Main Digital Photography Glossary | 2 | 3 | 4
 RAMTemporary computer memory, used to store data and software while in use.
RangefinderA camera with a viewfinder separate from the lens. Not a SLR. Also, the usually built-in adjustable optical device for focusing a camera that automatically indicates the correct focus (as when two parts of a split image are brought together).
RasterImages made of dots. Each individual one contains specific information as to its size, color and position within the image.
RawThe RAW image format is the data from a digital camera as it comes directly off the CCD, with no in-camera processing performed.
Rear FocusThe focused area behind the subject.
Rear Focusing SystemWhen focusing, only the rear lens group moves. This eliminates the changing of the physical length of the lens during focusing and allows for faster focusing. (Refer also to Internal Focusing.)
Rear SyncIn this mode, the flash fires when the second curtain starts to move across the frame, not the first one. When used in conjunction with slow shutter speeds a trail of light is left giving by blur effect the sensation of movement of a subject frozen by the flash.
Reciprocity FailurePhotosensitive materials require a linear sensitivity within a certain range. Beyond that their sensitivity requires that exposure times be increased in larger amounts than normal.
Recycling TimeThe time it takes for a strobe or battery-pack to recharge so that it can power a flash burst. Shorter with fresh batteries and when shooting in power saving mode P.
Red EyeThe effect of red colored irises from subjects. It is caused by a combination of factors, low ambient light asking the irises to open more than regularly and small angle between the angles of both the lens axis and that of the flash light. The light bouncing from the back of the retinas brings back into the image the red of the blood vessels. Big eyes don't help either. Red eye can be reduced and even eliminated in several ways: by increasing the ambient light, increasing the angle between the lens and the flash beam with a bracket, having the subject look into a direction other than the camera, or into a bright light, or simply by using a flash with a red-eye system which pre-flashes to close down the irises of the subject.
Reflected Light ReadingLight meter reading made by pointing the meter towards the subject. It will vary depending on the subject as different materials reflect different amounts of light.
ReflectorA tool for redirecting light. Usually white or metallic, a cloth or any light-reflecting board.
Reflex CameraA camera that uses a mirror to reflect light onto a ground glass for viewing and focusing.
RGBRed, Green and Blue. The three colors to which the human visual system, digital cameras and many other devices are sensitive; the colors used in displays and input devices. They represent the additive color model, where 0% of each component yields black and 100% of each component yields white.
Relative ApertureDiameter of the aperture divided by the focal length of the lens. Expressed numerically as an f-stop.
Release-Priority AFIn release-priority autofocus operation, the shutter can be released at anytime whether the subject is in focus or not. Used in fast-moving situations where you don't want to lose any of the action.
Repeating FlashA feature available in some units to make multiple flash bursts during exposure. Useful for motion study in single frame multiple exposure. Best used in dark studios in Bulb setting.
Reproduction RatioThe size of the subject in an image compared to its actual size. As a general rule, for subjects farther away than in macro digital photography, the focal length of the lens used, divided by the camera to subject distance yields the reproduction ratio. e.g. a 180mm lens focused at 1.8 meters (18000mm) will have a 1:10 reproduction ratio.
Resolution(Also known as Resolving Power) The ability to reproduce small details in a digital photo. Resolving power is used to measure lens performance using line pairs per millimeter (1/mm), and indicates how many black pairs of lines placed at equal intervals within 1mm can be resolved by a lens.
RetouchingTo alter a finished print, digital image or piece of film in order to cover up undesirable marks or elements.
Reversal MaterialsPhoto-sensitive materials that when processed become positive images, i.e., slides and transparencies and certain print materials.
Ring FlashA circular-shaped electronic flash unit that fits around a lens providing shadowless, uniform frontal lighting; especially useful in close-up digital photography.
Rising FrontThe ability on a camera to raise the lens in relation to the film to control focus and distortion. Usually only on large format cameras.
Roll-FilmNon-sheet film. Film that comes in a roll and can be exposed in multiple "frames."
Roll-Film AdapterAn attachment for sheet film cameras that allows the use of roll film.
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SafelightA red or orange darkroom light that black and white photo papers aren't sensitive to.
SaturationRelative richness of colors in a color image.
SCSISmall Computer System Interface. A computer interface used for digital imaging as it is both high speed and standard.
Selective FocusEmploying wide apertures to produce shallow depth of field so that the subject is isolated from its surroundings as they will not be in focus.
Selenium CellA light sensitive electronic device that emits electricity in proportion to the amount of light falling on it. Used for light meters.
Self TimerMechanism that delays the shutter action after being actioned. Useful both to allow for the digital photographer to be included in the image and as means to reduce camera shake from shutter button jerking.
