Can someone explain Exposure Compensation

I've seen this mentioned a few places and figured I might as well ask what is it for? When do you use exposure compensation? Does it matter what mode you are shooting in?

Exposure compensation eh? That should be covered in your manual but here's the jist of it. Exposure compensation is is used as an exposure correction when operating in an auto mode. Usually exposure compensation is minus or plus a full 2 f/stop range and is marked in 1/3 increments so that you can use an intermediate setting rather than just a full stop.

Let's say you have an unusual lighting condition to take a back lit picture of a subject like say a snow scene, a bright window or a bright day at the beach with the sun reflecting off the water. Under such conditions, your camera may be fooled into under exposing your subject so you give your subject more exposure. How about when you're using a filter? I'll use the exposure compensation when using a ND or polorizer in poor light conditions to extend the exposure times so the picture isn't as dark. On the other side of the coin, there are times when you want to cut the exposure time right back like when you're doing a portrait shot in strong light with the lens aperture wide open. You can use a ND or polorizer filter but then when you're using a fast lens and conditions are bright, use the compensation in addition to the filter so your subject isn't blown out.

Exposure compensation is best used in an auto mode but not a manual mode. I'll frequently use it when I'm shooting in aperture priority with filters screwed on. Makes for an easy step down.

Get out there, experiment, and have some fun!

Hope this helps and hope I got it right...

KVRNut has it right. Simply put, exposure compensation is adding or subtracting light from the camera's suggested exposure to achieve a desired effect. It is easier to work in either aperture or shutter priority mode; set one or the other and let the camera set the other one. Then, change the exposure setting depending on the lighting and the effect you want. One of the better photos of birds I have taken was a flock of white-faced ibis taken almost right into the sun on a clear day; I used something like 2 or 2.5 full stops less exposure, and it turned out great! (However, do be careful about pointing your camera right at or near the sun; sensors can be ruined in an instant!)

Like KNRNut said, get out their and experiment, and have fun!

Hope to hear from you again.

WCBIRDSNLANDSC