For many beginning and amateur photographers, the mountains of technical terminology can be highly frustrating. Below are just a few of these terms defined in a clear, easy to understand language.
ISO
The general definition of ISO is the "International Standards Organization," but that doesn't concern us. The meaning we are looking for refers to the sensitivity to light on the sensor of a digital camera. Typically the values range from an ISO 50 to an ISO 3200 and higher, with it doubling as it goes up. A low ISO means it is harder to take pictures in low light as the sensor is less sensitive to light. This does however create a quality photo, but makes it difficult to take pictures in low light. A high ISO value means it is easier to take low light photos; however the photos are subject to 'digital noise." This refers to random specks of color showing in the photo, mostly in the dark areas. It also comprises how large the photo can be viewed or printed and still retains good quality.
It is important to note that most digital cameras will automatically choose the ISO. If sufficient light is present, it will most often choose a low ISO value.
Zoom Range
This refers to how wide and zoomed in you can take a photo. Most often, cameras are set to default to the widest setting as soon as the camera is turned on. To change this, you can simply use the controls to zoom in on something small or far away in order to fill the cameras frame.
Zoom range is quoted either in 35mm terms (i.e. 35-175mm), or in a multiple (i.e. 5x), where the widest settings times the multiple is the longest setting (for example, 5 x 35 = 155).
Most common cameras come in the range of 28-35mm and will zoom from 4x to 5x. If it is possible, select a camera with the widest available range in zoom. The reason for this is that it is much easier to take photos indoors where there is generally insufficient space to back up to get everything you want in your photo.
Megapixel
Just like the display on your computer monitor, a picture is made up of many different dots. So the term 'megapixel' refers to a million of these dots. It is said that the higher the megapixels, the higher quality photo.
When people talk about a camera with a certain number of megapixels, this refers to the maximum number of pixels that a photo taken with this camera can contain. A higher megapixel camera will allow the user to take photos comprised of more pixels than a lower megapixel camera.
Photos comprised of more pixels are finer grained than those with less, and this means that they can be printed or viewed at larger sizes and from closer distances with no noticeable drop in quality. This makes high megapixel cameras useful, but be aware that a 6 megapixel camera would be more than sufficient for 99% of casual users. Camera manufacturers will try to make you believe that you need more, but this just isnt the case unless you want to make really large enlargements. - 30452
ISO
The general definition of ISO is the "International Standards Organization," but that doesn't concern us. The meaning we are looking for refers to the sensitivity to light on the sensor of a digital camera. Typically the values range from an ISO 50 to an ISO 3200 and higher, with it doubling as it goes up. A low ISO means it is harder to take pictures in low light as the sensor is less sensitive to light. This does however create a quality photo, but makes it difficult to take pictures in low light. A high ISO value means it is easier to take low light photos; however the photos are subject to 'digital noise." This refers to random specks of color showing in the photo, mostly in the dark areas. It also comprises how large the photo can be viewed or printed and still retains good quality.
It is important to note that most digital cameras will automatically choose the ISO. If sufficient light is present, it will most often choose a low ISO value.
Zoom Range
This refers to how wide and zoomed in you can take a photo. Most often, cameras are set to default to the widest setting as soon as the camera is turned on. To change this, you can simply use the controls to zoom in on something small or far away in order to fill the cameras frame.
Zoom range is quoted either in 35mm terms (i.e. 35-175mm), or in a multiple (i.e. 5x), where the widest settings times the multiple is the longest setting (for example, 5 x 35 = 155).
Most common cameras come in the range of 28-35mm and will zoom from 4x to 5x. If it is possible, select a camera with the widest available range in zoom. The reason for this is that it is much easier to take photos indoors where there is generally insufficient space to back up to get everything you want in your photo.
Megapixel
Just like the display on your computer monitor, a picture is made up of many different dots. So the term 'megapixel' refers to a million of these dots. It is said that the higher the megapixels, the higher quality photo.
When people talk about a camera with a certain number of megapixels, this refers to the maximum number of pixels that a photo taken with this camera can contain. A higher megapixel camera will allow the user to take photos comprised of more pixels than a lower megapixel camera.
Photos comprised of more pixels are finer grained than those with less, and this means that they can be printed or viewed at larger sizes and from closer distances with no noticeable drop in quality. This makes high megapixel cameras useful, but be aware that a 6 megapixel camera would be more than sufficient for 99% of casual users. Camera manufacturers will try to make you believe that you need more, but this just isnt the case unless you want to make really large enlargements. - 30452
About the Author:
Tobias Sterling is a keen photography enthusiast who loves to share his photography knowledge. He provides and shares his knowledge about Depth of Field Photography Tips and Take Photo with Correct Exposures on Clivir.com.
