EXPOSURE COMPENSATION DEMYSTIFIED!

[@simon_dentremont]

What’s your favorite tip to get the exposure right? I’d love to know! Please share.

[@leoazmitia9070]

Hi Simon, I'm new to the world of photography but your videos have helped me👏

[@richierich9759]

I use auto iso and the exposure compensation dial to adjust to the right without clipping whites. Since cameras have histograms and zebra display, why is there not a program in the camera that is "avoid clipping whites" or "avoid clipping blacks" so the camera auto adjusts the exposure until just before there is clipping in either the whites or blacks base on your selection while still allowing exposure compensation if desirable? Thanks Simon!

[@dmystify1381]

..spot-metering & i haved moved to auto-iso....i've had a lot better hits with peregrine falcons...im shooting with the sigma 150-600 on leica SL.

[@GordonFRegan]

In the past I instinctively shot darker with the exposure composition down 2/3 of a stop but in the future I will watch your videos to get time tested techniques. I watch to the very end to get the top tips!

[@simon_dentremont]

@@GordonFRegan Thanks Gordon!

[@algi1]

It might be self evident for photographers, but when I first started shooting in RAW, it was like entering a magic world where I can just change my mind in the comfort of my home about the brightness of shots already taken. It's so easy to fix pictures that are supposed to be too dark.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Yeah but just remember, you can't fix a blown out (over exposed) photo in post.

[@McSebsta]

Your videos are incredible. Concise, explained so simply, structured well and with perfect images to accompany and explain what you're describing. My favourite photography KZbinr by far I'm learning so much. Keep it up!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@Louis_Bautista]

As someone who's been taking amateur photos for awhile now but recently invested in better gear and wants to step his game up, your videos have been the absolute best here on KZbin. Very concise, informative, and easy to digest. You're doing incredible work here and I'm really grateful for that!

[@kenim]

In a similar situation here! With how good Smartphone photography has become, I cant just brute force it with miles better picture quality in DSLR. Truth is that their software is better than most of us amateurs so we gotta bring in true skill to keep the edge.

[@theglz505]

This is now my go to photo education channel. Absolutely awesome content, delivery and execution. Thankyou.

[@memathews]

EC and Auto ISO are my favorite digital controls. Beats spending a week in the lab calibrating new film batches to a handful of light meters and varying minutes of push/pull processing, cool/warm baths, etc.

[@odaimohammad3687]

I just can't get enough of these videos

[@guscanon0511]

Hands down the best channel about photography.

[@tremainejohnson9976]

This channel is so perfect for learning basic camera stuff without any extra stuff. Basic and simple with the perfect example photos

[@patrickcote641]

I really apreciated all you video. The main tools with my Sony camera is the zebra mode which show where are highlights and how strengths they are.

[@NonApplicapable]

I got into photography pretty young and didn’t take any formal lessons. I just learned about the three bases pretty much (ISO, SS, aperture). I primarily shoot in the harsh mid-day lighting because I’m a student and I don’t always have time for the early or late night trips. Embarrassingly, it took me about five years to realize (1) you don’t need to use manual all the time for good photos and (2) exposure compensation makes a world of difference, especially shooting in midday.

[@forsterl.stewart414]

Simon very well said. Most KZbin so-called photographers are guilty of spreading false information. I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters' shortcomings. And by: Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey. Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey. Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features. It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light. And with todays mirrorless R5 a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder making this easier than ever. Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon

[@johnnyc.5979]

You are hands down the best informed photographer who conveys information easily and freely. This is my go to channel for photographic mastery, thanks for all your efforts!

[@robanderson4137]

You speak sense to me and that makes you a great teacher...thx for the efforts, your channel will do well.

[@sonulukose]

Simplest explanation for exposure compensation..!!! Super helpful. Cheers

[@li327mtesting3]

Others may have mentioned it but I use spot metering especially for birds in a tree or other scenarios. There is still the issue of blown highlights as you expose for the bird and not the surroundings but sometimes I want to make sure the bird is good as that is the main subject.

[@YouMeJeep]

One important thing to note is that EC *does* work in full-manual mode (even without Auto ISO), though perhaps in a different way than some people are used to. Using EC in full-manual mode (FMM) will allow you to offset your in-camera meter by whatever EC you dial in. For example, let's say you meter a scene and set your exposure settings to 1/200, f/7.1, ISO 100, which shows a perfect "0" in your meter (meaning it is balancing image scene to the 18% grey). If you were to now to dial in +2/3 stop of EC, your in-camera meter will now show this scene as being -2/3 dark. You would have to adjust your exposure settings by 2/3-stop to brighten the exposure in order for your meter to read "0" again. In the example above, you could adjust shutter speed to 1/125 (keeping other settings the same), which would now show as being neutral/0 exposure in your meter. This feature is really handy, even in FMM, since it allows the shooter to "offset" the "0" in the meter, allowing for consistent exposure value changes to be made. I do this frequently in sporting events where LVs can change depending on the player location in the field or in situations where I know the meter is reading consistently BUT is still over/underexposing. A good example is when players are wearing white jerseys on a sunny day, where I will take a few test shots and see where the meter is settling at, set my EC to compensate, then I can adjust exposure settings as needed (such as a high shutter speed, large aperture for action shots), while getting consistent EVs.

