A-Z of Digital Photography

T H E V I S I B L E D I F F E R E N C E

O F DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

A -Z

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T H E A T O Z O F D I G I T A L P H O T O G R A P H Y

Algorithm

Aliasing

Altavista

Analog

A set of processing or working instruc-tions that, because of their high preci-sion, can be carried out independentlyby a mechanical or electronic device.Algorithms are, for example, the setrules for addition and subtraction etc.However, they are also the instructionsthat are established in a programminglanguage. Algorithms simply allow thecomputer to solve particular problems.In image editing, algorithms are used toalter images, e.g. 3 D Cubic Algorithm.(→TruePic)

Pixel-shaped curves on the diagonaledges of objects. This can sometimesoccur since all graphics consist of indi-vidual →pixels. Anti-aliasing reducesthis unwelcome effect by recalculatingthe contrast values of the neighbouringpixels and matching them up with eachother.

Well-known →search engine in the→internet.

Opposite of →digital. Analog data merges continuously intoeach other without clearly defined steps(e.g. the colours of a rainbow arenot obviously separable from oneanother).

AAC adapter

ADC

AD conversion

Additive colourmixing

Add-on / Add-in

AE

Mains adapter.Enables the connection of the digitalcamera to the mains electricity supply.

Analog-Digital Converter.Hardware that converts analog informa-tion into digital data. (→AD-Conversion)

Analog-Digital conversion.In order to process an →analog signal(e.g. a photo) in a computer, it must firstbe digitised (converted into a specificmathematical format of binary code).Pictures are usually digitised with thehelp of a digital camera or a scanner.

Describes a colour system that is basedupon the addition of the three additiveprimary colours (red, green, and blue).For example, colour televisions and com-puter monitor displays use the principleof additive colour mixing.

→Extension to a program such as Excelor Word that increases the availablefunctions. These add-ons/add-ins aredeveloped and distributed by the respec-tive software company or other firms.

Automatic exposure. AA--ZZ

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ATA

ATA-Flash-Cards

Autofocus (AF)

ever, not for umlauts) enables the cor-rect data transfer between software andhardware. The ASCII-code employs thefirst seven →bits of a →byte. The first32 symbols are used as control sym-bols, e.g. to control a printer.

AT Attachment. →Interface for →harddrives.

Space-saving integrated →plug-inmemory cards.

Automatic focus adjustment. There arebasically two main AF methods: thefocus detecting method, or passive autofocus usually employs a CCD andworks by evaluating the amount of con-trast or the phase difference in a scene. Distance metering or active autofocusutilises an (infrared) light emitter and re-ceiver in a triangular surveying system.Alternatively, the camera uses ultra-sound (sonar) and measures the timetaken for the sound signal to return. This data is converted by a micropro-cessor into information about distanceand thereby enables the automaticfocusing of the lens.

Aperture

AppleTalk

APS

Aqua Case

ASCII

Mechanism behind the lens that controlsthe amount of light entering the camera.The aperture not only influences picturebrightness but also regulates →depth offocus. Most cameras are equipped withan iris aperture that can be freely ad-justed or set according to pre-selectedvalues.

A network protocol used by Macintoshcomputers.

Advanced Photo System. Developedtogether by five companies, this filmsystem is distinguished by simple opera-tion, a new picture format (16 x 30 mm)as well as a choice of three picture for-mats. Additional information (such asexposure, aperture and date) can berecorded on the magnetic strip of theAPS film. However, APS is not digitalphotography.

Waterproof plastic casing for →OLYMPUS →CAMEDIA digitalcameras.

American Standard Code for InformationInterchange.The commonly used →binary code for atotal of 128 symbols (letters, numbers,punctuation and special symbols, how- AA--ZZ

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Bitmap

Blooming

Bluebox

bps

Browser

Bug

A representational form for a digitalimage in which each →bit in the com-puter's memory corresponds to one→dot on the screen or printer.

The opposite of →noise; an image errorthat has been more or less eradicated inthe newer digital cameras. It describesthe "overflow" of electrical charges between the individual sensors on a→CCD element.

A process known from television andmovie productions. Actors stand in frontof a coloured wall, usually painted blue.Later, a different background is put infor the blue areas on the recordedimage, giving the impression that theactors are e.g. on top of a mountain,although they never left the studio.

→Bits per second. Refers to the num-ber of bits transferred in one second.The bps notation is often found on→modems and →serial interfaces.

Describes a program used to displayinformation, especially on the →internet.

Describes a programming error.This can be removed by correctionor rewriting the program codes.(→Patch)

Average metering

BBaud

Binary

Bios

Bit

Bit-depth

A special →exposure metering techniquethat measures the average light intensityacross the entire frame.

A unit of measurement for data trans-mission rates, named after the French engineer, Baudot.

This is the name given to the representa-tion system of numbers consisting solelyof the figures 0 and 1. Just like the ten-figure decimal system (0-9), in the binarysystem, larger numbers are made up bycombining the numbers 0 and 1.

Stands for Basic Input / Output Systemand describes the basic program of acomputer.

Binary digit. The smallest →digital unitthat can show only two states 0 or 1. 8 bits produce one →byte.

→Colour depth.

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Candela

CCD

CD-ROM

Centre-weigh-ted average

metering

Charger

Chip

Unit of illumination (cd). 1 cd is 1/683Wper steradian.

Charge-Coupled Device. A light sensitive semiconductor thatconverts received light into voltageaccording to the level of brightness. It isused as a →chip or line sensor in digitalcameras and →scanners. (→progressiveCCD, →video CCD)

Compact-Disc-Read-Only-Memory. A"read only" CD-ROM can hold up toapproximately 700 MB of programs,pictures, text, or other data.