SeparationsBlack and white negatives that separate the continuous colors of an image into two to four colors for offset printing. The most common separations are for CMYK, or cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
SharpnessThe amount of detail that can be perceived in an image. Definition of an image in terms of focus and contrast. The combination of resolution -typically measured in terms of the number of distinguishable line pairs per millimeter- and acutance -the power to resolve detail in the transition of edges.
Sheet FilmFilm that is cut into individual sheets. Mostly comes in 4x5 or larger sheets.
SheimpflugGeometric rule which affects correct focus of view cameras with tilt-shift movements. Three planes are of concern when focusing a view camera: that of the image (at the film/sensor), the lens plane and the subject plane. If these three planes are precisely parallel to one another then a focused image will appear sharp across the entire image area. Tilting one of these planes will result in the area in focus changing. The image area will be in focus only at the point where the three planes intersect. Although the French builder of scientific instruments Jules Carpentier (1851-1921) was the first to enunciate it, the rule is named after Austrian army officer Theodor Scheimpflug (1865-1911).
Principle
ShutterThe mechanical device in a camera that controls the amount of time light is allowed to reach the film or digital sensor.
Shutter PriorityA camera exposure mode that allows the digital photographer to choose a shutter speed while an electronic processor in the camera sets a corresponding aperture for best exposure.
Single-Servo AFWhen the subject comes into focus, the focus operation stops and stays locked as long as the shutter release button is lightly pressed. Used when shooting stationary objects.
Silver HalideThe light sensitive component in treated photosensitive surfaces.
Silver NitrateChemical found in photo developers and used in treated photosensitive surfaces.
Single Lens Reflex (SLR) CameraA camera that uses a mirror and prism to allow the digital photographer to see through its single lens.
Skylight FilterFilter used to remove more UV light (and therefore excessive blue) than a UV filter, adding a slight warming tone in two grades: 1A and 1B, where be is the warmer one.
SlaveA light sensitive trigger device used to synch strobes and flashes without an electronic synch cord.
SlideA transparency mounted in a square paper or plastic frame. (Not just 35mm)
Slow SyncSetting allowing for slower shutter speeds while using flash, usually for more illuminated backgrounds.
SnapshotA quick casual image, typically taken handheld by an amateur with a Point & Shoot camera.
Soft-FocusAn effect achieved by diffusing an image either in the camera or printing stage. Can be done with special lenses or by placing diffusion devices or materials between the light source and the light-sensitive material. Mostly used for portraits but not exclusively.
Soft LightingLow contrast illumination, allowing for more pleasing portraits; without harsh contrast.
SolarizationAlso known as the Sabbatier effect. Usually achieved by exposing a developing image to white light during the development process. The effect is a partial reversal of the image.
SpectrumThe visible separation of light into colored bands as white light passes through a prism.
SpeedIn photography, the sensitivity of a photosensitive material or a digital sensor. This was expressed as either an ASA or DIN number, currently as an ISO number.
Spherical AberrationA lens fault which results in degraded image quality at the film plane. It is caused by light rays passing through the lens from a single point on the optical axis focused at different points according to incident height. Spherical aberration can be reduced by stopping down the lens.
Split Image RangefinderTwo prisms with faces angled in opposite directions and used to aid in focusing. A subject will appear split, even with slightly out-of-focus, allowing a digital photographer to adjust for accurate focus.
Spot MeterA light meter, which takes it's reading at an angle of 1 to 8 degrees. Used for the zone system or to find the values of specific elements in a scene.
SpottingRetouching dust spots or other fine blemishes in a digital photographic image with a small brush. Usually only done on prints. In digital imaging, retouching of a digital image file.
Standard LensRefer to "Normal Lens." Term usually applied to 50mm lenses in 35mm film format photography.
StereoscopyPhotography that uses two images taken from slightly different angles to produce the illusion of three dimensions when seen through a special viewing device.
Stopping DownTo decrease the size of aperture in a lens, e.g., to stop down from f/3.5 to f/16. Increases depth of field, requires longer exposure (shutter speeds).
SwingA view camera movement used to control depth-of-field and perspective. Allows the angle relation of the film plane and lens to be changed from side-to-side.
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TeleconverterAn optical device, used to increase the effective focal length of a lens, consisting of optical glass. It is mounted between the camera and the lens and usually comes in three different sizes: 1.4X, 1.7X and 2.0X. A 1.4X teleconverter increases focal length by 1.4 times, while a 2.0X increases focal length by 2.0 times. The aperture of the lens is also increased by the same amount as the focal length is increased. For example, a 2.0X teleconverter increases focal length of a 200mm lens to 400mm; however, the aperture of f/2.8 is decreased to f/5.6.
Telephoto LensA lens with a long focal length - longer than the diagonal of the film format used. In 35mm photography, under most conventions, "Short" telephoto lenses are of 85mm, 90mm, 100mm, 105mm and 135mm focal lenghth; "Medium" telephotos are 180mm, 200mm and 300mm; "Long" or "Super" telephotos are the 400mm, 500mm and 600mm; "Ultra" long denominated telephotos are 1,000mm focal length lenses.