[@allevinoantiquecafecomhist7748]

I also do sport photography and i have been having difficult to shoot at hash midday sun. I guess one tip is to use Ev -1 in auto iso to eliminate bright white. Any tipo? Thanks in advance

[@FlanTravolta]

I'm confused because as far as I can tell on my rebel t7 there is no way to even change the exposure compensation on manual mode

[@allevinoantiquecafecomhist7748]

@@FlanTravolta i guess it the AV botton on canon t7

[@wingofwinter888]

i cant do it in my nx300, no such things too in olympus, i used em5 mk2. EC in full manual mode in many camera mean dial the ISO or offset the ISO, since you already set the aperture and shutter, the only left is ISO from the exposure triangle.

[@3lementa1]

@flantravolta yeah, on my A7III I cannot change EC, only if I set ISO to auto in M mode or any other auto mode. In FMM the dial just does nothing.

[@pwrofmusic]

I wish I knew you earlier. But now that I've found your channel, I'm taking in all you say. Thank you so much.

[@kamv8360]

I watch lots of photography videos and I think yours are the most useful. Short, easy to understand and loaded with valuable information. Keep it up.

[@kristianwara]

As a guy started shooting on SLR with mostly Fujichrome slide film, active use of exposure compensation is quite second nature. Slide film has absolute no tolerance of overexposure! So even though I`m used to it, it`s such a joy to watch the educational way you explain it to people wich is new in photography! Btw, crop sencors has become very good now. Did a comparison between my Sony A6700, and the Canon R6 (wich the company I work in own).A really high contrast scene, and the difference was surprisingly small (RAW). Racked the highlight/shadows sliders at max, and the full frame was a bit cleaner in the darkest shadows, couldn`t spot any difference in the highligts. And that`s great! 🙂

[@jeffolson4731]

Newer Canon cameras have a mode called FV. This is what I use. I find it most useful on cameras with only 2 control wheels. One wheel controls which of the four settings you are controlling; shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO, while the other wheel lets you adjust the chosen setting. I set my ISO to AUTO 99.9% of the time. I then use mostly control the shutter speed and compensation. It is true that I cold do the same thing by just mapping one wheel to shutter and the other to exposure compensation but on the rare occasions where I actually want to adjust my ISO I would then have to press a button while moving a wheel and that just doesn't work well for me. Great explanation on why exposure compensation is needed. When I have explained to people that cameras always try for 18% gray they are surprised.

[@simon_dentremont]

I may make a video on FV mode.

[@jackq279]

I’ve used FV on my R7, and would love it except… For some reason it seems to reset parameters on its own occasionally. Don’t know if that’s me hitting a button by accident, but it never happens in M mode. Have you encountered this behavior?

[@jeffolson4731]

@@jackq279 No I haven't. That sounds like a very odd behavior.

[@jackq279]

I may have found it. Apparently the default button customization assigns the arrow keys (surrounding the Q button), while in FV mode, to set the currently selected parameter to auto. I hadn’t noticed that in my original setup, and was probably fumble-fingering an arrow keys occasionally. I reprogrammed them and will shoot for a while to see what happens.

[@alansach8437]

@@jackq279 If you accidentally hit the trash can button it will reset everything to auto.

[@cyrilldoncillo3362]

I'm really excited to start diving into photography, and even though it feels overwhelming at the moment, watching your videos has taught me so much. I've become a new subscriber because of it.

[@tw9535]

Awesome video!! There is also 'Highlight-Weighted Metering Mode' that attempts to protect blowing highlights (like a person's face on a dark stage) on the fly. Automatically. Adding just a pinch of compensation to 'Highlight-Weighted Metering Mode' protects faces.

[@scottellner8999]

Simon has, hands down, the best photography instructional videos on the internet.

[@simon_dentremont]

too kind!

[@billfortney7028]

Simon, I’ve been a working pro for over 50 years and have taught photo workshops with many of the greatest nature and landscape photographers in America. I must tell you while your work is right up there with the best I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot of incredible work, your ability to teach is even better,I’m on;y sorry that we’ve never gotten to teach together, congrats my friend you’ve certainly earned my deep respect!

[@vstone4628]

Always useful info! Thanks again Simon for the simple understandable explanations.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@artysanmobile]

My favorite feature of modern cameras is exposure bracketing. It has revealed to me the difference between my imagination and my camera’s brain. The camera is mostly on the money, but occasionally up to 2/3 of a stop overexposure.