This method of →exposure metering isoften used for subjects with an evencontrast distribution. (→Digital ESP(selective multi zone metering);→reflected-light metering; →light metering, →spot metering)

Battery-charger.

General description for →integrated cir-cuits whose components (e.g. transis-tors, diodes, resistors) are mounted ona small plate of the semiconductingmaterial silicon.

Bug-Fix

Byte

CCalendar card

Calibration

CAMEDIA

Removing a software error by means of asmall additional program.

→Binary data packet made up of 8→bits. A byte can represent values bet-ween 0 and 255. It can depict 256 sym-bols, numbers or colours. In the compu-ter field, larger byte size is describedusing the prefix letter for the abbreviationof the exponent of 2. Therefore:1 Kilobyte = 1 KB = 1,024 bytes1 Megabyte = 1 MB = 1,048,576 bytes1 Gigabyte = 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes1 Terabyte = 1 TB = 1,099,511,627,776bytes.

→SmartMedia-function card.

The reciprocal balancing or tuning of in-put and output devices, in order to re-ceive a matching value. In this way, thecolours on a monitor can be matchedwith the printer's colours. (→colour man-agement)

The name given to the →OLYMPUSDigital Imaging products. AA--ZZ

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Colour management

Colour noise

Colour temperature

Compact digital camera

CompactFlashcard

The calibration of all peripheral devicesthat feature in the production of colourimages (monitors, scanners, colour prin-ters etc.). For example, by using acolour management system, the datafrom a scanner is converted into valuesfor a standard colour range. The data isthen arranged so that the printer canproduce good colour prints.

The incorrect reproduction of colour onan image (e.g. dots on an area which issupposed to be pure white). (→Noise)

Describes the spectral energy distribu-tion and thereby the colour quality of alight source. The temperature of acolour is given in →Kelvin (K). It isimportant to choose the correct tempe-rature so that a subject can be photo-graphed in its true colours. The spec-trum that can be seen by the humaneye lies between approx. 2,790 K and11,000 K. The international norm foraverage sunlight is 5,500 K.

Smaller dimensions and reduced weightmake these easy to handle models idealfor travel and everyday use.

Rewritable removable memory orfunction card developed by

CIE

CISC

CMYK

Colour depth

Commission Internationale de l´Eclairage.An international standard commission forcolour metric measurements. The setstandards are the basis for the colourdefinition in →DTP standards.

Complex Instruction Set Computer. Atype of →processor that recognises andprocesses a large number of complexand powerful instructions without theneed for additional software.

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key/Black.These are the printer colours used to cre-ate colour prints. (→subtractive colourmixing)

This refers to the maximum number ofcolours that can be recorded by digitalcameras and scanners or can be dis-played by graphics cards. A true colourrepresentation can be achieved at acolour depth of 8 bits per primary colour,that is a 24 bit colour depth. In this case,256 bits are available for one pixel. Withan RGB signal, this value is then multip-lied by a factor of three so that a total of256 x 256 x 256 = 16,777,216 colourscan be displayed. High-end scanners,graphic cards etc. provide a minimumcolour depth of 24 bit. AA--ZZ

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Computer controlled

flash

Converter/Lens converter

CPU

Cross-button

CRT

Almost all compact or grip-type flashesare computer controlled. They set theirintensity by directing a →sensor at thesubject, thus gathering the informationfrom which the →flash duration can beattained. The light sensor often gathersthe data through the cameras lens.(→TTL)

Lens extension that increases or shor-tens the focal distance. (→Macro-con-verter, →tele-converter, →wide-angle-converter)

Central Processing Unit. The main pro-cessor of a PC (personal computer).

Special operating element. By alteringthe point of pressure, a single button isall that is needed to choose variousmenus or select and activate functions.

Cathode Ray Tube. Electron guns in-side the tube send beams onto the frontsurface of the tube, causing it to glowand creating a display. (→LCD)

Compatibility

COM port

Compression

CompuServe

SanDisk in 1994. In contrast with→SmartMedia technology, it has a built-in controller. The newer CF type II (CF/2)cards are 5 mm thick, the CF type I areonly 3.3 mm thick. (→PCMCIA-Cards/PCCards)

The ability of data, programs (software),and equipment (hardware) to run and/orwork together. This allows for the indivi-dual components to be put together toform a system.

Describes the →serial interface of a com-puter. Often used to connect devicessuch as digital cameras to a computer.(→USB)

Data may be compressed to reducestorage (memory) space or transmissiontimes (= reducing the amount of data).Well-known compression standardsinclude →JPEG and →MPEG.

Commercial data service that offerscountless information and discussionpanels about an unlimited variety of sub-jects. A computer, a →modem, and atelephone line are required.

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Digital ESP

Digital flash

Digital ImagingSoftware

Digitalisation

Digital tele

DIMO

is then saved to special memory cardsor other storage media. (→SmartMedia,→CompactFlash)

Digital Electro-Selective Pattern. Theemployment of a selective multi zonemetering system ensures an optimalexposure even in difficult light condi-tions. (→Exposure metering, →spotmetering, →reflected-light metering,→light metering)

→Computer controlled flash. (→Flash)

→Image editing software. (→MediaSuite Pro)

→AD-conversion.

Thanks to special →algorithms, somedigital cameras are able to provide azoom effect by re-calculating the captu-red image data. However, enlarging animage in this way also means reducingits picture quality.

Digital Imaging Magneto Optical.A camera MO communicator developedby OLYMPUS allowing fast and mobilearchiving of image data directlyfrom the camera to an MO disk(without the need of a computer).(→MO)

DData security

Data transmission

DCF

Digital

Digital camera

A collective term used for any measureto protect and store files as well as pro-grams for an extended period of time.

