Those should answer just about everything with regard to the histogram itself, but if you have particular question, feel free to ask. And those sites are really terrific - I'd try to read everything I could from both of them. You'll learn a lot.
Posted by Amy Hopp on January 15, 2008 at 11:06 PM
There's a lot of different answers to your questions. I know, because I've been doing a lot of reading on the histogram topic - I'm right there with ya!
To make a long story short, I've learned a few things: 1) There's no perfect histogram curve; they vary according to each photo and with each effect you want to obtain. 2) Your histogram should contain all the pixels, but avoid spikes on the far left and right sides. That indicates clipping, which means you've lost detail in either the shadow or highlight areas.
You can change your settings by doing +/- exposure compensation, adjusting aperture settings, adjusting shutter speed and/or adjusting your ISO setting to get a proper exposure, thus improving your histogram.
There are a ton of people with a lot more knowledge than me, but I did want to include that link. Good luck!
Oops - David beat me to the link! At least you know it's a good one!
Posted by Steve Foss on January 16, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Kyle, the histogram issues have been well covered here with expanations and links.
In order to move your histogram to the right, you use exposure compensation or manual settings. EC is easiest when you're using any of the in-camera metering modes, and a + ECs of various levels will push the histogram to the right. How to use EC is well covered in your owner's manual.
In practical application, I have my bodies (Nikon D2X) set up to display a historgram over the top of the image on my LCD. No I can't see much of the image, but the histogram can been seen at a glance, almost out of the corner of my eye as I shoot. I can always turn off the histogram to view the image, but the histogram is much more useful. And truth be told, I can see the histogram a lot easier than the little picture without putting my glasses on!!!! It's very useful in any case with only a little reading and practice. You're on a straight and true course with your question and with the reading at the links provided here.
Discussion
5 repliesHow do you change your image settings +/- stops to correct the histogram in order for it to be correct and a better image be achieved?
I have just now started using this feature and am curious as to how to use it effectively.
I have a Rebel XT if that makes a difference.
Thanks!!
Luminous Landscape Understanding Histograms
Luminous Landscape Expose Right
Cambridge in Colour Histograms 1
Cambridge in Colour Histograms 2
Those should answer just about everything with regard to the histogram itself, but if you have particular question, feel free to ask. And those sites are really terrific - I'd try to read everything I could from both of them. You'll learn a lot.
I've included a link that will help you a lot: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml
There's a lot of different answers to your questions. I know, because I've been doing a lot of reading on the histogram topic - I'm right there with ya!
To make a long story short, I've learned a few things: 1) There's no perfect histogram curve; they vary according to each photo and with each effect you want to obtain. 2) Your histogram should contain all the pixels, but avoid spikes on the far left and right sides. That indicates clipping, which means you've lost detail in either the shadow or highlight areas.
You can change your settings by doing +/- exposure compensation, adjusting aperture settings, adjusting shutter speed and/or adjusting your ISO setting to get a proper exposure, thus improving your histogram.
There are a ton of people with a lot more knowledge than me, but I did want to include that link. Good luck!
Oops - David beat me to the link! At least you know it's a good one!
In order to move your histogram to the right, you use exposure compensation or manual settings. EC is easiest when you're using any of the in-camera metering modes, and a + ECs of various levels will push the histogram to the right. How to use EC is well covered in your owner's manual.
I'm working on it, starting checking the histogram today. I hope I get the hang of it soon enough.