Bit Depth
The number of visible colors in an image. Any digital camera you purchase should not have less than 24-bit depth. A higher bit depth commands a much higher price.

Compression
Used when storing images. Different levels of compression take up different amounts of memory. The more an image is compressed, the lower the quality of the image, the less memory it uses, and the shorter time it takes to transfer or download. Images are usually compressed into JPEG formats, which are suitable for the Web.

JPEG
A common standard for image compression in digital cameras.

LCD
Liquid crystal display. Many cameras feature these displays so you can review the images you've shot. Some double as viewfinders. Although it adds to the price of the camera, it's almost not worth getting a camera that lacks one.

Macro Mode
A setting that allows the user to manually adjust the focus when taking pictures of an object located up to 20 inches away from the lens.

Pixel
The measurement of resolution. Also called dots, pixels are actually tiny squares created by a grid whose number of rows and colums are reflected in the resolution.

Resolution
Measured in pixels, resolution determines the quality of an image. It is expressed in terms of the number of horizontal and vertical pixels (e.g. 1024x768) that make up the image. When these two numbers are multiplied together, they equal the total number of pixels each image contains. A higher resolution is necessary for images with great detail or that will be printed or enlarged. A lower resolution (no lower than 640x480) is fine for images that will be viewed onscreen only.

SCSI Port
A type of computer connection that allows for the high-speed transfer of data. Some models support SCSI connections.

Shutter Button
The button on the camera that you depress to take a picture.

Video Port
Cameras with these allow you to view your images on a TV screen.