3 questions to ask yourself

Following my article on exposure correction, I received a lot of questions about this setting.

I figured other people might be asking the same questions…

So I decided in this new article to answer the 3 most frequently asked questions so that it will be useful for everyone 😀.

On most cameras, it is not necessary to look up this setting in the menus.

Exposure compensation is accessible via a +/- button present directly on the case.

To vary the exposure, press this button and rotate the adjustment ring at the same time :

• When the ring is turned in one direction, positive (+) exposure correction is obtained.
• When the ring is turned in the opposite direction, a negative exposure correction (-) is obtained.

2. With which modes is exposure compensation available?

Exposure compensation is available with the following exposure modes semi-automatics :

• The mode Program (P)
• The mode Opening Priority (A or Av)
• The mode Speed Priority (S or Tv)

It is important to understand that it is the camera that defines the exposure with these semi-automatic modes.

For example, with the Aperture Priority mode, an opening is selected. Then the camera will adjust the shutter speed to obtain what it considers to be the “correct” exposure.

Exposure compensation allows you to regain control of the exposure set by the camera.

With Manual (M) mode, exposure compensation is not available. The photographer determines the exposure by setting the ISO sensitivity, aperture value and shutter speed.

With the Automatic (Auto) mode, exposure compensation, like many other settings, is also not available .

3. Does exposure correction add grain to photos?

No, exposure compensation does not add grain to photographs.

The main factor that promotes the appearance of grain is ISO sensitivity. When high ISO values are used, image quality deteriorates with the appearance of grain (also called digital noise).

Exposure compensation has no impact on ISO sensitivity.

This setting only affects the aperture and/or shutter speed:

• In Aperture Priority mode (A or Av), your camera varies the shutter speed to change the exposure.
• In Shutter Speed Priority (S or Tv) mode, your camera varies the aperture to change the exposure.
• In Program mode (P), your camera varies the aperture and/or shutter speed to change the exposure.

So there is no risk of grain appearing in your photos if you use exposure compensation.

I hope this additional information on exposure correction will be useful.

If you have some time, do not hesitate to test this setting with your case. That way, the day you need it, you will already know how to use it!