The exchange of →digital informationbetween two or more computers. Data isusually transmitted via a direct cableconnection, a computer network or tele-phone lines.

Design Rule for Camera File System – anindustry standard for saving digital ima-ges. This not only determines the filetype, but also sets the rule for namingthe folder and file structure. It allows theconversion of uncompressed TIFF filesinto compressed JPEG files. This JPEGfile is of the Exif type and can containcamera information such as the date.)(→Exif, →DPOF)

Opposite of →analog. Digital informationis made up of a limited number of grada-tions (e.g. 256 colours, 8 →bit). Thechange from one digital element to thenext is always "step by step" and notcontinuous.

Usually captures images with the help ofa →CCD chip. The image data received AA--ZZ

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Download

dpi

DPOF

DRAM

Driver

DTP

Describes the process of receiving data,usually via either a →mailbox, the →in-ternet or from another device like a digi-tal camera to a PC. (→data transmis-sion)

→dots per inch (1 inch = approx. 2.54cm). A measuring unit in printing to des-cribe the geometric →resolution of animage.

Digital Print Order Format.A format introduced by the photo indus-try that enables images stored onSmartMedia cards to be accesseddirectly by certain printers and copiersas well as allowing the more simple pro-fessional treatment by photo labs.

Dynamic RAM. A type of memory chipthat is used in most personal computersas the main storage medium. (→RAM)

A small program that allows the com-munication between the application pro-gram and a certain device, for examplea →printer or digital camera.

Desktop Publishing. This refers to thedesign and illustration of texts andgraphics directly on the monitorscreen.

Diode

Dioptricadjustment

Direct printfunction

DisketteAdapter

Display

DOS

Dot

Dot pitch

→Photodiode.

The adjustment of the →viewfinder to thephotographer’s eyesight (unit: dpt).

The ability to print digital pictures withoutthe need for a computer.

→FlashPath Adapter.

→LCD.

Disc Operating System. Usually DOSdescribes the →operating system devel-oped by Microsoft for personal compu-ters. (→MS-DOS)

The smallest raster element of an image.Many dots together produce one →pixel.For example, in the specification "8 →bit→colour depth", three "layers" of 256dots each are on top of one another toproduce one pixel.

Used with monitors, it indicates thedistance between individual →dots. Thesmaller the distance between dots, thesharper the image. Good monitors usually have a dot pitch of between 0.25 and 0.27 mm. AA--ZZ

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Exif

Explorer

Exposure correction

(compensa-tion/ control)

Exposure time

Extension

file also contains a low resolution→PICT.

Exchangeable image format. A stan-dard for image files created with digitalcameras and other input devices. Exiffiles can contain either uncompressedTIFF or compressed JPEG images andmay contain many comment fields ofvarious types.

Microsoft →internet-→browser.

Conscious deviation from the valueascertained by the →light meter. Thechange can be made manually (underand over exposure) or through the→programmed auto exposure control.

The length of time for which the shutteris open.

Hardware or software module that addsnew functions to an existing system.→PhotoGenetics is an example of anextension of the →OLYMPUSMediaSuite Pro software.

DVD-ROM

Dye-sublimation

EEmail

EPS

Digital Versatile Disc. A standard for→CD-ROM with a much greater capacity(e.g. 9.4 GB) than a regular CD-ROM.

Describes a printing method for half-toneimages or pictures. This process usesheat to transfer colour from a printer foilinto paper. The picture quality is excep-tional. The CAMEDIA photo printer P-330E from →OLYMPUS produ-ces postcard sized colour prints with aresolution of 306 →dpi.

A world-wide electronic mail system.Digitised data can be sent almost im-mediately throughout the world via tele-phone lines using only a PC. Every emailuser has his or her own internationallydistinct address where he or she can bereached electronically. Files, such as dig-ital pictures, can be sent with any emailmessage.

Encapsulated PostScript. A computer→file format based on the →PostScriptstandard. It is supported by most graphicdesign and page layout programs. Inaddition to the PostScript code, the EPS AA--ZZ

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Firmware

Flash

Flash duration

Flash FilmScanner

FlashPathAdapter

gram that enables certain adjustmentsto the picture, e.g. colour and bright-ness or foreshortening.

Software contained in →ROM that manages the camera’s operation.

Produces a large amount of light for abrief moment to illuminate the subject.Modern flashes work with glassdischarge tubes. Computerised cameraflashes can measure and automaticallycontrol their intensity by means of a→sensor directed at the subject.(→Guide number)

The camera’s →flash synchronisationensures the flash is emitted while the→shutter is open.

Attachment for certain digital camerasthat digitises 35 mm, →APS negatives,and slides. (→Film scanner)

Permits the trouble-free transfer of digi-tal images saved on →SmartMediacards to a PC. The storage cards needonly be inserted into the adapter andthen in the computer’s disk drive.

FFAQ

FDD

File

File format

Film scanner

Film sensitivity

Filter

Frequently Asked Questions.

Flexible or Floppy Disc Drive. A storagemedium with a capacity of 1.44→megabytes (MB).

A set of data that has been arrangedaccording to specific rules. Files aremanaged in the computer by the→operating system and can be storedlong-term on an external storagemedium.

Describes the contents of files. Commonfile formats include <txt> for a text file,→<eps> (Encapsulated PostScript) for→PostScript, and <tif> for →"TIFF"-ima-ges.

Hardware for digitising negatives and slides. (→Flash Film Scanner)

The information is given in →ISO value,which has replaced the earlier DIN andASA (American Standard Association).

