Megabyte (Mb)– A unit of computer memory. One megabyte is 1024 kilobytes.
Mega pixel (mp)- One mega pixel is equal to one million pixels. “Mega pixel” is really more of a marketing term than anything else, since it is easier and sounds better to say that a camera has, say three mega pixels, than to say that the sensor records images that are 2160 by 1440 pixels. There is usually a difference between the total number of mega pixels and the effective mega pixels. It’s important to know that this is NOT the only factor in image quality. The size and quality of the sensor, as well as the lens type, and plenty of other factors come into play as well. This is why a 6.1mp el-cheapo camera (no name brand, probably bought from a trunk lol) doesn’t take nearly the same quality of picture as say, a 6.1mp SLR camera.
Multiple Exposure- See Double Exposure. This term simply means more than one, perhaps more than two (double).
Natural Light- Technically, any light coming from the sun
Neutral Density Filter- This is a filter that reduces the amount of light passing through the lens, but doesn’t add any sort of color cast. These filters are useful for pictures that are teken in bright light with fast film, or long exposures.
Noise- Noise is the random dots or color changes in an image, similar to snow in an older television.
Optical Zoom- This is the only zoom you need be concerned with on a digital camera. This is where you can actually alter the focal length of the lens. Digital zooming is a fake, or simulated zoom, much like enlarging a photo on your computer.
Panoramic- This is a photo with a wide aspect ratio, meaning that it is much wider than it is tall. There are two types. True panoramic photos are taken with a very wide angle lens or a rotating lens. “fake” panorama modes in lower end cameras simulate a panoramic image by cropping off the top and bottom of the frame. Here is an example:
Portrait- This means one of three things. First, a type of lens, that is usually used for taking portraits. These lenses are typically 85mm-135mm. Secondly, it means photos where the aspect ratio is taller than wide, such as when the camera is turned vertically. Thirdly, a pre-programmed mode in many cameras that are designed to help novice photographers.
Prime Lens- This is a lens with a fixed focal length….it cannot be zoomed.
Next up, you guessed it…. The rest of the alphabet!
Part 1: A
Part 2- B&C
Part 3: D&E
Part 4: F
Part 5: F (cont)
Part 6: G-L
Part 8: Q-Z