JARGON Glossary of Camcorder Terms.(Brief Article)(Glossary)

automatic gain control (AGC) Camcorder circuitry that adjusts incoming audio levels automatically.

CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Light-sensitive computer chip (photo diodes)in video cameras that converts light into electrical signals.

f-stop Numbers corresponding to variable size of a camera's iris opening, and thus the amount of light passing through lens. The higher the number, the smaller the iris diameter, which means less light enters the camcorder.

field of view Extent of a shot that is visible through a particular lens; its vista.

filter Transparent or semi-transparent material, typically glass, mounted at the front of a camcorder's lens to change light passing through. Manipulates colors and image patterns, often for special effect purposes.

focal length Distance from a camcorder's lens to a focused image with the lens focused on infinity. Short focal lengths offer a broad field of view (wide-angle); long focal lengths offer a narrow field of view (telephoto). Zoom lenses have a variable focal length.

gain Video amplification, signal strength. "Riding gain" means varying controls to achieve desired contrast levels.