Photographer Diary
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Was Kim Kardashian's marriage a fraud? Kris Humphries to fight for an annulment - not divorce ??
NBA star Kris Humphries is seeking to erase his marriage to Kim Kardashian from the record.
The 26-year-old wants to annul his 72-day marriage to reality star Kim Kardashian, 31 , on the grounds of fraud, and filed the papers today.
According to People, his Superior Court filing has the box reading 'nullity of voidable marriage' marked and checks as the basis the box saying 'fraud.'
According to California law, a nullity is granted if the court finds that no valid marriage ever took place.
Along with fraud, grounds for an annulment include bigamy, incest, force or if the couple are under the age of consent.
Humphries's papers say that if he's not granted an annulment then he wants a legal separation and not a divorce under any circumstances.
The basketball star agrees on the date of separation, however, which he also lists as October 31.
Annulments can be difficult to obtain, with a legal expert telling the publication that he will likely have to prove that fraud was actually committed.
But Kim is telling her friends that she absolutely loved Kris and the marriage just fell apart, according to TMZ, so she's unlikely to be agree with this assessment.
LA family lawyer Scott Weston, who is not dealing with the celebrity couple, said Kardashian will probably fight the matter 'unless she's willing to agree that she defrauded him.'
It could mean the pair will end up in a bitter court battle.
[Kris] is sensitive to marriage both emotionally and religiously,' a source told the magazine, adding that the move is 'symbolic' rather than financially motivated.
'He went into it in good faith and never expected things to turn out this way,' says the source.
Kardashian filed for divorce from Humphries on October 31, citing irreconcilable differences
In an interview with US Glamour magazine, Kardashian said: 'I'll always be a hopeless romantic. It means that I believe and love and the dream of having a perfect relationship, but my idea of it has changed.
'I think I need to not live in a fairytale like that. I think I maybe need to just snap out of it and be a little more realistic. What I want isn't possible.'
While her sister Kourtney has just announced she is pregnant with her second child, the 31-year-old fears she may never become a mother.
She said: 'I always wanted what my parents had. And at first I was like, I want six kids. Then I went down to four, then I was down to three, and now I'm just like, maybe I won't have any. Maybe I'll just be a good aunt.
'At this moment in my life, I feel like maybe I'm not supposed to have kids and all that. That's how I feel. Maybe my fairytale has a different ending than I dreamed it would, but that's OK.'
Friday, 25 June 2010
Download EOS 5D Mark II firmware version 2.0.4

This firmware update (Version 2.0.7) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.
These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware.
The Version 2.0.7 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 2.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Click Here to download
Labels:
Photography,
Technology
Sunday, 20 June 2010
The latest Nikon equipment to be used in the Russian segment of the International Space Station New orders received for Nikon D3S and D3X digital-SLR

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce that orders for one Nikon D3S and two Nikon D3X digital-SLR cameras, four interchangeable lenses including AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, software and various accessories have been received from S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, the general contractor of the Russian Federal Space Agency on the program operating the International Space Station(ISS). This equipment will be transported to the ISS via the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft, to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on June 16, 2010.
No special improvements or modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability of the D3S, D3X and NIKKOR lenses. The new equipment will be used along with Nikon SLR cameras, such as the Nikon F5 film-SLR camera and D2X digital-SLR camera and a variety of NIKKOR lenses already used with on-board activities of Russian cosmonauts working in the Russian segment of ISS.
Nikolay Cherlenyak, director of operations for Energia's ISS program, has commented as follows regarding this order.
"The integration of Nikon photographic equipment in space exploration has a long history and goes back to the moment when there first arose the question of photographing research conducted in orbit. It was then when the first Nikon film cameras and NIKKOR lenses, notable for precision and reliability, were sent into space. They had been used even on the station "Mir". Since then, the range of photographic equipment has been frequently supplemented by new products and advanced developments of the Nikon Company. Now with the latest models of Nikon D3S and D3X digital cameras, photography in space will reach a new, previously unattainable level "
Nikon has spent many years contributing to the study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and interchangeable lenses. With total production exceeding 50 million, NIKKOR lenses make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies. In 2009, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.
In addition to the extreme environment of space, Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Antarctic. Nikon equipment contributes to observation and research of these little explored regions with durability, reliability and technical capabilities that stand up to even the most severe environments.
