Aperture:

The hole or opening in the lens in which light goes through. The aperture determines the amount of light exposed to the film, or in digital photography, the light exposed to the image sensor. Aperture is measured in “f-stops” the larger the number the smaller the aperture hole. All cameras have an aperture range and can be manually manipulated. A good aperture range for a common point-and-shoot camera would be from f2.8 to f5.dSLR cameras’ aperture range varies and depends on the attached lens.

Battery Life:

Most digital cameras come a proprietary battery that usually utilize lutetium ion technology, others simply accept AA sized alkaline and standard rechargeable batteries.

Battery Type:

Most digital cameras come a proprietary battery that usually utilize lutetium ion technology, others simply accept AA sized alkaline and standard rechargeable batteries.

Built-In Memory:

The memory stored in the camera’s internal hard drive. This enables the camera to take pictures without an external memory card. Built-in memory is usually minimal, only a handful of pictures can be stored.

Camera Depth:

The measurement of the camera, usually from the side, measuring front to back; lens to view screen.

Camera Height:

The height of the camera measured from the bottom to top.

Camera Weight:

The length of the digital camera measured horizontally.

Digital Zoom:

The ability to crop a picture within the digital camera its self and retain the aspect ratio of the photograph. Cropping or zooming an image after the photograph has been taken can lessen the quality of the image.

35mm Zoom:

The digital camera has a focal length equivalent to that of a standard 35mm film camera. Specs are usually listed in a range.

Camera Width:

The length of the digital camera measured horizontally.

Focal Length:

Focal length determines the clarity and magnification that the camera registers objects in the distance. Adjusting the focal length makes objects in the foreground stay the same, while objects in the background get smaller or larger.

Image Stabilizer:

The camera can compensate for minimal hand shaking to help with blurring.

ISO Speeds:

ISO speeds, much like aperture, measures how sensitive a camera is to light. They are also related to film speeds. The faster a film speed the faster the action the camera can capture without distortion. In digital cameras, ISO speeds are relative to megapixels and the internal image sensor. The more megapixels a digital camera has, the higher the ISO speed the camera can register. Point-and-shoot cameras should have a speed between 100 and 1000; dSLRs should go up to 3200.

LCD Screen Resolution:

The LCD screen is located on the back of the camera to view the photographs located on the camera’s memory. The better the resolution on the LCD screen the better idea you have of what the photograph will look like when photo is developed.

LCD Screen Size:

The screen located on the back of the camera that displays the pictures stored on the camera or memory stick. A common size is 2.5 inches.

Max Shutter Speed:

Displayed as a fraction of a second this is the maximum speed a shutter can open and immediately close capturing any kind of action. The larger the second number the faster the shutter speed.

Memory:

Digital cameras need memory to store the photographed images. Most include minimal internal memory, but require an additional memory card or stick to store additional photographs. Sometimes this is referred to as an expansion slot. Common memory cards include SD card, SmartMedia card, SDHC card, MultiMediaCard, xD Picture Card and Memory Stick.

Min Focus Range:

The range that the digital camera can clearly focus on a subject. Too far away or too close the subject can be come distorted.

Min Shutter Speed:

Displayed in seconds, this is the longest amount of time the shutter can remain open to capture an image.

Optical Zoom:

Optical zoom in digital cameras works the same way traditional zoom does in standard 35mm cameras. The higher the optical zoom the farther away the camera can take a picture. At minimum, a point-and-shoot camera should have 3x zoom, dSLR cameras’ optical zoom depends on the lens used.

Red Eye Reduction:

The digital camera has the ability to reduce red eye.

Self Timer:

The camera timer can be set to take a photograph automatically. They can usually be set to a two or 10 second delay.

Warranty:

The digital camera comes with a limited warranty usually ranging from 90 days to a year for parts and labor.

Webcam:

The camera can also be used as a webcam.

Continuous Shooting Speed:

Also known as Burst Speed, is a function that allows the camera to continuously snap pictures after pressing the shutter button once. This is measured in frames per second. A good speed for point-and-shoot cameras is about three frames per second. High end dSLRs should be faster.The number of sequential pictures the camera takes depends on the model. This mode is usually reserved for action photography like sports.

File Size (High Res):

The amount of digital space one picture uses when taken on a high resolution setting.

File Size (Low Res):

The amount of digital space one picture uses when taken on a low resolution setting.

Filter Size:

The clear glass located on the front of the camera to protect the camera lens from damage. The filter size depends on the lens size.

Frames Per Second:

The number of frames per second the digital camera records when used in camcorder mode.

Macro:

The camera includes a setting that allows for images to be taken extremely close-up without sacrificing image quality.

Resolution (MP):

The number of megapixels the camera is able to produce.