How to Use the Histogram

A histogram is a graph that represents the lightness of an image in terms of the number of pixels. The vertical axis indicates the number of pixels, while the horizontal axis indicates lightness. If the histogram appears too lopsided for some reason, you can use EV shift to move it left or right in order to achieve better balance. Optimum exposure can be achieved by EV shifting so the graph is as close to the center as possible. For snapshots, you can even display individual histograms for R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

Example Histograms

A histogram towards the left side results when the overall image is dark. A histogram that is too far to the left may result in “black out” of the dark areas of an image.

A histogram towards the right side results when the overall image is light. A histogram that is too far to the right may result in “white out” of the light areas of an image.

An overall well-balanced histogram results when the overall image is at optimal lightness.

NOTE

•A centered histogram does not necessarily guarantee optimum exposure. The recorded image may be over-exposed or under-exposed, even though its histogram is centered.

•Due to the limitations of exposure compensation, you may not be able to achieve an optimum histogram configuration.

•Use of the flash and certain shooting conditions can cause the histogram to indicate exposure that is different from the actual exposure of the image when it is shot.

114Configuring Monitor Screen Settings