Camera, Lenses, and Gear Flashcards

What does the term 'crop factor' refer to in digital photography?

Answer: The ratio of a sensor's size to a full-frame 35mm sensor

Crop factor is the ratio comparing a camera's sensor size to a full-frame 35mm sensor, which affects the effective field of view of lenses.

Which lens type produces the least geometric distortion for architectural photography?

Answer: Tilt-shift lens

Tilt-shift lenses can correct perspective distortion and keep vertical lines straight, making them ideal for architectural photography.

What is the primary function of image stabilization in a camera lens?

Answer: To reduce blur caused by camera shake during handheld shooting

Image stabilization compensates for small camera movements during handheld shooting, allowing photographers to use slower shutter speeds without motion blur.

A lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 is considered:

Answer: A fast lens well-suited for low-light and shallow depth-of-field work

A wide maximum aperture like f/1.4 allows more light to reach the sensor, enabling faster shutter speeds and creating a shallower depth of field.

What does 'ED' stand for in Nikon lens nomenclature?

Answer: Extra-low Dispersion

ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass, which minimizes chromatic aberration and produces sharper, more color-accurate images.

Which camera metering mode measures light only from a small central area of the frame?

Answer: Spot metering

Spot metering reads exposure from a very small area (typically 1–5% of the frame), giving precise control over exposure of a specific subject.

What is a 'pancake lens' in photography?

Answer: An extremely compact, flat prime lens

A pancake lens is a very thin, compact prime lens that makes the camera system much more portable without sacrificing image quality.