Zoom lens:
A lens with variable focal length that allows photographers to adjust the magnification and field of view.
Zone focusing
A technique where the camera is set to a predetermined focusing distance, allowing for quick capturing of subjects within that distance.
Zeiss
A renowned German manufacturer of high-quality camera lenses and optics.
Zebra stripes
A feature in some cameras that displays diagonal stripes on the LCD screen to indicate areas of potential overexposure.
Zenith Shot:
The point directly overhead in the sky; often used in composition to refer to the highest part of an image or a subject.
Zeppelin
A remote-controlled airship used to capture aerial photographs or video footage.
Zoom burst
A creative technique where the zoom lens is adjusted during a long exposure, resulting in a dynamic and streaky effect.
Zorki
A series of 35mm rangefinder cameras manufactured in the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century.
Zebra glass
A type of textured glass used in some windows and filters to create interesting patterns and diffusion effects in photography.
Zone system
A photographic technique developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer for controlling exposure and achieving a desired range of tones in black and white photography.
Zoom lock
A feature found on some zoom lenses that allows photographers to lock the zoom mechanism at a specific focal length to prevent unintentional zooming.
Zonal mask
A tool used in post-processing to selectively apply adjustments to specific areas of an image, similar to a digital mask or overlay.
Zoom ratio
The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths of a zoom lens, indicating its zoom range.
Zone plate
A type of lens less photographic technique that uses a plate with concentric rings or zones to create soft and ethereal images.
Zoom creep
The unwanted movement of a zoom lens due to gravity or poor internal mechanisms, causing the focal length to change unintentionally.
Zone focusing
A technique where the camera is set to a predetermined focusing distance, allowing for quick capturing of subjects within that distance.
Zero distortion
Refers to a lens’s ability to render straight lines without any visible distortion, maintaining accurate proportions and shapes.
Zebra pattern
A visual pattern generated by some cameras to highlight areas of the image that may be overexposed.
Zen photography
A contemplative approach to photography that emphasizes mindfulness, presence, and capturing the essence of the moment.
Zone plate photography
A creative technique that uses a zone plate lens to capture ethereal and diffused images with a dreamy quality.
Z-Depth (Depth Map)
A term used in 3D imaging / computational photography to represent the distance of objects from the camera. Used in smartphone portrait mode and CGI.
Z-Axis Stabilization
A stabilization system that corrects vertical movement (up/down shake). Often part of 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization).
Z-Mount
A lens mount system created by Nikon for its mirrorless cameras (like Nikon Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9).
Zoom Burst
A creative effect where you zoom in/out while using a slow shutter speed, creating motion lines coming from the center. Used in creative street photography & abstract shots.
Zero Distortion Lens
A lens designed to reduce distortion (straight lines stay straight). Used in architecture and interior photography.
Zero Shutter Lag
When a camera captures the photo instantly without delay after pressing the shutter button. Common in flagship smartphones and fast cameras.
Zoom Compression
A look created when using long focal lengths (telephoto). Background appears closer and more compressed. Used in portraits and cinematic photography.
