Photographers’ gobbledygook can be confusing! This photography dictionary will help you find the real significance behind that jargon.
Neg. (Negative)
Developed film that contains a reversed image of the original scene (in a colour negative the colours are also reversed, and appear as their complementaries.). Light shone through the transparent negative will make a positive (normal) print on photographic paper.
Neg. carrier
Negative holder used in an enlarger. It may be adjustable for different formats and is designed to exclude unwanted light from the edges of the neg .
(see Format)
Neutral density filter
A neutral grey camera filter which is used to reduce the amount of light entering the camera when a slow shutter speed or wide aperture is needed.
(see Aperture & Shutter speed)
Noise Reduction
A major picture quality difference between a digital compact and a DSLR is that the compact produces photos with more noise, similar to the 'grain' of a high ISO traditional film. When a high ISO is set the camera has to amplify the signal received from the sensor and this increases background electrical noise. The larger image sensor of the DSLR has bigger photosites therefore more light gathering capacity and a larger signal to noise ratio.
To overcome this problem manufacturers have incorporated noise reduction systems into their cameras. These do reduce noise but also introduce a smoothing effect. Creating a 'smearing' mostly revealed in grass, brickwork and any subject with a fine, repetitive pattern.
(see ISO & DSLR)
Peter Ashby-Hayter, Bristol, U.K. Bristol Photographer
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