Primary Nikon products in the current order
* D3X
* D3S
* AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
* AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
* SB-900
* AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III
* AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
* AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
* Capture NX2
* Camera Control Pro 2
Nikon products already used in the ISS's Russian Segment
* D2X
* D200
* D3X
* Various NIKKOR lenses
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
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Technology
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM

The EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS II USM was announced in January 2010 as a replacement for Canon's fast image-stabilized telephoto zoom, the EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, which dates from 2001. With the rapid increase in SLR sensor pixel counts placing lenses' optical qualities under ever finer scrutiny, the company clearly felt it was time for an update for this professional workhorse, and has revamped the design accordingly. In the process, it claims to have improved almost every aspect of the lens, including the optics, autofocus, image stabilization, and the mechanical design.
The optical formula is suitably complex - 23 elements in 19 groups - and includes no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements, plus one made from fluorite, to minimize chromatic aberration. The minimum focus distance has been decreased giving improved maximum magnification, the IS system updated to give a claimed 4 stops of stabilization, and the autofocus system revised to meet the demands of Canon's latest fast, high-resolution DSLRs such as the EOS-1D Mark IV. The lens is also, as is usual for Canon's L series optics, fully sealed against dust and water.
Of course all this comes at a considerable price - as usual with a new release, the 'II' lens commands a hefty premium over the previous version of the lens, which also makes it around four times as expensive as its (non-image stabilized) third party rivals from the likes of Sigma and Tamron. Indeed with an introductory price well over the $2000 mark, many potential upgraders will surely be wondering whether the improvements can possibly be worth the money. Over the next few pages we'll do our best to find out.
Headline features
* 70-200mm focal length range; fast F2.8 constant maximum aperture
* Optical image stabilization – 4 stops
* Ring-type USM focusing with full-time manual override
* EF mount for Canon 35mm full-frame and APS-C DSLRS
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Photography
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
“S” REPRESENTS STYLISH, SLIM DESIGN, SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND SUPER ZOOM WITH THE NEW NIKON COOLPIX S-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS


MELVILLE, NY (Feb. 2, 2010) – Today, Nikon Inc. continues the tradition of blending innovation, design and performance in its line of COOLPIX compact cameras with the introduction of four new COOLPIX Style Series cameras. The S-series cameras provide users with innovative and fun features such as long zooms, speedy performance, advanced flash controls, touch-screen technology, and enhanced high resolution LCD screens in sleek, stylish camera bodies. In an impressive slim body, the new COOLPIX S8000 digital camera sports a long 10x optical zoom, 720p HD Video, and a 3.0-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen with bright Clear Color Display. Not to be outdone, the COOLPIX S4000 blends a user-friendly touch-screen interface with an elegant camera design, while the COOLPIX S6000 and COOLPIX S3000 digital cameras deliver the speed, accessibility and ease-of-use that have made the S-series the camera of choice among consumers who value style and performance.
"Building on the hallmarks of the COOLPIX line, the new S-Series cameras combine the features consumers want, along with high performance and innovative technology into elegant camera designs with colorful results," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The digital camera has become an accessory to today’s consumer, and with the S-series camera, users can challenge their creativity, and complement their sense of fashion.”
All new COOLPIX S-series cameras incorporate Nikon’s world-class NIKKOR lenses, delivering accurate detail and brilliant color, as well as Nikon’s EXPEED™ digital image processing concept, which ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness. Many of the new S-series models embrace the addition of High Definition (HD) video by adding an ideally located video record button on the back of the camera. Other COOLPIX features include Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly for great pictures anywhere. To make better portraits easier, the Smart Portrait System incorporates a series of automatic functions including In-Camera Red-Eye Fix ™, Improved Face-Priority AF, Face Priority AE, Smile Mode, Blink Warning and Skin Softening to flatter even the most camera-shy subject.
New COOLPIX S8000: Deceptively Slim Yet Hides a Surprise
Hidden inside the COOLPIX S8000’s slender body resides a powerful and versatile 10x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens that produces incredibly sharp, crisp images up close or far away. To banish the blur at any focal length, the S8000 features a 4-way Image Stabilization System and ISO settings to 3200. Additionally, the S8000 has the ability to record HD movies (720p) at 30 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound, and features an ultra high-resolution 921,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD for sharp, clear viewing of images.
