Photography Related Glossary & Reference (S)

Sampling - Sampling is gathering data of a given object to calculate its content. A camera gathers information by analyzing a light source and determining its color.

Saturation - The intensity of color. More saturation usually means a darker or deeper color. Most photo editing software come with tools for changing saturation in a digital image.

Screen Resolution - The resolution of an electronic display. In general the resolution refers to the number of pixels creating the display.

SCSI - Small Computer System Interface. This is an old standard for connecting different devices to your personal computer. A SCSI interface can handle up to 7 devices at the same time.

Servo-Focus - This enables your camera to auto focus on moving objects by tracking it within the frame.

Sharpening - Sharpening essentially enhances the edges of an object in a digital image to make them look sharper.

Shutter - This is the mechanism on the camera that can open and close to introduce light to the image sensor and/or film.

Shutter Lag - This is the wait time between pressing the shutter release button and the mechanism actually working.

Shutter Priority - This option lets the user set up the camera’s shutter speed.

Shutter Speed - the time for which the shutter is held open during the taking of a photograph to allow light to reach the film.

Single Array System - This option is only available on digital cameras, it enables the use just one single image sensor for imaging.

Single-Axis Focusing Zone - Enables user to measure contrast along single axis, most of the time Horizontally.

Single Lens Reflex - Also known as SLR. This type of camera uses the same lens for exposure and operating the viewfinder.

Slow Sync Mode - This mode forces the shutter to stay open for a longer period of time firing the flash just as the shutter is about to close.

SLR - Single Lens Reflex. This type of camera uses the same lens for exposure and operating the viewfinder. The camera uses a movable mirror placed between the lens and film.

Smart Media - Removable and auto-detectable storage device.

Soft Proof - This option enables you to preview on screen what the actual printed photograph will look like, and what the colors are going to be like.

Specular Highlights - This is a reflection from a light source. This usually happens with shiny objects or around the outer edges of images.

Spot Meter - This is a light measuring device which covers a narrow circle of the scene.

sRGB - This is an abbreviation which is used by Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. It is basically a scope of colors available for display on a regular monitor.

Step-Up Ring - This can be attached to a camera allowing the user to swap different lens-attachments and filters.

Stitching - This is a method of putting together different images to assemble a large image or panorama.

Stop - This is how much light is allowed through the lens to the object the camera is trying to focus on.

Stripped Array - This option is only available on digital cameras and it enables the use just one single image sensor for imaging.

Subtractive - A process in which ink mixes together to form new colors.

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