Exposure Compensationtechnical

A quick brighten/darken dial used in auto modes when the meter guesses wrong.

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Balanced0 EV

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Corrected — Positive exposure compensation lifts a too-dark frame back to a balanced exposure.

Underexposed — Positive exposure compensation lifts a too-dark frame back to a balanced exposure.

In Aperture/Shutter Priority or Program, the camera meters for an average mid-tone. Bright or dark scenes fool it. Exposure compensation (+/- EV) nudges the result brighter or darker without leaving the auto mode.

Use this when

Bird against bright sky: +1/3 to +1 EV
Snow / white sand: +1 to +2 EV
Spotlit subject on black: -1 to -2 EV

Common mistake: Forgetting it's still applied on the next, normally-lit shot.

Metering Modes Histogram Exposure Triangle

Exposure Compensationtechnical

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Use this when

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