What Is a Histogram on a Camera?
The human eye and brain see more light and interpret it better than a camera can. Use the histogram feature on your digital camera to improve your photographs as you take them.
Other People Are Reading
-
Definition
-
A histogram displays the light range of a photograph in graph format. The left side represents the shadows while the right side indicates the highlights. The height of the graph tells you the amount of color in each area. The ideal histogram looks like a mountain peak centered in the graph, but often is a series of peaks and valleys.
Interpretation
-
If the histogram is tall and/or crammed against the left end, the photo is underexposed. It will be too dark and details will be lost in shadow. If the graph bulges and/or extends off the right side of the graph, the photo is overexposed or too light. Details in light areas will be "blown out."
-
Application
-
Set your camera to display the histogram right after you take a photo, with a thumbnail of the image, if possible. Check the shape of the histogram and whether it goes off either end. To correct an image's exposure, change your shutter speed, use a neutral density filter or set your f-stop to change the aperture or lens opening and retake the photo.
-
References
- Photo Credit reflex6 image by Marc Rigaud from Fotolia.com
