[ GLOSSARY DEFINITION ] Camera

Aperture

The lens opening size (f/1.6, f/2.2); lower f-number lets in more light.

Also known as: f-stop F-Stop f/1.6 Aperture size

Full Definition & Technical Explanation

Aperture is the lens opening controlling light intake, written as f/1.6, f/2.2, etc. Lower f-number = wider opening = more light and shallower depth of field. See Aperture per lens.

Wider apertures help low-light shots and blur backgrounds. It works with sensor and megapixels.

Related Technical Terms

Bokeh
The pleasing blur behind a subject in portraits, produced by wide apertures or software. Camera
Megapixel
One million pixels in a camera sensor; more MP can mean more detail, but sensor size matters more. Camera
OIS
Hardware that moves the lens to counter hand shake, giving sharper photos and steadier video. Camera
Sensor Size
The physical size of the camera sensor (1/1.56", 1/2.55"); larger sensors capture more light. Camera
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