Exposure compensation lets you tell your camera to make an image brighter (plus values) or darker (minus values) while it still chooses the shutter speed, aperture or ISO for you. Use it in modes such as aperture priority when the camera’s automatic brightness looks wrong. It is one of the fastest ways to correct a photo before you take it.
What the Numbers Mean
Compensation is measured in stops, often shown as +1.0 or -0.7. Each full stop doubles or halves the light reaching the sensor. Most cameras offer a range of about three stops each way, in steps of one third.
- Plus values brighten the picture
- Minus values darken it
- Zero means the camera’s normal choice
It works in program, aperture priority and shutter priority modes. In full manual mode, you set exposure yourself, though some cameras apply it with auto ISO.
Why the Camera Gets It Wrong
A camera’s meter assumes the scene averages out to a middle gray. That is a good guess for many scenes, but not all.
- Bright scenes such as snow, sand or a white wall can come out gray and dull
- Dark scenes such as a night street or a black cat can look washed out and too light
- Strong backlight can fool the meter and darken the subject
How to Adjust, Step by Step
- Set the camera to aperture priority or program mode.
- Take a test shot and look at the screen, preferably with the histogram.
- If the image looks too dark, turn the compensation dial toward plus. If too bright, turn toward minus.
- Change by a third to one stop and take another shot.
- Repeat until the picture looks right, and remember the setting.
- Reset to zero after you finish, because the setting often stays on.
Values to Try First
| Scene | Try | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Snow, bright beach | +1 to +2 | Keeps whites from turning gray |
| Dark room, night scene | -1 to -2 | Keeps blacks from looking washed out |
| Backlit portrait | +0.7 to +1.5 | Lifts the shadowed face |
| Sunset sky | -0.3 to -1 | Protects bright colors |
These are general ranges. Your camera and light may call for more or less.
FAQ
Is this the same as changing ISO?
No. Compensation asks the camera to change shutter speed, aperture or ISO for you, depending on mode. Changing ISO alone only alters sensor sensitivity.
Why do my photos look odd later?
You may have left compensation set from a previous outing. Check the scale on the screen or dial each time you turn the camera on.
The Short Version
Use plus values for bright scenes and minus values for dark ones, adjust in small steps and check the histogram. Reset to zero when you finish, so the next shoot is not affected.
