CompactFlash
A type of removable memory card used in Canon, Casio, HP and Samsung cameras.

Computer system requirements
Digital cameras are used with personal computers. So, when you shop for a digital camera, check the list of computer hardware and software it requires to ensure that the camera is compatible with your computer. Specific system requirements vary from camera to camera, but all of them share a few basic requirements. For example, you'll need a computer with a CD-ROM drive so you can install software for downloading and editing photos. If you want to share photos through email or the Web, you'll also need an Internet connection. Most digital cameras connect to your computer through a USB (universal serial bus) port, but some require a serial or parallel port. For example, USB connections won't work with the Windows NT 4.0 operating system.

Digital zoom
A digital zoom is software inside the camera that crops the edges from a photo and enlarges the center portion. The digital zoom is handy, although it does reduce the resolution (sharpness) of your photo. Some cameras have both digital and optical zoom capabilities.

Docking stations
Some HP and Kodak DX series digital cameras can be used with an optional dock that connects to your computer. You simply place your camera in the dock and press a button to download photos directly to your computer. This is convenient because you don't have to connect wires from your camera to your computer every time you want to download photos. And the dock even recharges your camera battery, too.

Download
Downloading is transferring photos from the camera to a computer. Photos stored in a digital camera can be downloaded to a computer by one of several methods, depending on the camera and computer. The most common is to plug either the camera or the memory card reader into a computer's serial port. Newer cameras and computers can be connected via a USB (universal serial bus) port. Downloading is faster with a USB port than with a serial or parallel connection.

Flash
Most digital cameras are equipped with a built-in flash that is activated in dim lighting. Full-featured cameras have extra flash modes, such as red-eye reduction and night-portrait settings

LCD screen
An LCD (liquid crystal display) screen allows you to view and evaluate photos stored in your camera's memory, so you can keep the best and erase the rest. Many digital cameras have an optical viewfinder (like that of a traditional camera) and a color LCD screen similar to those on video cameras

MMC
MultiMedia cards are a type of removable memory that's also used to store MP3 audio files.

Megapixels
Megapixels are units of photographic resolution equal to 1 million pixels. Digital cameras are measured in megapixels. A 1-megapixel camera takes photos that can make sharp 3 x 5 prints, while photos taken by a 3-megapixel camera can be enlarged to crisp 8 x 10 prints. Photos taken by the 3-megapixel camera will use 3 times as much storage space on your memory card or your computer's hard drive.

Memory
Digital memory is the "film" of digital cameras. "Internal memory" is built into the camera and cannot be removed. To download photos from internal memory to your computer, you must plug the camera into the computer. Removable media, or external memory, consists of a disk or memory card that can be removed from the camera so you can download later. If you have an extra disk or memory card, you can fill one up with photos, replace it with the spare and keep on shooting. Memory cards are more expensive than standard disks, but they hold more photos. The most popular memory cards are CompactFlash, SmartMedia and Memory Stick. Today's memory cards have a capacity from 2 MB to over 128 MB each. Check the individual camera descriptions to determine which memory type is required.

Memory Stick
A removable memory storage device used in many Sony cameras.

NiMH
An acronym for nickel-metal hydride. These advanced, rechargeable batteries provide more power than nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries. NiMH batteries aren't affected by the "memory effect" that can cause rechargeable alkaline and NiCd batteries to gradually lose their ability to hold a full charge.

Optical zoom
This is the same kind of zoom lens found in traditional cameras. An optical zoom lens actually moves to get wide-angle, telephoto and macro (close-up) shots. And unlike a digital zoom, an optical zoom will not reduce the resolution of your photos.

Pixels
Digital photos are made up of tiny dots called pixels, a term derived from "picture elements." The more pixels, the sharper the resolution of the photos. Most of today's digital cameras have a capacity of at least 1 megapixel, which is 1 million pixels.

Rechargeable batteries
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium ion are the rechargeable batteries most often used in digital cameras. Both kinds can be recharged up to 1,000 times, but lithium ion batteries provide nearly 50 percent more power than NiMH batteries. When you use either type, make sure that the battery charger you use is compatible. Older chargers are often designed just for the lower-power nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries. The capacity of an AAA-size NiMH battery is 700 to 750 mAh, and the capacity of an AA-size is 1600 to 1850 mAh. It takes about 15 hours to recharge these batteries in a regular charger or 1 hour in the new quick chargers.

Resolution
Resolution refers to the concentration of pixels or megapixels used to make up a photo. Cameras with higher resolution can take sharper photos. Resolution is expressed by the number of horizontal pixels multiplied by the number of vertical pixels in a square inch. For example, the most basic cameras have a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels per square inch (about 0.3 megapixels). Some advanced models can go up to 5 megapixels and beyond! If sharp 4 x 6 and larger prints are important to you, look for a camera that's capable of at least 1 megapixel resolution.

Secure Digital
Removable Secure Digital memory card are used in newer cameras because they are only about the size of a postage stamp.

SmartMedia
A type of removable memory card used in cameras from several major manufacturers.

USB port
USB stands for universal serial bus. A USB port is the connection on a personal computer to your digital camera or memory card reader.

xD Picture Card
A removable memory card used in some new Olympus and Fujifilm cameras that is about the size of a postage stamp.

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