Camera Handling, Care, and Support
Ultraviolet (UV) Filter
A Filter that "cuts through" haze (ultraviolet radiation scattered in the atmosphere) to reveal distant detail.
Histogram
A Graphic display, available through scanning or image editing software, that shows the number and distribution of tones in the image.
Color Space
A Specific description of the range of colors that can be provided by a particular device.
Pan Head
A camera support that usually allows moving the camera in two axes-tilting forward/backward, and panning from side-to-side.
Camera Bag
A container used for storing and carrying photographic equipment, available in many sizes and materials.
Mirror Lockup
A feature of some SLR cameras that eliminates possible vibration caused by the viewing mirror flipping up and out of the light path when the shutter is pressed. A control manually moves the mirror out of the way and locks it in place.
Focus Lock
A feature of some auto-focus cameras that allows the photographer to select the subject to focus upon, then hold that focus while recomposing the picture.
Adobe RGB
a major RGB color space, developed by the manufacturer of Photoshop and other graphics software. It offers a greater Range of colors than RGB
White Balance
A method of adjusting how the camera sees a white object appear white under specific light conditions, all the other colors seen under that lighting will be accurately portrayed.
Sensor-shift
A method of image stabilization that is housed in the camera body, rather than in an interchangeable lens.
Hard Case
A rigid, protective camera case most often used by professionals who must travel with a large amount of equipment.
Thumbwheel
A rotating control used to change aperture or shutter speed settings on some digital SLRs.
Quick-Release Systems
A special Mounting plate fastened to the camera that mates with a latching mechanism attached to the tripod head.
Cable Release
A stiff wire, inside a flexible sleeve, that is used to manually press the shutter release without causing vibration.
Pan-Tilt Head
A three-axis camera support that allows tilting from side-to-side, tilting forward and back, and panning from side-to-side. Controls permit individual adjustment and locking in each axis.
Photo Backpack
A type of camera bag designed to be worn as a backpack while hiking or traveling.
Gearhead
A variation of the Pan-tilt head that uses gears rotated with cranks or knobs to achieve precision movement.
Stringpod
A variation on the monopod that is inexpensive and easily made from strong string, a bolt that fits the camera's tripod socket, and a heavy nut or washer.
Ball Head
A very flexible camera support with a camera platform attached to a highly polished metal sphere contained in a housing. When the locking lever is released, the ball can be rotated 360% and tilted through an arc of 180%, providing quick and infinitely adjustable positioning.
LCD screen
Abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display, a device widely used in modern cameras to display information about control settings and camera functions. On digital cameras, the LCD can be used as a viewfinder and also allows review of images after exposure.
Program AE
An exposure mode in which the camera's processor selects exposure settings based on the meter reading. However, the photographer can change either the shutter speed or Aperture, and the camera will make adjustments to provide proper exposure.
Lens-Shift
An image stabilization system built into a camera lens.
Tripod Head
Any of the devices that attach to tripod legs allow mounting and positioning of a camera.
Exposure Lock
Camera Function that allows an exposure reading for a subject to be locked and the scene recomposed if necessary.
Manual Exposure Mode
Camera Operating method in which aperture,shutter speed, and ISO are selected by the user to obtain the desired exposure.
Automatic White Balance
Control that adjusts the camera's response to make a white object appear white under specific light conditions, so that all the other colors seen under that lighting will be accurately portrayed.
Shutter Release
Control that opens and closes the camera's Light-control mechanism, allowing light rays to strike the film or sensor.
Aperture Priority
Exposure mode in which the photographer selects the aperture setting and the camera sets a shutter speed based on its meter reading. The advantage of using this mode is the ability to control depth of field.
Stabilizing Systems
Methods used to control "camera shake" that causes blurry photos. Some Stabilizing systems are specific to camera bodies, others to interchangeable lenses.
Shutter Priority
Shooting mode in which the photographer selects the shutter speed, and the camera chooses an aperture based on its meter reading. Often used to control motion blur.
Compression
The "Squeezing" of an electronic file to reduce its size.
Shutter Lag
The Interval between the time the photographer presses the shutter release and the time the shutter actually operates.
sRGB
The color space defined by companies in the computer industry as a standard for consistent display of colors on monitors. Most digital cameras use the sRGB color space.
Burst Mode
The digital equivalent of a motor drive, allowing several exposures to be made in quick succession.
Gamut
The range of colors available in a given color space, such as RGB of Adobe RGB