Photo Glossary

EIS

Electronic Image Stabilizer. A feature that minimizes effect of camera shake.

Electronic flash

An artificial lighting produced by an electronic discharge in a gas filled tube. A single tube can produce a large number of flashes.

Emulsion

The light sensitive, chemically active surface on photographic film and paper.

Endoscope

An optical device allowing the viewing and photography of small inaccessible subjects.

Enlargement

A print that is larger than the negative or slide.

Enlarger

An apparatus for producing prints by projecting a negative or transparency on sensitive paper.

EXIF

Exchangeable Image File. It is the file format used by most digital cameras

Exit pupil

It is an image of the iris diaphragm formed on the back surface of a compound lens by the elements behind the aperture.

Export

A software function that allows you to save a copy of information produced in one format into a file of another format.

Exposure

The amount of light that reaches a film frame or a digital sensor. Exposure is controlled by the shutter speed (time) and aperture (intensity).

Exposure bracketing

A technique where you take several versions of the same photograph using different exposure settings to ensure one accurate result.

Exposure compensation

Dial or buttons on a camera that allow the user to override the automatic exposure mode. Most cameras have +/-2 stops control that is enough to compensate in situations where the camera’s system would normally be fooled. Can also be used to modify contrast when a film is to be pushed or pulled.

Exposure meter

The instrument for measuring the amount of light falling on or being reflected by a subject.

Exposure value (EV)

The combined shutter and aperture values used on cameras and light meters.

External flash

A supplementary flash unit (speedlight) that connects to the camera via the hotshoe or a cable, or is triggered by the light from the camera’s internal built-in flash. For fun, creative effects and better lighting, usually with longer reach than a built-in unit.

Eyepiece correction lens

Attaches to the viewfinder eyepiece to correct for eyesight deficiencies.

Eyepiece magnifier

An optical device that attaches to the eyepiece for increased magnification.