The 14.2-megapixel COOLPIX S8000 digital camera also includes a new feature called the Creative Slider, which simplifies adjusting brightness, saturation and color tone in-camera by utilizing the Rotary Multi Selector. Another new feature, Advanced Flash Control, allows users to create more natural-looking flash shots by utilizing higher ISO settings and faster shutter speeds in low light as well as apply Multi-area Auto Backlight Compensation for even exposures. Additionally, the COOLPIX S8000 packs an improved Sport Continuous Mode, high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 4 fps for 45 frames (3 MP), plus a fast start-up time and a quick shutter-release time. To further ensure no moment is missed, the S8000 has the ability to acquire the subject and lock focus using Subject Tracking.
The COOLPIX S8000 will be available in February 2010 for $299.95* MSRP in a choice of colors including black, red, bronze and champagne silver.
The New COOLPIX S6000: High Performance Is Always In Style
The new COOLPIX S6000 digital camera blends performance into an elegant camera design to create the ideal accessory for wherever life leads. Though the S6000 measures only one-inch thick, it comes with a versatile 7x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens to zoom in on the action or fill the frame with your subject. The COOLPIX S6000 also has the ability to record HD movie clips (720p) at 30 fps to preserve memories in high quality video, which are easily played back later on an HDTV from the camera via HDMI connection.
The COOLPIX S6000 includes features like 14.2-megapixel resolution and a bright 2.7-inch 230,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD. Similar to the COOLPIX S8000, the COOLPIX S6000 boasts advanced features and controls like Sport Continuous Mode and Advanced Flash Control. The S6000 also sports a fast start-up time of approximately 0.75 seconds and a short shutter-release time of approximately 0.3 seconds to help ensure memories are recorded as soon as they happen.
To further help users snap stunning photos easily, the COOLPIX S6000 features ISO 3200; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System all packed into an ultra-stylish design.
The COOLPIX S6000 will be available in March 2010 for $249.95* MSRP in a choice of bold colors, including champagne silver, black, red, and bronze.
The New COOLPIX S4000: Touch-Screen Technology, Nikon Performance
Integrating elegant design and intuitive operation, the new COOLPIX S4000 digital camera comes equipped with a touch-screen interface that places the camera's controls at the users' fingertips. The COOLPIX S4000 incorporates a new 3.0-inch 460,000-dot touch-panel Clear Color Display LCD, which makes it easy to compose, review, edit and share pictures.
To fully utilize the touch-screen interface, the COOLPIX S4000 comes with several advanced shooting features. With Touch Shutter, users can select their subject by a single touch on the screen to adjust focus and exposure, and to automatically release the shutter. When selected, Subject Tracking can automatically follow and focus on a subject selected by touching the screen, such as a fast moving child or a pet throughout the frame.
At the touch of a finger, users can record HD movies (720p) to create and share. The S4000 also includes user-friendly modes like Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes the scene in your picture and adjusts camera setting to take the best photo possible for the given conditions.
The 12-megapixel COOLPIX S4000 features a 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens, ISO sensitivity to 3200; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and a compact stylish design.
The COOLPIX S4000 digital camera will be available in March 2010 for $199.95 MSRP in a choice of vibrant colors, including plum, champagne silver, pink, red and black.
New COOLPIX S3000: Make a Statement in Color
Sleek design, attractive colors and innovative technology truly set the new Nikon COOLPIX S3000 digital camera apart from the competition. The COOLPIX S3000 comfortably places advanced shooting controls in the hand for great fun and optimal results. User-friendly advanced features and ease-of-use, along with the camera's compact size make it a pleasure to carry around anywhere from the family reunion to a night on the town.
With the stylish looks and the vivid color choices of the S3000, the camera is the perfect tool to express one's personal style. The COOLPIX S3000 also includes a bright 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen designed to make it easy to compose, review and share pictures. The 12-megapixel COOLPIX S3000 features a 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens; ISO 3200; 4-way VR Image stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and a colorful and compact design.
The COOLPIX S3000 will be available in March 2010 for $149.95 MSRP and in a choice of vibrant colors, including plum, champagne silver, black, orange, green and blue.
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News,
Photography
Friday, 29 January 2010
Canon celebrates production of 50 million EF lenses

TOKYO, January 29, 2010—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the achievement of a new EF lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company's 50-millionth lens, an EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan. EF lenses reached the 10-million-unit milestone after approximately eight and a half years in production, followed by the 40-million-unit mark in April of 2008. Owing to the popularity of the EOS Digital series, production then increased 10 million units to reach the current 50-million-unit milestone in December 2009 after a mere one year and eight months.
