Super Glossary

Aperture

Technology / Digital Cameras / Aperture

Aperture: A small, circular opening inside the lens that can change in diameter to control the amount of light reaching the camera's sensor as a picture is taken. The aperture diameter is expressed in f-stops; the lower the number, the larger the aperture. For instance, the aperture opening when set to f/2.8 is larger than at f/8. The aperture and shutter speed together control the total amount of light reaching the sensor. A larger aperture passes more light through to the sensor. Many cameras have an aperture priority mode that allows you to adjust the aperture to your own liking. See also shutter speed.

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Aperture Priority Camera: Semi-automatic camera on which the photographer sets the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed.

Automatic Aperture: Lens aperture mechanism that stops down to s preset size just as the shutter is fired, afterwards returning to the maximum aperture again for focusing and composing the next image.

Working Aperture: Is the widest aperture at which an acceptable image can be achieved.

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