1. A transparent, mostly coloured sheetof glass or plastic that can be placed infront of a lens to create a certain effect. 2. An option in an →image editing pro- AA--ZZ

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FreeHand

GGB

GIF

Gigabyte

Glass lens

GPS

Graphics card

Grey scale

Popular graphics program fromMacromedia.

→Gigabyte.

Graphic Interchange Format. A popular→file format for computer graphics.

1 Gigabyte = 1,024 →Megabytes.

→Lens

Global Positioning System. The GPSreceiver uses satellites to let you deter-mine the exact longitude, latitude, andheight above sea level anywhere onearth.

Component of a computer that isnecessary to display an image on themonitor screen.

A scale of shades ranging from white toblack. Devices that can only displaydata in black and white translatecolour differences into variousshades of grey.

Flash range

Flash-ROM

Flash synchro-nisation

Focal length

The distance needed to be covered bythe flash to give the subject optimal illu-mination. This can be calculated usingLambert’s law. As the distance from thelight source is doubled only a quarter ofthe original amount of light will reach thesubject. (→Guide number)

A type of memory storage that can retaininformation even after the power hasbeen switched off. Unlike conventional→ROM, the contents of a Flash-ROMcan be deleted and rewritten with thehelp of a pre-programmed electrical cur-rent. Therefore, a Flash-ROM is a combi-nation of →RAM and ROM.

Co-ordinates the opening of the cam-era’s shutter with the time and durationof the flash. Some cameras allow you tosynchronise the beginning or end of theshutter ("sync1" and "sync2" respectively).

The distance between the centre of thelens system and the film or CCD sensor,i.e. where the image is in focus. Normalfocal length gives an image impressionroughly corresponding to that of thehuman eye (about 50 mm in conventionalfilm cameras and about 7 mm in digitalcameras with 1/3" CCD). AA--ZZ

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Hot plugging

HQ-resolution

html

http

IIC-Card

iD Photo MO Disk

Illustrator

The connection and uncoupling of ex-ternal devices while the PC is running.Restarting the computer is unnecessary.Requirements: →USB, and the relevant→operating system. (→Plug and Play)

High Quality-resolution. Description forhigh digital photo quality.

Hypertext markup language, a →fileformat used in the →World Wide Web.

Hypertext transfer protocol: transmis-sion format and communication basisfor the exchange of data in the internet.

→PC-Card.

The smallest rewritable optical storagemedium for digital cameras. A jointdevelopment from Olympus, Sanyo andHitachi Maxell. It features an amazingcapacity of 730 MB. This means about2,000 photos can be taken before themedia needs to be changed.

Popular graphics program fromAdobe.

GSM

Guide Number

HHand-heldexposure

meter

Hard drive/disk

HDD

Hi Colour

Homepage

Global System for Mobile Telecommuni-cations. Standard for the transfer of databy mobile phone.

Value for the maximum power of acamera flash based on a film with an→ISO of 100. Built-in camera flasheshave a guide number (GN) of approx. 10 – 20, compact flashes between 20 – 40, and the GN for grip-type flashesis between 45 – 60.

External →exposure meter. (→exposuremeter, →reflected-light metering)

Device for the permanent storage of pro-grams and information that remain after acomputer has been turned off.

Hard Disc Drive. (→Hard drive)

Describes an image having at least32,000 colours. (→True Colour)

First page of an →internet site.

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Index print

Ink jet printer

IntegratedCircuit

Interface

Internet

ISDN

ISO Norm

Reduced display of several photos onone print.

A printer that by spraying tiny black orcoloured ink dots onto paper producesa hardcopy image.

Integrated Circuit = IC. (→Chip)

Connecting point between the computerand an external device, e.g. mouse,→scanner, →modem, digital camera.(→Serial interface, →parallel interface)

Worldwide →network of computers thatallows for the global exchange of information.

Integrated Services Digital Network.Digital network for the fast transmissionof voice, data, pictures, etc. betweenuniformly standardised user interfaces.

International Standard Organization.(→Film sensitivity)

Image capacity

Image compression

Image converter

Image editingsoftware

Image plane

Imaging software

Image transmission/

transfer

The number of images that can be takenbefore the storage medium needs to bereplaced.

In order to store digital pictures economi-cally, the image data is compressed.However, compression often causes areduction in picture quality.Semiconductor-image converter (CCD chip).

Describes software which allows the userto view and alter digital images. Ancommonly used image editing program isAdobe Photoshop.

The area inside the camera where theobject is focused clearly. The image planecan be compared to the film plane inanalog cameras; the difference being thatthe film is replaced by the →CCD chip.

Software for the administration and edit-ing of digital images (as well as othermultimedia files). (→MediaSuite Pro)

The →digitisation of images means theycan be transmitted via data carriers ornetworks without the loss of quality orcopied an infinite number of times.(→Data transmission) AA--ZZ

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KKB

KBit/s

Kbyte

Kelvin scale

Kilobit

Kilobyte

LLaser printer

→Kilobyte.

Kilobits per second. The number of→kilobits transmitted per second.(→Baud)

→Kilobyte.

Temperature scale beginning at absolu-te zero (approx. -273° Celsius = 0Kelvin). Celsius values can easily beconverted into Kelvin by adding 273degrees to the Celsius value. (→Colourtemperature)

1 Kilobit = 1,000 →bits.

1 Kilobyte = 1,024 →bytes.

A printer that uses a laser beam to pro-ject characters and graphics onto adrum, which then electrographicallytransfers the image onto paper. Laserprinters are known for their highquality reproduction and printingspeed.

