All articles copyright 2007 Jeff Coleman
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Photography terms explained.
GN: Guide number. Refers to how far the light from a flash is effective at a specific aperture and ISO setting.
ISO: This is like different speeds of film. Higher numbers allow you to use higher shutter speeds. The downside is that noise is increased while color and contrast fade. You should always use the lowest ISO possible.
DOF: Depth of Field
AF: Auto Focus
AE: Auto Exposure
P: Program mode. Your camera determines proper shutter and Aperture for you.
A: Aperture Priority mode. You choose the aperture. The camera adjusts the shutter speed.
S: Shutter Priority mode. You choose the Shutter speed. The camera chooses the Aperture.
M: You choose the shutter speed and Aperture.
Bokeh: Refers to the out of focus area of an image.
Chimping: Viewing your LCD screen after every shot or after most shots. I have no idea how this term came about but I am guilty of chimping most of the time. Every time the lighting changes, I check the screen to make sure things are still going smoothly. I think your flirting with danger if you don't check your screen frequently. You could bump a button and screw up 30 shots in a row if you don't chimp. |
