Argos buying guide to digital cameras - 4 of 4
Jargon Buster
Digital camera terms explained
| Aperture | Adjusts the opening in the lens through which light passes. As it
changes size, it affects both the focus and the exposure of the image. |
| Auto focus | A camera system that automatically brings the lens into sharp focus on the subject. Auto focus systems operate very reliably and quickly. |
| Digital zoom | Enlarges the centre of an image digitally. Very easy to use but image resolution and sharpness can be affected. |
| Exposure | The process of allowing more or less light into the camera and exposing the image sensor to light, which results in a captured image. |
| eXtreme Digital (xD) Memory | A memory card format used by Fuji and Olympus cameras to store images, which is smaller than Secure Digital. |
| Face detection | Built-in camera software that detects the shape of a human face and automatically sets the focus and exposure for perfect portraits. |
| Frames per second | The maximum number of images a camera can shoot continuously in one second. Important for high-speed action shots. |
| Image stabilisation (also known as anti-blur and anti-shake) | Advanced technology that automatically compensates for unwanted camera movement and low light, reducing the appearance of blur in photos. |
| ISO | ISO is a measure of sensitivity to light. A high ISO rating lets you take clear pictures of fast-moving subjects or in low-light environments. |
| LCD screen | Liquid Crystal Display. A screen that allows you to frame and review your images in addition to displaying camera functions and menus. |
| Lithium ion battery | A rechargeable battery that does not require a full discharge before being charged again. Higher capacity than most battery technologies. |
| Megapixel (MP) | 1 megapixel (MP) = one million pixels. The more pixels
in an image, the higher its resolution. Pictures of 5MP or higher can be enlarged to A4 size. |
| Memory Stick (MS) Pro/Duo | A memory card format made by Sony. Procards allow high-speed shooting while Duocards are smaller, for use in cameraphones. |
| Optical zoom | Allows zoom photography without any loss of picture quality. The higher the magnification, the closer you'll get - 3x is typical, but some high zoom cameras can reach 5x or 10x. |
| PictBridge | An industry standard that allows images to be printed directly from digital cameras to a printer, without having to connect to a computer. |
| Red-eye reduction | Flash portraits can result in an unpleasant 'red eye' effect. This technology reduces the likelihood of red eyes - and some cameras can even eliminate them later, digitally. |
| Secure Digital (SD) Memory | A memory card format that is smaller and lighter than Compact Flash, and that is becoming the standard. |
| Shutter speed | How long the camera's shutter remains open as a photo is taken. High shutter speeds will 'freeze' moving objects. Lower shutter speeds can add creative blur effects. |
| SLR | Single lens reflex. A camera with interchangeable lenses, giving the best possible image quality. |
| USB | A 'plug and play' hardware interface between computers and add-on devices such as digital cameras and printers to quickly and easily transfer images and data. |
Argos guide to digital cameras
- Digital cameras explained
- How do I choose the right digital camera?
- Get more from your digital camera
- See our Jargon Buster for further explanation of technical terms
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