Optical Zoom

The optical zoom means how much the lens can actually zoom in to make subjects appear closer. Optical zoom actually enlarges a picture while keeping the resolution and sharpness of the picture high.


Digital Zoom

Digital zoom is an electronic method in which the central portion of the image is cropped and interpolated to cover the entire format; is not recommended in practice because the image quality is reduced.


Focal Length

Focal length is a distance from the center of the lens to its focus point and is usually expressed in millimeters. According to the focal length, lens can be:
- fisheye with focal length 7-17 mm;
- wide angle with focal length 17 to 35
- standard lens with focal length 50mm (has the same equivalent focal length as the human eye);
- telephoto lens with focal lenght over 50 mm.


Viewfinder

A viewfinder is an optical or electronic device used by the photographer to compose or focus the picture. The most common is the optical viewfinder and on most cameras you can also use the LCD screen.


LCD Size

LCD size is the length of monitor (whose role is to preview pictures that have been taken), measured diagonally in inches.


Screen Resolution

Screen resolution is a display resolution of the camera's LCD screen.