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Terminology
Photography has always had its share of jargon, but the growing popularity of digital photography has seen many computer terms being introduced as well. Here are just a few from both sides of the digital divide...


DSLR
See SLR


EXIF
Data describing the camera settings that is stored with the digital picture file. See HERE for more details.


RAW
RAW data is the term usually used to describe data captured by the camera in an unprocessed form. It is usually used where it is intended to use computer processing to "develop" the file to JPEG or TIFF. RAW has the advantage that adjustments can be made in the conversion process (e.g; to the White Balance) that would not be possible if capturing directly in JPEG format. On the down-side, RAW files tend to be large (it uses a lossless compression) and require software to view and convert the files to a working format. RAW is often ldescribed as the equivalent of the film negative, whereas the final JPEG or TIFF file is the equivalent of the print.

Rather confusingly, Canon RAW files have the extension ".TIF" instead of the more recognisable CRW (Canon RAW) file extension used elsewhere.


SLR/DSLR
Single Lens Reflex or Digital SLR. The term SLR refers to the reflex action of raising the viewing mirror prior to exposing the film or digital sensor. The term is also often used (incorrectly) to describe cameras with interchangeable lenses.