Understanding Digital Photography Terms

Do you notice how easy it is to feel stuck when you read something you don't understand?

Your eyes may continue moving along the words but your brain is still "back there" attempting to figure it out.

This page is to help you understand basic digital photography terms and lessen the confusion you may feel from time to time.

If there's a term you would like mentioned here please drop me a note by using the contact me form.

Compression.

Compression, relating to image quality,results in some file formats which actually compress images. If you use a lower quality image setting the file size be smaller causing a higher level of compression to take place. During the process of this compression some of the information is actually discarded as the file size needs some means of becoming smaller. Digital cameras allow one the luxury of changing the quality for each image, if desired. When using a lower quality setting you will notice that the memory card will be able to store a greater number of images.

Formatting.

Formatting, or initializing, is relative to digital photography terms and the memory card. To format the memory card is to basically ensure the card will work with your camera and prepare it for use on a regular basis. It also helps keep the memory card "healthy," thereby reducing the possibilty of card corruption problems. Additional information about formatting is available on the page about the memory card.

Image Quality.

Your camera will have a feature allowing you to adjust the image quality. Image quality affects the end result of your work and if it's set too low you may well be disappointed. Why? Depending on the setting there is a difference, literally, in the quality of the finished image. If the setting is too low the image will not be as good, for exampl, than if you shoot on a high setting. The setting will be found by scrolling through the camera menu choices. What affects the quality? Some file formats will compress the image and this is why you can store more images on a memory card using a lower setting. However, my suggestion is quality over quantity.

Memory Card.

A memory card is a small portable unit serving as a storage medium for your photos. The memory card compares to the use of film in that it records your images. Nowadays there is still some film capture although digital is so popular most storage is, therefore, on a memory card. More information is available on the page about the memory card.

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