ThumbnailA small version of a digitized image. Image browsers and image editors commonly display thumbnails of several digital photos at a time. In Windows XP’s My Pictures, one can view thumbnails of digital photos in both the Thumbnails and Filmstrip view modes.
TIFFTagged Image File Format. An uncompressed non loosy image format.
ToneIn digital photography, usually refers to the gray values in an image.
TransparencyA processed and stabilized positive film image created on a transparent base using photochemical means; i.e., a slide is a transparency. Also, it is the property of allowing transmission of light through a material. In digital imaging it is used to denominate overlay and translucency properties in PNG, GIF, and TIFF files.
TTL"Through the Lens." Refers to flash or exposure metering which is read "through the lens," at the film or sensor plane. Nikon has further refined it into i-TTL.
TungstenA metal filament used in most light bulbs. Makes a reddish/yellow colored light. There are special films and filters for correcting the color cast from this light.
Tungsten Type FilmA color film that is color balanced to work under tungsten lighting. To use a tungsten type film type under daylight or flash, a color temperature conversion filter is needed. This film is also known as Type B film.
Type A FilmColor film that is color balanced for scenes illuminated by artificial light sources at a color temperature of 3400K - typically flood lamps.
Type B FilmColor film that is color balanced for scenes illuminated by artificial light sources at a color temperature of 3200K, typically tungsten and household lamps. This is the more commonly used of the two types: A and B.
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Under-ExposureAllowing too little light to reach a digital photosensitive material. Results in a "thin" or light image with negative material and a dark or "dense" image with reversal material or a digital sensor.
USBUniversal Serial Bus. A protocol for data transfer to and from digital devices. Many digital cameras and memory card readers connect to a computer via USB ports. USB card readers are typically faster than cameras or readers that connect to a serial port, but slower than those that connect via FireWire.
UXGAUltra Extended Graphics Array. 1600x1200pixels image resolution, most appropriate for big enlargements.
UV FilterFilter used to reduce ultraviolet light exposure of film. Ultraviolet light can cause an image to appear hazy. Most modern color film and digital sensors are not sensitive to UV light.
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Variable Focus LensOr Variable Focal Length Lens. A zoom lens. e.g., 28-100mm; meaning a lens with a focal length capable of varying from 28mm all the way to 100mm, from landscapes to portraits.
View CameraA camera, usually large format that has a ground glass back for viewing the subject.
ViewfinderAn optical device for framing and focusing an image in a camera.
VignettingThe effect from blocking the light at the edge of an image. Can be caused accidentally by a combination of wide-angle lens and filters, or on purpose as a deliberate effect.
VR lensesIntroduced by camera companies in 2000. Have a Vibration Reduction gyroscopic system allowing for stabilized crisp images handheld at very slow shutter speeds, minimizing blur caused by camera shake. The system even detects panning. The first of these lenses was the 80-400mm f/4-5.6D ED VR AF Nikkor. VR was first introduced in a compact P&S camera body in 1994.
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Waist-Level ViewfinderA viewfinder allowing to view from the top of the camera body. Good for candid shots at waist level, for digital photography at ground level and for copy stand or microscope work; also used by photojournalists to shoot from above. e.g. Nikon DW-30, DW-3
White BalanceA function on digital camera to compensate for different colors of light being emitted by different light sources.
Wide-Angle LensA lens with a focal length less than the diagonal of the film format it's being used for. For 35mm format usually wider (shorter focal length) than 45mm. For medium format, wider than 75mm.
Working DistanceThe distance from the front of the lens to the subject. Usually applied to close-up and macro digital photography. Not to be confused with "Shooting Distance" as this is that between the subject and the film or sensor plane.
WYSIWYG"What You See Is What You Get" as applied to TTL (through the lens) Single Lens Reflex camera systems. In terms of viewfinders, it is applied to those with 100% frame coverage, as in the film pro series bodies: F, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6.
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ZeissFounded as a workshop for precision mechanics and optics in the German city of Jena in 1846, Carl Zeiss is today a global leader in the optical and opto-electronic industries. With offices in over 30 countries and represented in more than 100 countries, it has production centers in Europe, North America, Central America and Asia. The company’s headquarters are located in Oberkochen, Germany, in northeastern Baden-Wuerttemberg. Carl Zeiss Jena optics have a legendary high quality status, recently reminded with the introduction of new digital photographic lenses with camera mount.
Zone SystemMethodology introduced by photographer Ansel Adams for determining optimal exposure and appropriate development for an individual digital photo.
Zoom FlashA flash with the capability to adjust the width of its light beam to best fit the angle of view of the lens in use.
Zoom LensA lens, which has a variable focal length e.g. 70-200mm, allowing for a closer or farther view of a subject, without changing perspective, only magnification.
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