Digital Poll (histograms)

Sharkbait · Nov 7, 2003

Do you use the histogram viewing feature of your digital camera? My digital rebel has an option where when it shows the photo you just took, it makes the photo as a thumbnail and shows you the histogram at the same time. I've found that it's really helping my exposures.

nukie · Nov 7, 2003

The G5 doesn't have a histogram feature

one of its only drawbacks really.

mrsid99 · Nov 7, 2003

If my digital camera had one I'd definitely use it if only for reference.
BTW, I didn't vote because you don't have an applicable slot.

simnine · Nov 7, 2003

I use it less than I should.

voodoocat · Nov 7, 2003

Any user can view the histogram by using the levels command in photoshop (or other graphics app). I use it quite frequently.

craig · Nov 7, 2003

I am a little leary of using the histogram. I am assuming that you would use it to adjust contrast before the frame hit your computer. Maybe it saves time in the editing process, but I feel you may loose detail in the raw image.

mrsid99 · Nov 7, 2003

Didn't know that, thanks for the tip voodoocat, I'll check out some of my old pics to see what really happened.

voodoocat · Nov 7, 2003

craig said:
I am a little leary of using the histogram. I am assuming that you would use it to adjust contrast before the frame hit your computer. Maybe it saves time in the editing process, but I feel you may loose detail in the raw image.

You don't necessarily view the histogram to change it. I find it valuable in assessing how I did with my exposure.

craig · Nov 7, 2003

I too have searched for the perfect exposure. In an advertising envioment, I find that I still end up going 2 over and 1 under. I will definetly try it in my personal work. Now I'm intriqued. If I waste battery life looking at the damn thing every frame, it's your fault.

Sharkbait · Nov 8, 2003

voodoocat said:
craig said:

I am a little leary of using the histogram. I am assuming that you would use it to adjust contrast before the frame hit your computer. Maybe it saves time in the editing process, but I feel you may loose detail in the raw image.

Click to expand...

You don't necessarily view the histogram to change it. I find it valuable in assessing how I did with my exposure.

Exactly! See I got thinking about this because I shot a hockey game last weekend with the new camera, and I wasn't sure how it would do in the lighting, so I turned on that little histogram view feature and used the first 4 or 5 shots during the pre-game skate to dial in the exposure. The other hundred or so shots were bammo right on on the exposure. It's really handy!