A — C

The type of film used by most point-and-shoot cameras. It comes in a cassette (looks like a metal roll) with the film leader sticking out. Advanced Photo System (APS):

The amount of scene taken in by a particular lens focal length. A short focal length has a wide angle of view, so you can photograph more of the scene than would be able with a long focal length, which has a narrow angle of view. Auto exposure:

The flash mode in which the camera automatically decides whether or not flash is needed. The default mode of most point-and-shoot cameras, it turns the flash on in dim light and keeps it off in bright light. Autofocus:

Light coming from behind the subject. When light from behind is the main source of light, the subject is backlit. Backlight compensation:

A major cause of unclear pictures, this unwanted movement is caused by involuntary hand and body tremors jarring the camera. Composition:

The degree of difference between a subject's tones, which is a function of its inherent shades and colors and also the quality of light. Correct exposure:

The bar code on the side of the 35mm film cassette that automatically tells the camera what film speed (ISO) to set for correct light metering and exposure. Exposure:

The ability to manually alter the camera's auto exposure setting for specific effects and subjects. Fill flash (or flash-on):

The small, lightproof container that houses the film. With 35mm, the film cassette is discarded after processing the photos. With APS, it's returned to you with the negatives inside. Film leader: