Ntsc

GLOSSARYOFTERMS

Iris

Works like the pupil of the human eye. In a well-lighted environment, the human pupil contracts to keep too much light from entering. In low lighting, the pupil dilates to allow more light in.

Color temperature

A measurement in Kelvin degrees which indicates the color contents of a light source; bluish light has a higher color temperature than reddish light. To reproduce white as white under different types of lighting, the chrominance signal must be adjusted to match the light source’s color temperature.

(See “White Balance”.)

AC Adapter

Used when charging the battery. Or, when connected directly to the camcorder, it can be used as a power supply.

Auto focus

Focus can be set for automatic adjustment, for beginners who find the adjustment difficult.

On-screen display

Displays in the viewfinder can be shown on a connected TV.

Strobe

In the early days of movie making, 1-second strobes were uncommon, so movies didn’t have the smooth movement they have today. This function gives movies the old-film flicker effect.

Record/Standby

Engage this mode by pressing START/STOP during Stop or Record modes. It means that the camcorder, or your VCR, is paused and ready to record.

CCD (Charge coupled device)

Solid-state imaging device used in camcorders as the camera’s image pickup; analogous to the eye’s retina except that picture information is output as electric signals.

Dew sensor

If condensation forms inside the unit due to a temperature change, the indicator appears in the viewfinder, and the camcorder becomes unusable.

Digital zoom

10x Optical zoom image is taken and digitally processed to provide 20x or 100x magnified images.

Digital Image Stabilizer

When shooting while holding the camcorder in your hand, even if you think you’re perfectly still, there is slight movement. This function compensates for that movement.

Fade

An effect used in scene transitions. Like movies or TV, the scene gradually goes black or white (fade out), or comes in from a black or white screen (fade in).

One of the television color system standards; used in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, and other countries. Other standards include PAL and SECAM.

White balance

A term that refers to the correctness of color reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced.

Wipe

An effect used in scene transitions. A scene disappears as though it’s being wiped off the screen (wipe out), or appears as though it’s wiped on (wipe in).