- scanner
- A scanner converts normal film and photos into digital pictures which can then be read by a computer. Flatbed scanners look a bit like small photocopiers and are ideal for converting prints and drawings. Film scanners are shoebox-shaped and convert both negative and slide film.
- Scanning Camera
- a digital camera that uses a single row of CCD sensing elements to scan the image one row of pixels at a time.
- shutter release
- The shutter release button is the one you press down to take a picture and the click you hear is the shutter opening and closing. Most good autofocus cameras allow you to pre-focus on subjects that are slightly off-centre. To do this point the lens at your main subject and lightly press the shutter release button halfway down to 'lock' the focus before recomposing the picture and fully depressing the shutter release.
- shutter speed
- A shutter is a thin curtain that opens and closes to expose your film to light. Faster shutter speeds are useful for freezing action while slower speeds create blur. Digital cameras use a different system that works by turning the electrical supply to the CCD sensor on and off.
- Simulation
- Output Simulation Mode is a feature color management software that allows you to accurately simulate on the monitor display what you will get on the printed page. This is accomplished by applying the profile of the specified output device and the monitor profile to the image file to appropriately limit the gamut and gamma of the displayed image. (see: Color Management)
- single-use cameras
- Pre-loaded with film and ready to use single-use cameras cost only a little bit more than the price of a normal roll of film. These cameras are great for taking on holiday; once you've finished taking pictures all you need to do is hand the camera in for processing and printing.
- Slide
- A 35mm color transparency.
- slide film
- Slide or positive film is used to make slides for viewing with a slide projector. In photographic terms 'chrome' means slide film as in Fujichrome or Kodachrome. Slides are also called 'transparencies' and even though a negative isn't created you can still have prints made from your slides.
- SLR cameras
- Single lens reflex cameras allow you to see directly through the lens by channelling light through a prism to your viewfinder. This makes them a more accurate tool for keen photographers. SLRs also give you a wide choice of interchangeable lenses and other accessories to add to your kit as your creative demands develop.
- SmartMedia card
- A SmartMedia card is a type of memory card designed to store photos taken with a digital camera. The cards are wafer thin about half the size of a credit card and are available with different memory capacities such as 16Mb and 32Mb. Large-capacity cards cost more money but can be used to store more pictures.
- Soft-Proof
- The process of using the computer monitor to accurately simulate what the image will look like when printed. Proofing on screen rather than with a hard-copy contract proof. Soft-proofing is only possible when using accurate color management systems and output simulation display modes.
- standard lens
- If you use a standard lens such as the 50mm for an SLR camera the view you get is close to the normal view seen by the human eye. Using a standard lens for everyday photography can be tricky especially indoors. Wide angle lenses such as a 28mm allow you to see more.
- stopping down
- Stopping down is the opposite of opening up. When you select a lower aperture less light is allowed to reach the film but the depth of field is increased.