First introduced in March 1987, along with Canon's EOS SLR camera system, the EF lens has over the years featured a range of innovative proprietary technologies to lead the industry. These include such world's firsts*1 as the Ultrasonic Motor-powered lens (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) to compensate for the effects of camera shake, Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and a super telephoto lens that employs a diffractive optical element. Last year, Canon successfully commercialized the Hybrid IS, a technology that effectively compensates for both angle-based camera shake and shift-based camera shake, utilized in the EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens.
Canon's current EF lens lineup compromises 65 models*2 ranging from super-wide-angle lenses to super-telephoto zoom lenses, catering to the varying needs of photographers from first-time users to advanced-amateurs and professionals. The company's diverse selection of lenses offers several features including a number of zoom options ranging from standard to super-telephoto, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-diameter lenses, macro-lenses and TS-E lenses featuring a special tilt-shift mechanism allowing manipulation of image perspective and distortion. In addition, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, featuring outstanding optical performance and Image Stabilization, is planned for market release in early March 2010.
Canon will continue to proactively introduce innovative technologies, striving to provide superlative image quality and reliability in lens production.
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News,
Photography
Friday, 15 January 2010
Canon aids earthquake relief efforts in Haiti
On January 12, a powerful earthquake struck the Republic of Haiti, causing extensive destruction and loss of life. We at Canon extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this disaster and our thoughts go out to those suffering in its aftermath.
While we realize that the road to recovery will be challenging and time-consuming, we hope that the region will soon be able to begin the rebuilding and healing process.
The Canon Group is contributing in the relief efforts for victims of the earthquake through donations to the Japanese Red Cross Society and other humanitarian aid organizations totaling 20 million yen (approximately US$220,000).
While we realize that the road to recovery will be challenging and time-consuming, we hope that the region will soon be able to begin the rebuilding and healing process.
The Canon Group is contributing in the relief efforts for victims of the earthquake through donations to the Japanese Red Cross Society and other humanitarian aid organizations totaling 20 million yen (approximately US$220,000).
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Photography Glossary
2-stage Shutter Release
A 2-stage shutter release is the industry standard among current electronic cameras. In order to activate the Autofocus mechanism and the light meter, slightly press the shutter release. Holding the release halfway maintains the focusing point and the exposure parameters (AE Lock), and allows for re-composition of the picture, if so desired by you. To take the picture, simply push down on shutter release all the way.
35mm Equivalent
Because of the relative novelty of consumer digital imaging technology, Canon has begun providing the equivalent focal length in traditional 35mm film cameras.
A-D Converter
The A-D Converter converts the analog signal that is emitted from the image sensor into a digital signal.
Acquire
To import digital image files into a software application. The term is often applied differently within different types of software. Users of Canon PowerShot cameras enjoy the easy-to-use and highly advanced ImageBrowser (Mac) and ZoomBrowser (PC) softwares.
Advanced Photo System
A new standard in consumer photography developed by Canon and four other System Developing Companies. It is based on a new film format and innovative film, camera and photofinishing technologies to provide the user simple loading, easy flexibility on print sizes and improved photo quality.
Angle of view
To produce a quality image there is a maximum acceptance angle of a lens that must be adhered to.
Aperture
The lens opening, which permits light to expose the CCD on a digital camera or film (in a traditional camera). The aperture size is either fixed or adjustable, and is calibrated in F-Stop numbers; the larger the number, the smaller the lens opening.
ASA (American Standards Association), ISO (International Standards Organization)
Film ratings, expressed as a number indicating a film's sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the more sensitive and faster the film is. While traditional cameras don't have a specific ISO rating, digital cameras do as a way to express their sensitivity to light.
Aspherical surface
A lens surface that possesses more than one radius of curvature. The aspherical elements compensate for the multitude of lens aberrations common in simpler lens designs.
Autofocus TTL (through-the-lens)
Allows the camera to automatically focus through the lens, rather than by moving the lens back and forth manually. See also TTL.
Averaging
a.k.a. matrix metering or segmented metering. This type of system takes a light reading from many different areas of the frame. The microprocessor then calculates this information into a composite reading that takes into account the differences within the frame.
Bit
A bit, which stands for binary digit, is the smallest unit of digital information. Eight bits equals one byte. Digital images are often described by the number of bits used to represent each pixel. i.e. a 1-bit image is monochrome; an 8-bit image supports 256 colors or grayscales; while 24 or 32-bit supports true color.
Bitmap
A method of storing digital information that maps an image pixel out, bit by bit. The density of the pixels determines how sharp the image resolution will be. Most image files are bit mapped. This type of file gives you the 'jaggies,' stair-stepped edges that become apparent when you zoom in. Bitmap images are compatible with all types of computers. The desktop for all Windows machines uses .bmp files, while the Macintosh uses .pict files. Most Internet publishing and e-mail use JPEG or .JPG and .GIF (89a) formats. Canon PowerShot cameras store their pictures in JPEG format.
