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If you are having trouble with a specific digital camera term, or would just like a little more information, use this glossary as a basic reference.
You may find a term not included in this section. Often a manufacturer will rename their own version of a particular feature. Try searching the manufacturer's Web site for greater detail and refer back to this glossary.
A
| Audio Recording |
This feature allows you to record a short sound bite for notes with each image. |
| Auto Exposure |
For easy, hands-off operation, this feature does all the work. Like most point-and-shoot cameras, it assures correct exposure for all of your subjects by setting the lens aperture and shutter speed to allow in the proper amount of light. |
| Auto Focus |
Auto focus automatically focuses the lens on your subject. This will keep your photos crisp and in-focus without you having to manually adjust the lens. |
| Auto White Balance |
The camera automatically compensates to match the true color of the subject so that objects that appear white in person also appear white in your photo. |
B
| Beep/Audio Indicator |
Some cameras will give a "beep" signal each time you press a button or perform certain functions. Make certain this feature is optional in the camera's menu. |
| Built-in Flash |
As on most point-and-shoot cameras, a small flash automatically provides additional light in low-light conditions. These flashes have a limited range - you may wish to check in the camera's specifications to be sure it suits your purposes. |
C
| CCD |
The "Charge Coupled Device" is an imaging device made of light-sensing pixels inside every digital camera. Simply put, it is the part of the camera that captures the image. More pixels in the CCD mean higher resolution, or sharper images. |
| CCD Resolution |
The CCD (charge coupled device) is the light-sensing device inside a digital camera. Individual sensors (pixels) receive the light that passes through the camera lens. The maximum CCD resolution is the total number of pixels in the sensor. |
| Compatible Memory Type(s) |
Different cameras use different types of storage. Most cameras accept only one type and different types are not interchangeable. Each format has pluses and minuses. CompactFlash memory is the most common. |
D
| Digital Zoom |
This is sometimes called a "simulated" zoom. Digital zooms take a small area of an image and enlarge it digitally. The camera "interpolates" to make up the missing information in the image. Digitally zoomed images are rarely as sharp as optically zoomed images. |
| Display |
Press this button to review important information about the camera's battery charge, number of images, modes, etc. The display is usually on an LCD or in the viewfinder. |
| DPI |
DPI stands for "dots per inch." More dots in every square inch of a printed image increases the quality of the printed image. |
E
| Effects |
Automatic modes that allow you to use creative effects in your pictures like sepia tone, black & white or enhanced color. |
| Exposure Modes |
A range of auto exposure modes help adjust the camera to deliver the highest quality images. |
| Exposure Value |
On some cameras the exposure value (EV) can be adjusted to give you more control of the amount of light that is used when taking a picture. |
F
| Flash |
As on other types of cameras, a flash allows you to light up a dark subject to take a faster, better picture. Without a flash, you will not be able to take sharp pictures in low light without a tripod. |
| Flash Options |
Flashes can have different features and can be used in a number of ways. Most basically, a flash can be turned on and off, or set to an automatic mode that uses it only when needed. Additional features like red-eye reduction will eliminate some problems. |
G
No glossary terms available
H
No glossary terms available
I
| Image Capacity |
The image capacity is simply the maximum number of images that can be shot at high resolution before your memory is full. Depending on your needs and the type of memory your camera uses, you may wish to purchase additional memory with a higher capacity. |
| ISO Film Speed Equivalency |
ISO stands for "International Standards Organization" and is a measure of light sensitivity for film. The same sensitivity measurement that varies with different types of film has been applied to the sensitivity of the digital camera's CCD. A higher ISO rating means the camera is more sensitive to light and can take pictures in darker environments. |
J
No glossary terms available
K
No glossary terms available
L
| LCD Screen |
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is the small screen on a digital camera used to view an image you have taken. Use this screen for viewing and editing images. Some models also use this screen for a menu of camera options. |
| Lithiium-Ion |
A type of rechargeable battery that retains the ability to charge fully after extended use and can be charged at any time. |
M
| Macro Capability |
Digital cameras with macro capability are able to take very close-up shots and remain in focus. |
| Manual Focus |
A feature similar to manual SLR cameras that allows the user to manually adjust the focus. |
N
No glossary terms available
O
| On-board Memory |
Built-in memory on some usually less expensive cameras. Removable storage may be available in addition to the on-board memory. |
| Optical Zoom |
Like the telephoto zoom found on many film cameras, an optical zoom uses the lens rather than the image enhancing software used by digital zooms. You can maintain the image quality and resolution when you zoom in on your subject. |
P
| Pixels |
The elements that make up a display or image. The larger the number of pixels, the greater the detail and clarity of the display, or the image. |
| Progressive Scan CCD |
Reads all the pixels on a CCD with one pass for sharper pictures. |
Q
No glossary terms available
R
| Resolution |
The file size of a graphic image expressed in terms of the number of picture elements or pixels in a graphic display. The resolution of a digital camera determines the size of a photo you can print without loss of clarity. If the resolution is in two numbers instead of megapixels, simply multiply them to get the number of pixels. One million pixels equals one megapixel. 640 x 480 Pixels = < 1 Megapixel (for email and web only) 2000 x 1500 Pixels = 3 Megapixels (prints up to 5x7") 2250 x 1800 Pixels = 4 Megapixels (prints up to 8x10") 3000 x 2000 Pixels = 6 Megapixels (prints up to 11x14") |
S
| Self-Timer |
As with most cameras, the self-timer simply delays the shutter for a few seconds allowing you to move into the picture. |
| Serial Interface Connection |
Most digital cameras connect either by a serial connection or a USB connection to transfer images from the camera to your computer. Depending on the computer you intend to use, choose the appropriate connection. Serial connections are generally slower than USB connections. |
| Shutter Speed |
The shutter speed is how quickly the small "door" in the camera opens and closes to let in light and capture the image. Faster speeds allow you to freeze action in good light. Slower speeds let you mount the camera on a tripod and take pictures in low light. Shutter speed ranges vary from 1/8-1/4000 of a second depending on the camera. |
T
No glossary terms available
U
| USB (universal serial bus) Connection |
Most digital cameras connect either by a serial connection or a USB connection to transfer images from the camera to your computer. Depending on the computer you intend to use, choose the appropriate connection. Serial connections are generally slower than USB connections. USB connections may not be found on older computers. |
V
| Video Output |
Allows you to view your digital pictures on a TV or record them to a video cassette. |
W
No glossary terms available
X
No glossary terms available
Y
No glossary terms available
Z
| Zoom |
Allows you to remain at a physical distance from your subject, while making the picture appear to have been taken from close up. See Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom. |
