Chapter 4 Storytelling with Light 161Glossary
Anamorphic – A lens that distorts the image by squeezing it (to the standard
aspect ratio of 1.33:1) so that the picture can be unsqueezed by another lens
during projection to achieve a widescreen aspect ratio.
Aperture – Inside the body of the photographic lens, the opening typically
regulated by an interlocking system of metallic leaves.
Aspect ratio – Th e ratio of width to height of a motion picture screen. Standard ratios
are 1.33:1 (early fi lm and standard TV ratio, also known as 4:3); 1.85:1 (American
theatrical standard), and 2.40:1 (Panavision widescreen standard).
Bit – One binary digit, which is a zero or a one. Bits are strings of digital
information registered as 0s and 1s. 8 bits 1 byte; 1024 bytes 1 kilobyte;
1024 KB 1 megabyte; 1024 MB 1 gigabyte.
CinemaScope – An anamorphic cinematographic process using lenses which
produced fi lms in aspect ratios from 2.35:1 to 2.55:1.
Cinematographer – Individual in charge of motion picture photography,
particularly the choices of equipment and photographic media, lighting of the
scenes, and framings and movements of the camera. Also known as Director
of Photography (DP); although there may be distinctions made when there
is a separate camera operator, the individual responsible for cinematography
is referred to using both terms.
Color temperature – Measurement of light rays along the color spectrum to
determine the inherent color value of a light source. Used in cinematography to
insure accurate depiction of color or as a tool in the manipulation of color.
Contrast – Th e diff erence between the brightest and darkest points in a picture.
A high contrast image features little gradation between light and dark and sharp
whites and blacks, while a low contrast image contains signifi cant gradation.
Defi nition – Th e defi nition of fi lm emulsion or another recording medium
expresses its graininess and ability to depict sharp edges and fi ne detail.
Depth of fi eld – Depth of fi eld is the portion of the image that appears in focus
as measured by the points at a distance in front of the camera.
Diopter – One-element lens, designed like a fi lter, used to enable close focusing
with the camera lens, generally for extreme close-ups. A split diopter covers
part of the lens for dual planes of focus.
Exposure – Th e process of allowing light to make contact with fi lm negative
or other light-sensitive recording surface for a specifi c length of time.
Exposure Index (EI) – A value determined to rate the sensitivity of fi lm stock
or photographic media in order to set the appropriate exposure.
Film plane – Th e plane at which the fi lm is held for exposure by the camera.
Film stock – Unexposed photographic fi lm characterized by its gauge (such as
8mm, 16mm, 35mm, or 70mm), type (black and white or color, along with
other factors), light and color sensitivities (such as ISO and color temperature
ratings), physical characteristics (such as length), and brand (Eastman Kodak,
Fuji, and so forth).Copyright 2010 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).