JJaggies

JAVA

JEIDA

JPEG

Slang term for the stair-stepped appear-ance of a curved or angled line in digitalimaging. The smaller the pixels, and thegreater their number, the less apparentthe "jaggies". Also known as pixelisation.

A programming language developed bySUN. Among its features is the possibilityto program interactive software for the→internet.

Japan Electronics Industry DevelopmentAssociation. Japanese standards com-mittee for storage cards.

Joint Photographic Experts Group. The de facto standard for image com-pression in digital imaging devices whichenables different levels of compressionto be selected. Because brightness infor-mation is more important than colourdata, most pixels only store the bright-ness information. When the JPEG file isopened, the missing colour data is auto-matically calculated from the existinginformation. (→MPEG)

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Light intensity

Light meter

Light metering

Light sensitivity

fixed focal distances as well as zoomlenses with adjustable focal distances.

1. Relationship of the maximum diame-ter of an →objective to its →focaldistance. It is equal to the smallest→aperture value (i.e. the largest ope-ning). Whereas the zoom lenses on ana-log cameras have a light intensity of F4,good digital cameras have lenses with avalue of F2.2. The light intensity from sources oflight measured in →Candela. (→Flash)

To ensure correct exposure, most ana-log and digital cameras feature automa-tic light metering. (→Digital ESP/selecti-ve multi zone metering), →centre weigh-ted average metering, →spot metering, →reflected-light metering, →light metering)

Method of →exposure metering bymeasuring the amount of light reachingan object. (→reflected-light metering,→Digital ESP/selective multi-spot metering, →centre-weighted averagemetering, →spot metering)

→Film sensitivity.

LCD

LED

LED printer

Lens

Lens system

Liquid Crystal Display. LCDs are com-monly used in calculators, watches, digi-tal cameras, and notebook computers.

A Light Emitting Diode is often used asan indicator lamp.

As opposed to →laser printers, the printed image is not brought on to adrum by a laser beam, but by a row of densely located light diodes.

Transparent glass or plastic that hasbeen formed and polished to form a cer-tain shape, usually spherical. When abeam of light reaches the area betweenthe air and the lens, a part of this light isalways reflected. The remaining lightpasses into the lens and alters its propa-gation direction, i.e. the light is refracted.The incorporation of various lenses (con-verging and diverging lenses) creates a→lens system. When optimally arranged,they allow the subject to be presentedcorrectly on the →image plane.

Group of →lenses (sometimes just onelens) that enable the sharpest and bright-est pictures to be taken. Often simplyreferred to as the lens or objective. Thereare various lenses available such aswide-angle, normal, macro, and tele with AA--ZZ

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Macro converter

Mailbox

MB

MediaSuite Pro

Lens attachment that permits fascina-ting detailed shots. (→Tele converter,→wide-angle converter)

Or Electronic Mailbox. Either ananswering machine or a computer serv-ice that enables the user to leave voiceannouncements, text messages, digitalimages or any other type of file.Ordinarily, mailboxes are accessed viatelephone lines through the use of a→modem.

→Megabyte.

Developed by →Olympus, this profes-sional document manager software ena-bles perfect control over the continuallyincreasing amount of multimedia data.This program makes editing, presenting,archiving, and retrieving files – even ifthey are on external media – amazinglysimple. The modular concept means tailor-made solutions can also be deve-loped while a template editor allows theproduction of business cards and per-sonalised calendars. Password protec-tion delivers enhanced security whileinnovative short-cut management tech-niques ensure simple operationand efficiency. The MediaSuite Pro→extension →PhotoGenetics

Lithium battery

lpi

Lycos

LZW

MMac

Mac OS

An accumulator type battery with a highenergy density making it ideal for mobilephones, still and video cameras. Gener-ally, the lithium battery is the main bat-tery and the lithium ion battery is a sec-ondary, rechargeable battery.

lines per inch. Unit of measurement forthe →resolution of printed images.(→Dots per inch)

Well-known →internet →search engine.

Developed by Lempel, Zif, and Welsh: aspecial kind of compression reducingrequired storage capacity for →Bitmapformats without loss in quality.

Abbreviated name of the Apple Macin-tosh computer. This computer is oftenused for graphics applications and→image processing.

The Apple Macintosh computer’s→operating system.

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Modem

Moiré

Motion JPEG

MPEG

MPU

MS-DOS

Word derived from Modulation and De-modulation. A device which transformsdigital data into analog signals in orderto send the information through a tele-phone line. A modem is necessary toaccess the →internet or online services.

An interference pattern brought aboutwhen images of differing →resolutionare superimposed. (This problem mayoccur, for example, if small diamondshapes are to be reproduced on a tele-vision screen).

Some digital cameras such as the C-2020ZOOM from Olympus can record afast sequence of images in QuickTimeMotion JEPG format.

Motion Picture Expert Group. Theabbreviation is used to describe a com-pression format for →digitised videoimages. (→JPEG)

Mathematical Processing Unit. Either anintegrated or separate component of a→processor, which carries out themathematical calculations, e.g. for cer-tain image processing tasks.

Microsoft Disc Operating System.(→DOS)

Megabyte

Megapixel digital camera

Memory Stick

Micro-processor

MiniCards

MO Disk

MO Drive

makes possible the trouble-free optimi-sation of pictures.

1 MB = 1,024 →kilobytes.

Digital camera equipped with a CCD thatcan record images with over 1,000,000pixels.

A memory medium developed by Sony.

The programmable →chip controlling thecomputer. It is composed of either one ormore integrated circuits.

Small memory cards that are manufactu-red by Intel (Miniature Cards) or Toshiba(SSFDC).

