Now LIVE - Podcast Suggestion: Exposure Compensation

[Marko]

I could easily do a podcast on this but it's really simple.

All exposure compensation does is easily add exposure or reduce exposure from Program modes like aperture priority or shutter priority. Let's say camera meter exposure reads 1/125 at F8 and you took the shot and it's still dark. Rather than change film speed, aperture, or shutter speed (which may take a few extra seconds) exposure compensation does the job faster. I believe that the exposure compensation works on most cameras on the shutter speed alone (meaning it does the compensating by making the shutter speed faster or slower).

If time is not an issue, don't use it as you have better control when you decide exactly what you want. But when speed is of the essence, it's gold.

If you shoot on manual, it's fairly useless imo. But it's amazing for program modes and I use it often. Hope that helps - Marko

[kat]

I can't use it in Manual mode. It won't do a thing. But it is great for quick shots! Specially sunset time.

[Marko]

There's no reason to use it in manual mode (since you are already fiddling) and that's why it's likely unavailable on your camera.

[Iguanasan]

I just find it interesting that on program modes, aperture priority, where I play once in a while, though I almost always shoot in manual, it almost always adds +2/3 this or -1/3 that. Rarely does it seem to just set the correct exposure without compensation. Maybe I just need to read my manual a little closer. It's waiting at home for me tonight!

[kat]

I've noticed that as well. Highlights are my biggest enemy! I find that most times if I'm in aperture priority (which I would use more often than shutter) I have to use that exposure compensation. I'm not that great with manual yet..I try to use it when I can but sometimes I jsut can't get it figured out the way I want it to go..lol..specially now that I've added some filters on!

If you find anything for why..fill me in!

[Marko]

...it almost always adds +2/3 this or -1/3 that. Rarely does it seem to just set the correct exposure without compensation.

I'm confused. IF you add exposure compensation, yes it often works in increments/decrements of 1/3 of a stop. BUT if you are on a program mode and exposure comp. is NOT on, you should see no such numbers. The photographer activates E.C. when needed.

IF on a program mode, normal scenes (scenes with a myriad of tonal values without 1 dominant tone like a bright shaft of light) are consistently showing up either dark or light, then check to make sure E.C. is indeed off.

[Marko]

This podcast just went live here http://www.photography.ca/blog/?p=558

Thanks again for the suggestion Iggy!