Operating Instructions

14Photomatix Essentials 3.2 User Manual
JPEG
A common image le format with two primary strengths – a relatively small le
size and universal compatibility. JPEGs use a lossy compression scheme and
should not be edited and re-saved.
Noise
Statistical variations inherent in the sensor system cause noise. Noise is always
present, but higher sensitivities and smaller sensors usually generate more
noise.
Pixel
Digital pictures consist of pixels, the smallest units. Each pixel has a color that
can be represented by 8 or 16 bits or as a oating-point number (32-bit HDR).
PPI
Pixels per Inch. Can be used to describe the actual pixels per inch of a print. Of-
ten confused with DPI (Dots per Inch), used by color printers to print an image.
RAW le
A le containing the raw data from the camera sensor. RAW les do not have a
color prole or other stylistic preferences permanently applied.
TIFF
A comprehensive image format that oers lossless compression schemes for
smaller le sizes with higher quality. This format is suitable for editing and
printing but not publishing on the Web.
Tone mapping
Processing a 32-bit HDR image into an image that can be properly viewed on
monitors and in prints.