| TERM | DEFINITION | DETAIL |
| Megapixels |
Cameras with more megapixels let you make larger size prints. |
There has been a lot of hype surrounding megapixels for the past 5 years. Many consumers were lead to believe that more megapixels improves image quality. This is not the case. It's time to dispel the myths of megapixels and define what they are really used for. |
| Anti-Shake |
Anti-shake reduces hand-held camera vibration which leads to clearer photos. |
I can't define digital SLR terms without talking about the new "It" feature: anti-shake. Anti-shake systems help solve a persistent photographic problem: blurry shots. Blurry photos occur because cameras aren't 100% stable when you hold them in your hands. |
| ISO and Image Noise |
ISO helps you take photos in low-light conditions without using the flash. |
I call ISO the orphan child of the digital SLR feature set. Why? Despite how incredibly powerful this feature is, many people with advanced digital cameras don't use it as often or as effectively as they could. This is probably because ISO sounds more like a part of the government (CIA, FBI, NASA, etc.) than something that will aid your photography. |
| Self-Cleaning Sensor |
Microscopic dust that lands on your sensor is visible in all your digital photos. |
Dust is a problem with digital SLR cameras because you can remove the lens and expose the sensor to the elements. With some SLRs you live with the dust or clean the sensor. Some modern cameras lend a hand and clean the sensor themselves. |
| Crop Factor |
Since a digital sensor is smaller than film, it "crops" every photo you take. |
Crop factor is common in all but a few very expensive digital SLR cameras. While not a real issue for portrait photographers, it does affect those who enjoy landscape and indoor photography. |
| RAW vs JPG |
The format you choose impacts the quality and processing time of your digital photos. |
There is a huge debate surrounding the RAW vs. JPG format. Put simply, these are two different file types that your digital SLR can store. One produces higher-quality images, but those photos take a lot longer to view and edit. |
| Continuous Photo Speed and Buffer |
These two features are essential when it comes to action photography. |
When you want to take photos of fast-moving subjects you need a camera that can keep up. It's important to define digital SLR photo speed and buffer size if you want to become an action photo junkie. |
| Autofocus |
More autofocus points isn't always better. |
Many cameras are sold based on the high number of autofocus points they have. Find out just who needs a LOT of autofocus points, and who doesn't. |
| Aspect Ratio |
A mis-matched aspect ratio is the leading cause of cropped digital prints. |
If you never make a single print from your digital SLR camera, then you'll never have to worry about aspect ratio. However, for anyone who wants to make lots of 5x7 or 8x10 prints, aspect ratio can have a huge impact on the final printed image. |
| Live View LCD |
A live view LCD shows you a preview of the image you're about to take. |
Here's a surprise: most digital SLR cameras don't have this feature - unlike every digital compact camera on the market. In order to understand why, you need to discover how SLRs differ from compact cameras |
| TERM | DEFINITION | DETAIL |
| Aperture |
Aperture is the width of the opening in your lens and indicates how much light it lets in. |
Aperture is one of three settings that determine the amount of light the camera can capture (the other two are shutter speed and ISO). Aperture Priority mode is an important setting to master for any photographer. |
| Maximum Aperture |
The widest aperture setting for a lens. |
Maximum aperture varies from lens to lens, and is especially tricky when it comes to zoom lenses with variable maximum apertures. The maximum aperture you need depends on how much low-light photography you do. |
| Focal Length |
A measurement of the "length" of a lens. |
Focal length indicates whether a lens is wide angle or telephoto (or somewhere in between). Wide angle lenses are best for scenic photography, mid-range lenses are good for portraits, and telephotos are ideal for wildlife. |
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