BMP
The bit-mapped file format used by Microsoft Windows. The BMP format supports RGB, indexed-color, grayscale, and Bitmap color modes.
Bracketing
This is an excellent method of coming to an understanding of the f/stop function. It is a technique in which takes a subject and takes a number of pictures from the same viewpoint at differing levels of exposure. Half or one f/stop (+/-) differences are usually selected depending on the subject.
CCD
Charge-coupled device. The image sensor that separates the spectrum of color into red, green and blue for digital processing by the camera. In digital cameras both Area and Linear CCDs are used. A CCD captures only black-and-white images. The image is passed through red, green and blue filters in order to capture color.
Area CCD: A square or rectangular CCD that can capture an entire image at once, which is essential for dynamic subjects and flash photography.
Linear CCD: a.k.a. scanner-type CCD, these sensors are long and thin, and capture an image by recording a vast number of individual "exposures" while scanning across the picture frame. These are best suited for still subjects and continuous illumination.
Center-Weighted
A method of determining the correct exposure for a photograph which gives more importance to the light meter reading at the center of the frame than to the peripheral areas. This method is often criticized for being too limiting to the photographer. The PowerShot S10, S20 and S100 all utilize a 3-point focal system that frees you from having to keep your subject centered at all times.
CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A type of semiconductor that has been, until the EOS D30, widely unavailable for digital cameras. CMOS semiconductors use two circuits, negative and positive polarity circuits. Because only one of the circuits can be on at once, CMOS chips are less energy consuming than other chips that utilize simply one type of transistor. This is a clear advantage of the CMOS sensor over the standard CCDs in use today.
CMY
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. The three colors used to make all other colors. Like CMYK, CMY is used in printing to create the colors seen in a print.
CMYK
a.k.a. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, BlacK. The color model in which all colors are described as combinations of these four colors. Most color printers, ink-jet, laser, dye-sublimation, thermal, and crayon printers use these as their printer colors. One of the biggest challenges of desktop publishing is color matching because the conversion from RGB to CMYK can cause color shifts - making it difficult to match the print with what is on your monitor.
Compact Flash Card
A digital image storing mechanism that is increasing in popularity and thus functionality. Flash memory is a safe, highly reliable form of storage that doesn't need power to hold the images after they are saved. It won't erase the images unless the user chooses to do so.
Complimentary color
If two colors, combined in the proper proportion form white light, then they are complimentary colors.
Compression
The compression of digital files in a format that requires less storage space. Compression techniques are distinguished from each other by whether they remove detail and color from the image. Lossless techniques compress image data without removing detail; lossy techniques compress images by removing some detail. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is a lossy compression technique supported by JPEG, PDF, and PostScript language file formats. PowerShot digital cameras store their images in JPEG format, which provides the best results with continuous-tone images, such as photographs, when the size of the file is an important factor.
Contrast
The difference between elements in a photograph. Contrast can include the difference between light and dark areas, or a marked difference in colors.
A 2-stage shutter release is the industry standard among current electronic cameras. In order to activate the Autofocus mechanism and the light meter, slightly press the shutter release. Holding the release halfway maintains the focusing point and the exposure parameters (AE Lock), and allows for re-composition of the picture, if so desired by you. To take the picture, simply push down on shutter release all the way.
35mm Equivalent
Because of the relative novelty of consumer digital imaging technology, Canon has begun providing the equivalent focal length in traditional 35mm film cameras.
| A |
The A-D Converter converts the analog signal that is emitted from the image sensor into a digital signal.
Acquire
To import digital image files into a software application. The term is often applied differently within different types of software. Users of Canon PowerShot cameras enjoy the easy-to-use and highly advanced ImageBrowser (Mac) and ZoomBrowser (PC) softwares.
Advanced Photo System
A new standard in consumer photography developed by Canon and four other System Developing Companies. It is based on a new film format and innovative film, camera and photofinishing technologies to provide the user simple loading, easy flexibility on print sizes and improved photo quality.
Angle of view
To produce a quality image there is a maximum acceptance angle of a lens that must be adhered to.
Aperture
The lens opening, which permits light to expose the CCD on a digital camera or film (in a traditional camera). The aperture size is either fixed or adjustable, and is calibrated in F-Stop numbers; the larger the number, the smaller the lens opening.
