BetterPhoto Q&A: Definition of Photography Terms

Looking for the definition of photography terms? There are so many technical terms out there, it's understandable that you might have questions. Check out this Q&A for answers.

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  50 Questions
Replies
Last Activity
 
  What Is That Square-ish Thing on Back of Camera?
What is the square-ish thing on the back of some older cameras? It looks to me like it would hold a slip of paper or something. Just curious, thanks. ...
3
March 26, 2004
 
  What is Bracketing
I am a beginner and I was wondering what it means to bracket....
1
February 24, 2004
 
  Shutter Speeds and Apertures
I am a young keen person who wants to learn more about photography and taking good photos. My question is, can I get a general idea on what kind of aperture settings I need for what kind of photos ...
5
March 13, 2004
 
  Teleconverters and Aperture
When using a teleconverter what is the calculation to find aperture?i.e. using a 1.7 teleconverter with a 300mm at 5.6?Thank you...
3
December 31, 2003
 
  Focus?
How do you make it so one part of the photo is in focus (such as a flower) then have the background (a tree for instance) blury, and also what does aperture do?...
1
December 28, 2003
 
  What Are They?
Ok, this may (and probably does) sound like a stupid question but what is medium, large, ect. format? I AM NEW AT THIS! Obviously :) ...
3
December 24, 2003
 
  Characteristics of 35mm SLR
What characteristic of a 35mm SLR make it different from the rest of the 35mm family? ...
1
December 20, 2003
 
  Bracketing and Film
According to most literature on the principles of photographic exposure, it is advised that transparency film should be bracketed in 1/2 or even 1/3 increments; in contrast, black and white and col...
4
November 26, 2003
 
  What is Hyperfocal?
I would like to now how too shoot hyperfocal. I'm having trouble keeping everything in focus in landscapes....
8
October 22, 2003
 
  Backgrounds
What is a neutral, light-coloured background?...
2
October 03, 2003
 
  Zoom Lenses and Aperture
Okay, can someone explain to me in English, what the f-stops on a zoom lens mean? For example, a 28-300 f/3.5-6.3. I understand the 28-300 but I'm not sure what the two numbers mean. I think i...
2
September 18, 2003
 
  Beginning Basics
I am currently taking a photography class at a university and the professor is going over my head. I am confused about shutter speed and f-stops. What speed goes with which f-stop? My camera that I...
2
September 09, 2003
 
  What is Barrel Distortion?
Hello!I have read lots of reviews related to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 complaining about the "Barrel Distortion". What does it mean? And are there any precautions against it?Thanks a lot for answerin...
4
August 05, 2004
 
  D.O.F and Shutter Speed
Hi, I finally bought the Canon Rebel Ti and it is amazing -it can be operated manually to any extent and I am very happy with it. But I do have a few questions.a) If I want to use a slow shutter sp...
3
September 03, 2003
 
  Flash Guide Numbers and Exposure
Hi again,About flash guide numbers: I have a manual camera and manual focus lenses and a manual flash unit. I know how to do the calculations f-stop = GN (iso 100)/flash distance. How does this ch...
2
August 26, 2003
 
  Reciprocity Failure
What is reciprocity failure, and why does this occur when taking photoes at night without a flash?...
1
August 20, 2003
 
  Lens Question
Hi again,I hear all this talk about 20 -310mm f2 (or something along those lines) about lenses. I have figured out the mm part is the zoom... (I think) but somehow I still can't manage to figur...
1
August 15, 2003
 
  What is Reciprocity Failure?
Hi AllI keep hearing about Reciprocity Failure and how it had to be taken into consideration when taking certain photos. Please would someone explain to me exactly what it is and how to correct it...
1
August 06, 2003
 
  Buying an EOS
I'm interested in the Canon Rebel Ti. Is it a good camera for a beginner? And what does EOS stand for? I'm just getting into photography and know next to nothing about cameras. Any help is ...
12
July 16, 2003
 
  Lens For a Nikon N80
Hi all!I have a question about lenses for my Nikon N80. I have been out of the photography loop for awhile. Someone told me I should buy a new camera because mine will not work with AI or AIS len...
2
June 24, 2003