PHOTOGRAPHY GLOSSARY "F"

F-Stop. Number indicating the size of the aperture. It is an inversely proportionate number as in F2.8 is a large opening and F16 is a small opening.
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File Format. Type of program or data file. Includes JPEG, TIFF and BMP
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FireWire. Officially known as the IEEE 1394 protocol. A high speed data transfer interface used on digital camcorders and the more expensive Digital SLR's.
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Firmware. A micro program often used and stored in ROM. Normally the ROM based software is in all computer based products from PC's to digital cameras. You will often see firmware updates for electronic goods that deal with problem issues.
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Fixed Aperture. Aperture remains constant regardless of the lens' focal length. I.e. The Canon "L" series have a constant fixed aperture when zooming.
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Fixed Focal Length. Basically a non zoom lens. 100mm, 50mm, 200mm etc.
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Flash Memory. This is the equivalent to film for digital cameras. It can be re-used over and over and some of the better brands have a lifetime warranty. Types include Compact Flash (CF), Smartmedia, memory stick etc.
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Flat Bed Scanner. Optical Scanner in which the original image remains stationary while the CCD sensors pass over or under it. The scanned image is held flat by the lid hence the name.
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Focal Length. A lens' angle of view. Such as Wide angle, standard or telephoto.
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Focus Assist. Cameras with this send out a light, either normal or infra red to light up the subject to assist with the autofocus in low light or darkness.
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Focus Lock. Focus lock means pre-focussing the subject and re-framing by moving the camera. This is done by half pressing the shutter to focus and fully pressing to expose. Done to ensure crisp, sharp eyes for example.
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Full Bleed. Otherwise known as "Borderless" printing. Means the ink limit extends to all 4 edges of a print.