What to look for in a Histogram

[Horst]

First I like to say that I am glad I found you all here.

I have picked up some good tips here for my new Canon S5IS camera.

I am so new to photography that I did't even know what a shutter release was. :lol:

There is a lot of talk here about the "P" setting wich I am now experimenting with.



Can anyone tell me what am I supposed to look for in the Histogram window? Is more white better or less? Shouldthe whitedisplay on the left,right or bottom?



For now that's all I like to know.

Thanks.

[granthagen]

Horst, here's a good page explaining histograms and how to evaluate them:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tut...istograms1.htm

Histogram familiarity is good to know for post processing, too. A Levels adjustment (which uses the picture's histogram) might be the single most effective modification that is made to an image in an editing program. Of course, the better you get the exposure in-camera, the less time that you'll need to spend "fixing" it later.

Grant

[Horst]

Thank you granthagenfor your reply and the informative link.

I just got the camera for my 61st birthday and have a lot of reading to do.

For a beginner like me simple is best but I do like the suggestions for using the "P" setting. I already tried it on our BLACK cat wich I had no success before but now looks much better.

Thanks

[requa]

I have a black cat, too, so I understand what you're getting at. In any camera's full auto mode, the camera will try to adjust the exposure and white balance for you, uunable to realize that some shots (e.g., shots of black fur) are supposed to be dark. The P setting drops part of the camera's predictive model so you aren't stuck fighting against the computer.

As you get more comfortable, also try the Tv setting, preferably with a tripod, in low light situations. You shiuld be able to pull some nice shots out of dark corners. The beauty of digital is the instant results that help you learn how to shoot. Good luck and Welcome.

Dan

[Horst]

Thank you for the tips Dan. I will experiment this weekend.

Horst