Photographers’ gobbledygook can be confusing! This photography dictionary will help you find the real significance behind that jargon.
Macro lens
A lens that provides continuous focusing from infinity to extreme life-size 1:1 close-ups. Also used as a copy lens because of its highly corrected design and close-focusing. Macro lenses can also be used at ordinary subject distances
(see Copy, Close-up lens & Extension tubes)
Macrophotography
Close-up photography in the range of magnification between life-size 1:1 and about ten times 10:1.
Not battery fed; large studio based Flash lights, run from mains electric.
(see Generator pack & Monobloc) .
Manipulate
To change a photograph either by a computer program, optical processes or by skilled hand.
Matrix Metering
Multi-segment metering (originally devised by Nikon for its FA SLR of 1983 under the name AMP: Automatic Multi-Pattern metering). Matrix was introduced to the world in 1988 with the Nikon F4, light coming from the subject passes through the lens into the viewfinder where it strikes the F4's 5 segment light meter, this offered the photographer a better chance of obtaining the correct exposure for the main component of a particular image. The latest Nikon flagship D4 has a RGB sensor with 91K (91,000) pixels. Produced by other manufactures under varying names.
Medium format
A larger format than the popular 35mm size, which can provide the image quality necessary for commercial reproduction, using 120, 220 or 70mm film. Various sizes can be shot, the most popular are 6cmx6cm, 6cmx4.5cm and 6cmx7cm.
(see 35mm)
Megabyte (MB)
A measure of file size and storage capacity referring to between 1,000,000 and 1,048,576, 8-bit data units or characters.
(see Gigabyte)
Megapixel
The manufacturers way of describing the resolution of a Digital camera; a 12 megapixel camera has a resolution of 12 million pixels. The 'image size' of a Nikon D600 24.3 megapixel camera is 6,016 x 4,016 pixels.
(see Pixel)
Memory Stick
A Sony memory card. Like Compact Flash and Smart Media it is a flash memory based storage system for use in digital cameras.
(see Compact Flash and Smart Media)
Metadata
Data embedded and stored within a digital image file. It provides information concerning copyright, credit, restrictions, captions, photographer, keywords, or other characteristics. There are several forms of image metadata including EXIF which is used by digital camera makers and provides large amounts of photo information including the make & model, date & time, aperture and shutter-speed.
(see EXIF data)
Meter
An instrument with a light-sensitive cell that measures the light reflected from or falling onto a subject. Some types can also measure Flash light.
(see: Exposure meter & Incident light)
Metz
Well known German manufacturer of large portable battery flashguns.
Micro Drives
Very small1-inch Hard Drives (HD) designed to fit a CompactFlash (CF) slot. Today flash memory cards are available in much larger sizes.
(see Compact Flash)
Micro Four Thirds system (MFT)
A new standard created by Olympus and Panasonic for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras. MFT has the same image sensor size and specification as the Four Thirds system but with smaller lenses and bodies because of its mirrorless design. A useful feature is that virtually any lens (e.g.: Leica) can be used on a MFT camera body using an adapter.
(see Four Thirds system)
Micro lens
The Micro-Nikkor is the Nikon Corporation's name for their close-up 'Macro' lens.
(see Macro lens)
Microlens
A microlens is a small lens, generally with a diameter less than a millimetre (mm) and often smaller than 10 micrometres (µm). Microlens arrays are often used to increase the light collection efficiency of CCD & CMOS sensors.
(see CCD & CMOS)
A long lens that uses mirrors within its construction. This allows an extremely long focal length lens to fit within a relatively short barrel. Also known as reflex or catadioptric (cat).
(see Long lens)
Mirrorless Camera
The term mirrorless is primarily used to describe a digital interchangeable lens camera, in comparison with the traditional Digital SLR (DSLR). Lacking a moving mirror system and a pentaprism allows this type of camera to be smaller and quieter.
(see Digital SLR & EVIL)
Model Release
A document signed by the subject (if under age, the subject's guardian) to permit the use of their likeness in advertising or commercial photography.
Modeling light
A high powered bulb in a Mains Flash unit which is used to help the photographer judge what effect the flash light will have on the subject. It also describes a light used to enhance a three-dimensional effect.
(see Mains flash)
Monobloc
Type of mains flash that is smaller than the Generator style items. They are self contained and can be used more easily on location.
(see Generator pack)
Large format camera movements to help focus, shape, composition or converging angles (swing, shift & tilt) .
(see Camera movements & Converging angles)
Modern lenses are made up of many individual glass elements, these elements improve the overall image quality compared with a simple 'single' or 'double' element lens, however, extra elements can reduce the performance by absorbing incoming light. A transparent lens 'Coating' (single or multi) aids the passage of light, reduces 'flare' and also improves contrast.
(see Flare)
Photographic B&W paper that provides all the different grades of contrast from one box. Invented by Ilford in the 1950's, but versions are now manufactured by all the major makers.
(see Contrast grade paper)
Peter Ashby-Hayter, Bristol, U.K. Bristol Photographer
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