Digital Camera Specifications Explained
| If you are considering buying a digital camera it is ultimately important to know what you are buying. This guide will explain all you need to know when it comes to understanding digital camera jargon. Megapixels The number of light sensors (pixels) that are used to capture images. One megapixel is equal to one million pixels. For megapixels is average for point and shoot photographers that want 4x6in photos. If you want better quality larger prints you will need to get a camera with more megapixels. Max Resolution This is the maximum pixel resolution that the camera is capable of capturing. In many cameras the resolution can be altered to allow you to reduce the quality of the photo; this allows you to store more photos on your memory card. Lens Data The aperture range of the camera, followed in brackets by the focal length of the lens. Zoom The optical and digital magnification provided by the camera. Optical zoom is genuine magnification created by the lens, but digital zoom is produced artificially by the camera. Range / Macro The minimum and maximum distance at which the camera lens can focus on its subject, followed by the minimum distance for macro photography. Shutter Speeds The slowest and fastest lengths of time that the camera shutter can open for when capturing an exposure. Some cameras will automatically select the shutter speed, but others will allow you to set the shutter speed manually. ISO Sensitivity Equivalent to the light sensitivity of film in 35mm cameras, the ISO range is usually measured in increments from a minimum of 50 up to 1600. The higher the sensitivity, the less external light is needed for the exposure.
In addition to auto mode, some cameras have a range of manual options and pre-set scene modes to enhance your photography. An example of the usual modes are: A Automatic Flash Modes Most digital cameras provide a range of flash modes to enhance your photography. Some might be: Fon Forced on Connectivity The camera’s ability to receive mains input for charging and to output image data to a PC, photo printer or visual display unit. F FireWire Weight This is the weight of the camera in grams. This measurement includes the weight of batteries unless otherwise stated. Dimensions The height, width and depth in millimetres. These measurements will change if you have a camera has a lens that only protrudes when switched on. Batteries The camera’s power source will either be AA alkaline batteries or, more commonly, rechargeable Ni-MH, Ni-Cd or Lithium-ion batteries. Memory Storage The types of memory card that your camera is compatible with, followed by the amount of internal memory provided. CFI or CFII Compact Flash 1 or 2 LCD (screen) The size of the camera’s LCD display in inches, measured diagonally across the screen. The LCD screen is used as an alternative to the viewfinder for composing images but also allows you to view photos already taken. The LCD can also display menu options and camera settings.
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