Abbreviation for Magneto-Optical Disk. An MO Disk can be rewritten as often asdesired and features high storage capa-city (up to 1.3 GB in 3.5’’ format) anddata security.

Device used for the reading of informa-tion from, and the writing of informationto, an →MO Disk. →OLYMPUS is amongthe companies that produces these devices.

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Noise

NTSC

OOffline

OLE

OLYMPUS

A term used in the field of audio engine-ering to describe interference that canlead to impure sounds and distortion.Noise may occur, for example, as aresult of faulty microphones or recor-ding equipment. (→Colour noise)

National Television StandardsCommittee. American television stan-dard for the coding/encoding of colours.Developed in 1953 this US TV norm isdefined by an image size of 640 x 480pixels and a frequency of 60 Hz (interla-ced, i.e. 2 x 30 half images per second).(→PAL, →SECAM)

Describes the state when no data con-nection exists. (→Online)

Object Linking and Embedding:Enables "objects" (graphics, tables,etc.) to be embedded into differentfiles/documents in order to create, forexample, a report.

One of the worldwide leaders in theoptic-electronic field. Since"photokina '96" very active in thefield of digital photography. Just

NNavigator

Negative

Net

Netscape

Network

NiCd battery

Ni-MH battery

→Netscape →internet →browser.

Film coated with a light sensitive emul-sion that after exposure and processingproduces the images taken with thecamera in complementary values.(→Slide)

Shortened form of →network or →internet.

→Navigator.

The connection of several individualcomputers to aid data exchange andcommunication.

Nickel-Cadmium battery.

Nickel-Metal Hydride battery.Rechargeable batteries that have anenergy density 100% higher than →NiCdbatteries and can supply high energylevels when required, e.g. when using theflash in quick succession. They can berecharged more than 300 times and areenvironmentally-friendly (free of cadmiumand mercury). Among other devices, Ni-MH are used to power digitalcameras. AA--ZZ

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Panorama card

Pantone

Parallel

Parallel interface

Patch

PC-Card

frequency of 50 Hz interlaced (2 x 25half images are generated each sec-ond). (→NTSC, →SECAM)

→SmartMedia function card.

A colour scale consisting of about 3,000gradations in tone that is used in editingdigital images.

Simultaneous but independent execu-tion of individual tasks.

Allows external devices to be connec-ted to the computer such as printer,external storage media and digital cam-eras. The data is transmitted →parallel,that is, byte by byte (8 →bits at once).

A piece of programming code that canbe "patched" into an already existingprogram to correct a →bug. (→Bug-Fix)

Also referred to as a →PMCIA-Card. Itis a small card that stores informationand is often used with notebooks. APC-Card may function as a →modem,or act as a connection between a mobi-le phone and a notebook.

Online

Operatingsystem

Optical realimage

viewfinder

PPageMaker

PAL

one year later, the company’s top-of-the-range →CAMEDIA digital cameras, pho-tographic scanners, photo printers, andsoftware made it to number one in theEuropean Digital Imaging market.Olympus has been able to maintain itsleading position ever since.

Describes the state when two or moredevices are directly connected and arecommunicating efficiently. (→Offline)

The basic program needed by a compu-ter for operation. Well-known operatingsystems include →MS-DOS fromMicrosoft and →Mac OS from Apple.

Shows the actual area that can bephotographed.

Popular →DTP program.

Phase Alternating Line. A colour television standard developed inGermany in 1967 and used in manyEuropean and non-European countries.The image size is 786 x 576 pixels with a AA--ZZ

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Photoshop

Picture resolution

Pixel

Pixel modulation

PKZIP

Plug and Play

software offers the user an improvedversion of the picture. By means of asimple "better/ worse" evaluation, usersnew to using image editing can find theperfect result in a matter of minutes.

Popular →image processing program.

→Resolution.

The pixel is the smallest element of araster display or digital image and con-tains information about intensity andcolour. A pixel can be either square orrectangular. Generally, monitors or→ink-jet printers consist of a pixel withup to 256 dots per colour. Exception:→dye-sublimation printer.

A process used in printing whichchanges the brightness of →individualpixels by changing the pixel size.

→.ZIP.

Developed by Intel, this standard allowsthe installation of extension cards into acomputer without the subsequent needto alter the configuration. This isdirectly supported by →Windows95 and all newer Windows ver-sions. (→USB)

PCMCIA

PCMCIA-Card

Photo CD

Photocell

Photodiode

PICT file

PhotoGenetics

Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association. Committee forthe standardisation of storage cards.

→PC-Card.

A process developed by Kodak andPhilips that enables the digital storage ofconventional photographs and slides ona →CD-ROM. As such, the digitised pic-ture may be loaded into a computer andviewed or edited like other digital images.

→Photodiode.

A semiconductor which measures orconverts light into an electrical current.Photodiodes are commonly used in→scanners, →CCD sensors, and→exposure meters.

A →file format developed by Apple.

The software PhotoGenetics, was distri-buted exclusively with →MediaSuite Pro1.0 and included as the first →extension.The uniqueness of this program is basedon a revolutionary concept: for the firsttime evolutionary strategies and proces-ses have been used as a model to allowwhole image optimisation at the click ofa mouse. After opening an image file, the AA--ZZ

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QQuark XPress

Quick shootingmode

QuickTime

RRAM

Popular →DTP-program.

This function allows a number of photosto be taken in quick succession (usuallywith one to two seconds between eachshot). With a large memory (→D-RAM) itis even possible to take high resolutionshots with only a tenth of a second between them. The images are thenlater saved onto the cards.

Developed by Apple, this is a standardfor digital videos and streaming media.More than half of all internet videos arein QuickTime format.

