1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. When do you use exposure compensation

When do you use exposure compensation


11 years 4 months ago #262727 by Scooter
Help me understand the purpose of exposure compensation. If you need the photo darker or brighter, why not just adjust the shutter or aperture? I don't get the purpose of having this?
,
11 years 4 months ago #262736 by robbie
It`s not the image BUT that part of the image that will be over/under exposed.
Eg..shooting a cloud filled landscape on a very sunny day,in matrix or centerweight metering the foreground will be properly exposed but the clouds will be blown.A setting of -ec will compensate for the clouds.The brighter the clouds the more -ec will be needed.
,
11 years 4 months ago #262737 by robbie
If you meter for the bright areas of the image then you need +ec to open up the shadows.
Try this ...
shoot that cloud filled landscape,metering for the foreground with 'bracket' on...start at -.7ec ...then +.7ec
then compare the effects on the clouds.
,
11 years 4 months ago #262761 by KCook
Be sure to see these threads -

www.photographytalk.com/forum/beginner-p...xposure-compensation

www.photographytalk.com/forum/photograph...ensation-even-needed

www.photographytalk.com/forum/photograph...ompensation-question

www.photographytalk.com/forum/photograph...ghtroom-or-photoshop

I use EV compensation mostly when shooting flash in Program or Aperture priority mode and I want to subdue the ambient lighting, let the flash dominate.

Kelly Cook
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
,
11 years 4 months ago #262791 by Henry Peach

Scooter wrote: If you need the photo darker or brighter, why not just adjust the shutter or aperture? I don't get the purpose of having this?


That only works in full manual. In the auto modes (Av, Tv, P, green square, icon modes, auto-ISO...) the camera if you adjust one of the exposure controls the camera will change the others to get back to middle gray.

Think of exposure compensation as telling your meter what tone to go for if you don't want to go for middle gray.
mattneedham.zenfolio.com
,
11 years 4 months ago #262829 by CWphotos
Good answers/explanations! One additional use is if your camera tends to over/under expose...my Pentax K10 D seems often to under expose, especially when using any exposure modes other than spot metering, so I keep a +.3 stop EC dialed most of the time.
What you are is so loud, I can't hear a word you say!
,
11 years 4 months ago #262848 by Joves
Well you have the same camera I do so this is easy. If you use Aperture, Shutter, or Program then you want to compensate for under, or over exposure. I know that the D300 in Aperture over exposes in bright lighting blowing out highlights many times, so I go negative EC to the point that white is not over blown. In low light then you can use it to kill off under exposure. But if you shoot Manual you can use it as well. Say you want to use the center on the meter as proper exposure, but the subject is either coming out U/O exposed when there, you then use EC to make it do so by compensating for it. I do not do this because I am senile and forget that I set it, so I would U/O expose because I use the meter as I normally do. I like to use the meter itself for EC, it is the good old tried and true method.
,
11 years 4 months ago - 11 years 4 months ago #262901 by Henry Peach

Joves wrote: But if you shoot Manual you can use it as well.


I forget with Nikon DSLRs exp comp moves the point on the meter scale in M. It doesn't function at all in M with Canon DSLRs. I don't know how the other brands have it set up.
mattneedham.zenfolio.com
,

  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. When do you use exposure compensation

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1
Sponsored Imageimages2/mpb145x145buy.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/nikon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Expert Tips to Upgrade Your Camera Gear With Used Equipment

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024
What is Blue Hour Photography?

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
More Articles