Analog Video - Analog video was commonly used in both consumer and professional applications. The Analog Video format is rapidly being phased out in favor of the Digital Video Recording format.

Digital Video - Digital video is a type of video recording system that works by using a digital representation of the video signal. This generic term is not to be confused with the name DV, which is a specific type of digital video. Digital video is most often recorded on tape, then distributed on optical discs, usually DVDs. Digital video can be copied with no degradation in quality. No matter how many generations a digital source is copied, it will be as clear as the original first generation of digital footage.

Digitization - The process of turning an analog signal into a digital representation of that signal. The term is often used for the scanning of analog sources, such as printed photos and taped video into computers for editing.

DVD - (also known as "Digital Versatile Disc" or "Digital Video Disc") is an optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage, including movies with high video and sound quality. DVDs resemble compact discs. Some videographers include a DVD in the video contract, while others offer DVD as an option. Some offer chaptered DVDs, allowing the user to easily navigate to specific sections of the video (i.e., cake cutting). The main advantages of the DVD are the increased picture quality and the ability to skip to any part of the disc without having to rewind or fast-forward.

Digital Video Effect (DVE) - Special effects considered by many to be novelty features, such as page turns, strobe, picture explosion, solarization, slow-motion, letterbox, black-and-white and sepia tone.

In-Camera Edit - Shots are filmed in sequence, as they will be seen on screen, eliminating the need for editing after the event.

Interlaced Video - a method of displaying images where an image is drawn on the screen in two separate passes – in the first pass, the first field of information is drawn; the second pass fills in the remaining information for the second field. Non-interlaced video (see Progressive Scan) displays video by drawing it on the screen in a single pass from top to bottom.

NLE, or Non-Linear Editing - Non-linear, non-destructive methods is a modern editing method that involves being able to access any frame in a video clip with the same ease as any other. This method is similar in concept to the "cut and glue" technique used in film editing from the beginning. However, when working with film, it is a destructive process, as the actual film negative must be cut. Non-linear editing allows for more creativity, and changes require less effort than with Linear Editing Sytems.

Outtakes A term to describe scenes or shots that didn't make it into the final product.

Progressive Scan - A progressive scanning digital video camera records distinct frames (see also Interlaced). Video shot on progressive scan cameras are desirable to many because of the similarities they share with cinematic film.

Raw footage Untouched, unedited footage. Some videographers offer raw footage to clients as part of a package. Some charge a small fee for the footage or do not offer raw footage at all.

HD Video High Definition Television (HDTV) is gaining acceptance and is the future of the industry. The equipment is still expensive, but is becoming more affordable. The main benefit of HDTV is the increase in resolution and detail. More and more videographers are offering HD wedding videos as an option to their standard television videos.