Camera Glossary

The opening in a lens through which light passes. Measured in f-stops (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8), it controls depth of field and light intake.

Detailed Explanation

Aperture is one of the three pillars of photography (along with ISO and shutter speed). It refers to the opening of a lens's diaphragm through which light passes. The size of the aperture is measured in f-stops, with lower numbers (like f/1.8) representing larger openings and higher numbers (like f/16) representing smaller openings. A larger aperture (smaller f-number) creates a shallower depth of field, which is great for portraits where you want a blurred background. A smaller aperture (larger f-number) gives you a greater depth of field, ideal for landscape photography where you want everything in focus.