ASA (American Standards Association), ISO (International Standards Organization)
Film ratings, expressed as a number indicating a film's sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the more sensitive and faster the film is. While traditional cameras don't have a specific ISO rating, digital cameras do as a way to express their sensitivity to light.
Aspherical surface
A lens surface that possesses more than one radius of curvature. The aspherical elements compensate for the multitude of lens aberrations common in simpler lens designs.
Autofocus TTL (through-the-lens)
Allows the camera to automatically focus through the lens, rather than by moving the lens back and forth manually. See also TTL.
Averaging
a.k.a. matrix metering or segmented metering. This type of system takes a light reading from many different areas of the frame. The microprocessor then calculates this information into a composite reading that takes into account the differences within the frame.
| B |
A bit, which stands for binary digit, is the smallest unit of digital information. Eight bits equals one byte. Digital images are often described by the number of bits used to represent each pixel. i.e. a 1-bit image is monochrome; an 8-bit image supports 256 colors or grayscales; while 24 or 32-bit supports true color.
Bitmap
A method of storing digital information that maps an image pixel out, bit by bit. The density of the pixels determines how sharp the image resolution will be. Most image files are bit mapped. This type of file gives you the 'jaggies,' stair-stepped edges that become apparent when you zoom in. Bitmap images are compatible with all types of computers. The desktop for all Windows machines uses .bmp files, while the Macintosh uses .pict files. Most Internet publishing and e-mail use JPEG or .JPG and .GIF (89a) formats. Canon PowerShot cameras store their pictures in JPEG format.
BMP
The bit-mapped file format used by Microsoft Windows. The BMP format supports RGB, indexed-color, grayscale, and Bitmap color modes.
Bracketing
This is an excellent method of coming to an understanding of the f/stop function. It is a technique in which takes a subject and takes a number of pictures from the same viewpoint at differing levels of exposure. Half or one f/stop (+/-) differences are usually selected depending on the subject.
| C |
Charge-coupled device. The image sensor that separates the spectrum of color into red, green and blue for digital processing by the camera. In digital cameras both Area and Linear CCDs are used. A CCD captures only black-and-white images. The image is passed through red, green and blue filters in order to capture color.
Area CCD: A square or rectangular CCD that can capture an entire image at once, which is essential for dynamic subjects and flash photography.
Linear CCD: a.k.a. scanner-type CCD, these sensors are long and thin, and capture an image by recording a vast number of individual "exposures" while scanning across the picture frame. These are best suited for still subjects and continuous illumination.
Center-Weighted
A method of determining the correct exposure for a photograph which gives more importance to the light meter reading at the center of the frame than to the peripheral areas. This method is often criticized for being too limiting to the photographer. The PowerShot S10, S20 and S100 all utilize a 3-point focal system that frees you from having to keep your subject centered at all times.
CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A type of semiconductor that has been, until the EOS D30, widely unavailable for digital cameras. CMOS semiconductors use two circuits, negative and positive polarity circuits. Because only one of the circuits can be on at once, CMOS chips are less energy consuming than other chips that utilize simply one type of transistor. This is a clear advantage of the CMOS sensor over the standard CCDs in use today.
CMY
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. The three colors used to make all other colors. Like CMYK, CMY is used in printing to create the colors seen in a print.
CMYK
a.k.a. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, BlacK. The color model in which all colors are described as combinations of these four colors. Most color printers, ink-jet, laser, dye-sublimation, thermal, and crayon printers use these as their printer colors. One of the biggest challenges of desktop publishing is color matching because the conversion from RGB to CMYK can cause color shifts - making it difficult to match the print with what is on your monitor.
Compact Flash Card
A digital image storing mechanism that is increasing in popularity and thus functionality. Flash memory is a safe, highly reliable form of storage that doesn't need power to hold the images after they are saved. It won't erase the images unless the user chooses to do so.
Complimentary color
If two colors, combined in the proper proportion form white light, then they are complimentary colors.
Compression
The compression of digital files in a format that requires less storage space. Compression techniques are distinguished from each other by whether they remove detail and color from the image. Lossless techniques compress image data without removing detail; lossy techniques compress images by removing some detail. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is a lossy compression technique supported by JPEG, PDF, and PostScript language file formats. PowerShot digital cameras store their images in JPEG format, which provides the best results with continuous-tone images, such as photographs, when the size of the file is an important factor.
Contrast
The difference between elements in a photograph. Contrast can include the difference between light and dark areas, or a marked difference in colors.


