Excerpts from Microsoft Computer Dictionary (5th Edn):
bitmap n. A data structure in memory that represents
information in the form of a collection of individual bits.
A bit map is used to represent a bit image. Another use of
a bit map in some systems is the representation of the
blocks of storage on a disk, indicating whether each block
is free (0) or in use (1).
bitmapped graphics n. Computer graphics represented
as arrays of bits in memory that represent the attributes of
the individual pixels in an image (one bit per pixel in a
black-and-white display, multiple bits per pixel in a color
or gray-scale display). Bitmapped graphics are typical of
paint programs, which treat images as collections of dots
rather than as shapes. See also bit map.
floating graphic
A bitmap graphic is also known as a raster image.
A raster graphic is a bitmap graphic. Also called a picture element. Stupid
vector graphic you can change size and you don't loose nothing,you get bigger or smaller size and that's it,but bitmap are from pixels and you can make them smaller but not bigger,actually you can but with very bad results
Pixel
The image on the sensor isn't any image format, when this analogue data is put through the A/D converter and saved they are saved in a bitmap container (Jpeg and Raw (NEF, CR2, PEF Etc.) are all bitmap formats) all images are either a bitmap or a vector graphic, out of the camera they are bitmap, but the data in the file can be opened as a Vector Graphic in some programs.
Raster or Bitmap image.
bitmap
A bitmap is a series of bits which represents a rasterized graphic image, each pixel being represented as a group of bits.
No .bmp = bitmap file (graphic content) .doc = Microsoft Office Word Document (formatted text, possibly with graphic content embedded)
Vector describes both speed and direction. In graphic programs, a vector graphic scales smoothly (more so than a bitmap image).
You need to save your pictures in 24-bitmap quality. Everyone else will cause graphic losses.