Glossary
Active D-Lighting A camera setting that preserves highlight and simultaneously increases the shadow details. It works best in high-contrast scenes.
AE (Auto Exposure) A function in which the camera selects the aperture and/or shutter speed based on its built-in light meter reading. See also Aperture-priority auto mode, exposure mode, Programmed auto mode, and Shutter-priority auto mode.
AE/AF (Auto-Exposure/Autofocus) Lock A camera control used to lock a current exposure and/or autofocus setting.
AF-assist Illuminator A light on the front of the camera that illuminates the subject in low-light situations. This provides extra light for the camera’s autofocus.
ambient lighting Lighting that already exists in a scene.
angle of view The amount of a scene that a lens captures as determined by the focal length. Shorter focal lengths have a wider angle of view than longer ones.
aperture The adjustable opening in the lens that allows light through. It is measured as a fraction called an f-stop. The smaller the f-stop is, the larger the opening; the bigger the f-stop is, the smaller the opening.
Aperture-priority auto mode An auto exposure mode in which you choose the aperture and the camera automatically picks the shutter speed using the built-in light meter reading. See also AE (Auto Exposure), exposure mode, Programmed auto mode, and Shutter-priority auto mode.
aspect ratio The ratio of the long to short edge of an image or video.
autofocus The capability of a camera to ...