Random Access Memory. The user canread and write data from/onto this typeof memory. RAM is used to temporarilystore both data and programs. As op-posed to →ROM, all memory stored inRAM is lost when the power is turnedoff and is therefore called volatilememory. (→SIMM)

Plug-In

Postscript

ppi

Printer

Processor

ProgressiveCCD

.PSD

Additional program for a →browser toextend its functionality. With a plug-in,file formats that are not in →HTML suchas music and video files, can be run.Well-known plug-ins are: "QuickTime","Flash" (for video), "Shockware" (for multimedia),"PhotoGenetics" (for whole-image optimisation), "RealAudio/RealVideo" (for music/videothrough the Internet), and "Acrobat Reader" (for PDF files).

A standard format for the printing orreproduction of text and graphical docu-ments.

Printing term for →pixel per inch. Indi-cates the number of pixels a →scanneror digital camera can process per inch.

Some types of printers include: →dot-matrix, →ink jet, →laser, →LED or →dye-sublimation.

The "heart" of a computer. All programsand user commands are executed here.

Describes a →CCD specially developedfor digital cameras. (→Video CCD)

→Photoshop file. AA--ZZ

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of approximately 150 lpmm (300 dpirounded out to 118 dots per centimetre).In general, it can be said that the higherthe resolution, the better the quality.

Red, Green, Blue – the three basiccolours for →additive colour mixing.

Reduced Instruction Set Computer. A→processor or system that has extrem-ely fast processing times, but recognisesonly a small number of commands.

Read Only Memory. This type of memorystorage only allows the user to "read" theinformation it contains, i.e. the user can-not store (write) any information on theROM. Once written, the contents of theROM cannot be changed. (→FlashROM,→CD-ROM,→RAM)

The process of reading informationthrough the use of a →scanner.

A device used to →digitise printedinformation (pictures, graphics,and text).

RGB

RISC

ROM

SScan

Scanner

Raster length

Real imageviewfinder

Reflected lightmetering

Resolution

The number of raster points that can bedisplayed per inch. Given in lines percentimetre (L/cm) or per inch (→lpi). A 60raster is 60 L/cm or 152 lpi.

→Optical real image viewfinder.

Method of →exposure metering by whichthe amount of light reflected from thesubject is measured. (→DigitalESP/selective multi zone metering,→light metering, →spot metering,→centre-weighted average metering)

Measurement of the image detail (dotsper inch/centimetre) that a device cancapture or reproduce. With a monitor orprinter, the resolution describes the num-ber of pixels that can be shown. Whenused for devices for image capture, suchas digital cameras or scanners, the reso-lution refers to the number of pixels thatcan be captured. The result is given indpi ("dots per inch" 1 inch = 2.54 cm),the horizontal and vertical total of pixels(e.g. 1,712 x 1,368 or 1,280 x 1,024) or inlpmm (line pairs per millimetre, whichdescribes the highest number of thinblack and white lines that can be dis-played per millimetre). A good smallimage film has, for example, a resolution AA--ZZ

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Server

Shooting range

SHQ-resolution

SIMM

Single lensreflex camera

devices such as a mouse, →modem,and certain digital cameras to be con-nected to the computer. Data is trans-ferred serially, which means →bit by bit,one piece after another, via a connec-tion cable.

The main computer in a →network,responsible for the management/regulation of all other computers

The range in which a camera is able tocapture sharp, focused images.

Super High Quality-resolution. A veryhigh resolution digital photo.

Single In-line Memory Module. A com-mon type of plug-in →RAM memorymodule for personal computers.

Camera type that directs the imagecoming in through the lens up into theviewfinder by means of a mirror. Whenthe shutter is released the mirror swingsup to allow light on the image plane. Forfast sequence shooting and to reducevibrations, some SLR optical systemsuse a beam splitter (prism) instead ofthe quick return swinging mirror.The picture seen through the view-finder is almost 100% identical tothe resulting photo.

SCSI

Search engine

SECAM

Selective multizone metering

Self-timer

Sequencemode

Serial interface

Small Computer System Interface. Ageneral interface standard used, forexample, to connect external storagedevices or scanners with a computer. Itis necessary to differentiate betweenSCSI I, SCSI II, and SCSI III.

Helps catalogue and find the hugeamount of information available on the→internet. (→Altavista, →Lycos and→Yahoo)

SEquential Couleur Avec Memoire.French television standard. Also used informer East Bloc countries. (→PAL, →NTSC)

→Digital ESP.(→Exposure metering, →spot metering,→reflected-light metering, →light metering)

A function that delays the opening of theshutter. This ensures vibration-free ope-ration during long exposure times andenables the photographer to get into thepicture.

Several shots are taken automatically in arow. (→Quick shooting mode)

Also called RS232C or RS422 interface. An →interface which allows peripheral AA--ZZ

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Spot metering

SQ-resolution

SRAM

SSFDC

Standard interface

Streamer

Subtractivecolour mixing

→Exposure metering method wherebythe exposure reading is taken from thecentre of the frame. This is often usedwhen working with backlight. (→Digital ESP/selective multi zone metering, →reflected-light metering,→light metering)

Standard Quality resolution.

Static RAM. A special type of →RAMthat, due to its speed, is particularly sui-ted to tasks where time is a critical factor.

Solid State Floppy Disc Card.

(→SmartMedia memory card)Standard interfaces include serial, parallel, and monitor interfaces.(→Interface)

Internal or external drive for →data security involving a so-called StreamerBand.

