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GB-177
Basic Glossary of Digital Camera Terms
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Depth of field
When a subject is in focus, the depth of field refers to the area in front of and behind the subject that is also in
focus. The depth of field increases when the aperture setting is high. Such shots are said to have a large depth
of field. Conversely, lower aperture settings give a narrow range in which objects are in focus. This is referred to
as a small depth of field. The depth of field becomes smaller when the subject is closer to the camera.
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
DPOF is a standard used for printing images photographed using a digital camera on a home printer or at a
commercial print processing store. Provided a DPOF-compatible printer or a commercial print processing store
that provides a DPOF print service is used, prints specified on this (DPOF-compatible) camera will be produced
in the quantities and formats specified in the DPOF settings.
The DPOF trademark indicates that the product conforms to the specifications of the "Digital Print Order Format
(DPOF) for digital camera print information". Copyright for DPOF Version 1.00 is held jointly by Canon Inc.,
Eastman Kodak Co., Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
EV (Exposure Value)
An EV is a number that denotes exposure. EV=1 when the aperture setting is F1 and the shutter speed is 1
second. Each time the exposure then halves, the EV number increases by 1 (EV=2, EV=3...). Conversely, when
the exposure is double the EV=1 level, the EV becomes -1. When the exposure is doubled again, EV=-2, and
so on.
Exposure
This refers to the amount of light projected through the lens that strikes the camera's film or image sensor (CCD
in this camera). The exposure is controlled by the combination of shutter speed and aperture setting. The
image brightness is determined by the exposure.
Flash
This is a device that produces a bright flash of light when the camera shutter opens. Flash units are used in low-
light situations such as indoor shots or pictures taken at night. Flash units tend to deplete the camera batteries
if used frequently.
Focal length
This refers to the distance from the lens to a point that is in focus. At shorter focal lengths, the shot covers a
wider area, while longer focal lengths make distant objects look larger.