Glossary of Photography Terms

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What Is HDR and How Does It Work

HDR is an abbreviation that you often see nowadays when selecting a television. What exactly does it mean...

GPS

Cameras with a GPS sensor store in EXIF ??metadata coordinates of a place where the pictures were taken. Even years later, you can pinpoint the location on the map and possibly take the same photo again later to see what has changed. Some devices include an electronic compass, which allows you to observe not only the position of your camera but also the direction of the lens.

WiFi

A built-in WiFi adapter is used for wireless transmission of data to smartphones, tablets or computers. You can also connect to the Internet and automatically share photos on social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on. You'll appreciate the remote-control feature, which allows you to control the camera with the help of your phone or tablet.

Ultrazoom

Ultrazooms are compact cameras with a long zoom range, which is typically ten times higher. To fully make use of the potential of such cameras, it should feature optical image stabilization. With a long zoom range, the slightest hand movement can cause image blurring.

HDMI

HDMI is the most widely used digital connector for simultaneous audio-video transmission. Cameras often feature a mini-C or micro-D version. To connect the devices to your TV, you need to purchase a corresponding cable, which is not included in the package.

Image stabilisation

Image stabilisation helps to prevent blur caused by camera shake. You should consider getting a lens with image stabilisation if you capture many zoomed-in shots or shoot without a tripod.

Tripod Head

The tripod head attaches the supported device (e.g. a camera) to the tripod legs and allows the device to be locked or positioned in different ways. Tripod heads differ according to the clamping mechanism used and method of adjusting the axis.

Tripod

A tripod is an essential photographic tool used to stabilise the camera during long exposure shooting.

Video formats

Video formats mark a file format of a recorded video. The format helps you find out whether the video can be played on your TV. There are a number of both free and paid programs which convert video files to supported formats.

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, SLR-like camera, SLR EVF

A compact camera where the image captured by the lens is projected electronically onto a miniature display. Its lack of an optical system means makes it significantly lighter and more portable. Another nice bonus is the ability to view the image on the display with effects already applied.

Timelapse

Timelapse is a technique where the frequency at which film frames are captured is set at specific intervals. The camera captures hundreds or thousands of photos in succession and then the result is played back, creating a stunning movie. One significant drawback of this type of photography is its relatively fast shutter wear compared to the lens, especially when shooting at close range. These days, however, you are far more likely to find a camera with a preview LCD display instead.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder is a device on a camera used for framing and focusing the picture.

Exposure

During exposure you expose the camera sensor to light emitted by the captured scene. Exposure is defined by three basic parameters, which are sensitivity (ISO), aperture (F), and exposure time. The higher the maximum ISO and the lower minimum aperture, the less time you need to capture the shot and the easier it is to avoid blurring. This comes in handy if you like to photograph sports, racing, and other objects in motion, or like shooting night-time scenery.

NFC

NFC (Near-Field Communication) is a short-range wireless connectivity standard used to establish communication between portable devices in close proximity to each other (up to 4 cm). For example, to transfer photos and videos using Bluetooth or WiFi, you simply touch your camera to your phone and wireless connection is established automatically. Of course, NFC must be supported by both devices.

Resolution

Resolution indicates the number of pixels that make up an image or video. A lot of modern devices are equipped with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), which is suitable for display on large screen TVs or monitors. Higher resolution provides smoother images with more detail.

Optical image stabilisation (OIS)

Optical stabilization is a mechanism inside the lens that eliminates the effects of camera / lens shake on the captured image. This is done by moving the optical system inside the lens. It is often referred to as OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). It reduces the camera shake and blur, for example at slow shutter speeds or long focal length lenses.

Micro SD Cards

Micro SD cards are used for storing data on mobile phones, GPS navigation and other portable devices.

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.