[ 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.
Where Aperture Matters
Smartphones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aperture?
The lens opening size (f/1.6, f/2.2); lower f-number lets in more light.
What terms are related to Aperture?
Related Camera terms include Megapixel, Sensor Size, Bokeh, OIS.
Related Technical Terms
Megapixel
One million pixels in a camera sensor; more MP can mean more detail, but sensor size matters more.
Camera
Sensor Size
The physical size of the camera sensor (1/1.56", 1/2.55"); larger sensors capture more light.
Camera
Bokeh
The pleasing blur behind a subject in portraits, produced by wide apertures or software.
Camera
OIS
Hardware that moves the lens to counter hand shake, giving sharper photos and steadier video.
Camera