A special method for the production ofcolour prints that involves layering thecolours cyan, magenta, yellow, andblack in appropriate proportions, to pro-duce the required colours.(→additive colour mixing)

Slot

SLR

SmartMediastorage card

SmartMediafunction cards

Expansion interface in computers, note-books and other devices. Expansioncards, e.g. →PC Cards, can be pluggedor built in here to increase performance,capacity or the capabilities of the device.

→Single Lens Reflex.

SmartMedia cards are small (45 mm x 37mm x 0.76 mm) and light (approximately2 g) storage media. The controller islocated in the drive instead of beingincorporated in the card to allow simpleconstruction. SmartMedia cards are veryaffordable and ideal for the storage ofdigital photos and music. All →Olympusdigital cameras use SmartMedia cardsfor data storage. (→SSFDC)

Olympus offers various SmartMediacards with additional functions for com-pact and compact zoom digital cameras:a template function that allows photos tobe combined with 12 different templates,a panorama card which together with aPC permits up to 10/20 images to befused to create a panoramic photo, anda calendar function card that enables theproduction of personalised calendarswhereas a title function card is suited todesigning birthday and greetings cards. AA--ZZ

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Title functioncard

True Colour

TruePic

TTL metering

TWAIN driver


Describes the colour output on a moni-tor or printer. Requires at least 16 mil-lion colour nuances.

Developed by Olympus and introducedin autumn 1999, the TruePic technologyoptimises the image information captu-red on the CCD before the data issaved. Employing the algorithm 3 DCubic, it uses the brightness and colourinformation of the neighbouring pixelswhen processing the pixel data. Thesecalculations, only possible with thesuper-fast Risc and Olympus Asic pro-cessor, lead to digital pictures that setstandards for picture sharpness, con-trast, true colours, and gradation.

Through The Lens metering.

Allows the transfer of →scans or digitalphotos into →image editing programs.(TWAIN: Technology Without AnInteresting Name.)

SVGA

SXGA

TTele converter

Template card

TFT

Thumbnail

TIFF

Super Video Graphics Array. Refers to a display screen →resolution ofmore than 800 x 600 →pixels. (→SXGA,→VGA, →UXGA, →XGA)

Super Extended Graphics Array.Describes a →resolution from 1,280 x 1,024 image →pixels. (→SVGA, →VGA, →UXGA, →XGA,)

Lens attachment that extends the focallength. (→Macro-converter, →wide-angle-converter)


Thin film technology. Currently the high-est quality of colour LC-Displays. TFT-displays are used in notebooks as wellas in digital cameras from →OLYMPUS.

The miniature representation of a digitalimage that usually serves as a previewfunction in →image editing programs.

Tagged Image File Format.A specific, high quality →file format usedfor the storage of →digitised images. AA--ZZ

UUART

UnsharpMasking

Update

Upgrade

URL

USB

Utility

UXGA

VVGA

Video output

Video CCD

Virus


A program that performs special tasksfor the operating system, for example:file administration, controlling a digitalcamera, a CD-ROM drive or printer.

Ultra Extended Graphics Array. Thisrefers to images with a →resolution of1,600 x 1,280 →pixels.(→SVGA, →SXGA, →VGA, →XGA)

Video Graphics Array. Refers to a dis-play screen with a →resolution of 640 x480 pixels. (→SVGA, →SXGA,→UXGA, →XGA)

Interface that connects a digital camerawith a TV or video recorder.

Describes a →CCD specially developedfor television and video, also used indigital still cameras. (→Progressive CCD)

Describes a part of a computer programthat usually causes damage or destruc-tion of software and/or data.

Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Trans-mitter. Set of chips in a computer regula-ting data flow over the serial interface.

Often abbreviated USM. Describes an image focusing process.The quality of the result depends on thecharacteristics of the →algorithm used.

An updated version of a software program.

A new improved version of hardware orsoftware that is already available.

Unified Resource Locator. Address system for →internet sites.

The Universal Serial Bus is probablygoing to replace the →serial and→parallel interfaces. USB enables theeffortless connection of peripheral dev-ices without the need to install cards intothe computer or reconfigure parts of theoperating system. The most importantadvantages are: the support of Plug andPlay, →hot plugging, automatic configu-ration of external devices upon connec-tion (no re-start necessary), faster datatransfer (up to 12 →Mbps), and the pos-sible operation of up to 127 devices froma single port.

AA--ZZ52 53

WWhite balance

Wide-angleconverter

Windows(95/98/

2000/NT)

World WideWeb

WWW

XXGA

YYahoo!

Z.ZIP

ZIP-Drive

Zoom lens


AA--ZZ54 55

Extended Graphics Array.A graphics standard developed by IBM,which allows the display of 1,024 x 768→pixels with up to 65,535 colours.(→SVGA, →SXGA, →UXGA, →VGA)

Well-known →internet →search engine.

→File format used for data compression.

A device that allows the storage of upto 250 MB of data.

Lens with a manually or a mechanicallyadjustable focal length. (→Digital tele)

The adjustment of a digital camera to therespective type of light. In addition to theautomatic white balance, it is often pos-sible to choose between "daylight","overcast", "tungsten", and "neon light"for even truer colours or – on the otherhand – create a different, striking effect.

Lens attachment that reduces the focallength. (→Macro converter, →tele converter)

Graphic-based operating environmentdeveloped by Microsoft. Enables the userto utilise a mouse in order to activate or"click" on "windows" and work with pic-tures or images.

Currently the most popular service offered through the →internet. The →WWW provides the possibility totransmit files with multimedia contents(texts, sounds, pictures).

→World Wide Web.

A-Z of Digital Photography

Documents

additive colour

weighted average

internet search

world wide

image editing

mo disk

image editing

lithium battery