[@allevinoantiquecafecomhist7748]

You are the first photography that have give me i really good tip for hash midday light using a crop sensor, and i am using for sport photography. Never seen a sport photography talks about that, i guess is because they do not have hash midday light in their countries or they have a really good full frame sensor for sport with good dynamic range. Thanks, always good info in your videos😊

[@leoazmitia9070]

Hi Simon, I'm new to the world of photography but your videos have helped me👏

[@simon_dentremont]

That's awesome!

[@wowashuwow]

Man you're such a good teacher. This video was helpful. Thank you.

[@aurora3542]

I found out your channel some days ago, and I have to say that you have such a great way of explaining things. You've made me watch several videos, clicking one after the other, and only mid way through it think "wait, I have X camera or Y problem, this video is not made for me and I still kept watching it because it's very interesting!". Hats off to you, keep up the great work!!

[@luzr6613]

Great, M. d'Entremont, as always. Clear, concise, structured and flowing. We all construct little rituals. One of mine is - eat dinner... clean teeth... get into bed... reset cameras... go to sleep. Amazing how much frustration that has saved me. Have a great day.

[@simon_dentremont]

Good one!

[@SandboChang]

Seeing how you uses the compensation dial is indeed enlightening. I definitely know this dial but in reality is I seldom remember I can use it in the field. I guess it's one more thing I should get used to using.

[@mujtabahmed]

In the past, I held the belief that achieving a perfect photograph necessitated maintaining an exposure value of zero. Consequently, I meticulously ensured that the exposure was set to zero before capturing each image. However, I am grateful for the insights provided in the video, as they have enlightened me to the benefits of experimenting with different exposure settings, particularly in challenging lighting conditions such as excessive darkness or brightness.

[@kon8708]

You deserve all the love you get on this channel. All of your tips are extremely helpful and are put into a simple-to-understand format. Thank you for what you do on this channel.

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@robertmarkusneiger6810]

…your conversations are like your photos, accurate, clear and always in focus….thank you Simon

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Man, you are a Pro's Pro. Your gear list made my day, as did these tips. THANKS! What a great location for a nature photographer.

[@henriklauritz1992]

Even so that I have been a photographer for 20 years it's always nice to re hear it all again, and I'll learn something new eatch time. Thank you again 🙏

[@scottevers8425]

I had the hardest time getting great egret photos exposed properly. Exposure compensation was a life saver. Great advice!

[@cobranxl]

Thanks d'Entremont. I just started taking bird photography this year, and you are my main help :)

[@mxzrevman64]

great reminder, i tend to shoot in center weighted metering on my Nikon which helps with dark subjects against bright backgrounds

[@fionasharp9464]

I'm so glad I've found you online - your videos are so helpful. Thank you!

[@Andre-qm6we]

Perfectly explained. Thanks from Germany!

[@simon_dentremont]

Danke

[@shellafransiska-y4h]

Ah jadi begini rupanya eksposur itu dijelaskan dengan cara yang super jelas! Akhirnya bisa menghilangkan kebingungan gue. Tapi yaudahlah, eksposur emang harusnya diketahui oleh fotografer ya? Good job buat penjelasannya!

[@shapshot1]

Hey Simon, another great video filled with great tips! Saw your amazing northern lights show fro Cape Breton (Live a Five -ATV)… you did some scrambling and put your hours and knowledge to the test, “if you never cast your fishing rod into the stream the won’t know what awaits for you!😘🙏

[@pellechi1]

One of your best and most informative videos … thanks. I actually got excited to hold my camera and ‘see’ what I wasn’t aware the camera was doing …

[@rsat9526]

I am a beginner and hobbyist at photography. I have watched far too many tutorial VDO on youtube to learn but I find your VDOs to be the most educational and useful. THANK YOU (I hope I could make it bigger!). I really learn a lot and your lessons are extremely practical in real life!

[@janis679]

You the man Simon! A pearl among all the channels mostly just reviewing new gear 🙂 Could you consider making a video about how professional photos we can achieve with a budget camerasystem, like your M50 and some decent glass for it? Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

M50 on my 500mm f4 is in the works!

[@bobber1234]

I shoot Canon mirrorless... R & R5. I use Fv mode where I choose shutter speed and aperture. I use auto ISO with my histogram showing in the viewfinder. I set the Fv to adjust exposure compensation and I can just roll my front dial left and right watching the histogram to just touch the right side. Fv (mode) + EC + ETTR = Success for me.

[@wullfyularen3044]

Thank you Simon! I am learning all of the technical aspects of the photography and digital cameras, and your videos are always like a goldmine of information. It is rare to see someone explain a subject as good as you 👏👏👏

[@BGTuyau]

As usual, a well-presented survey of a key element of photography -and an illustration of how human intelligence trumps the artificial kind- reinforcing stuff I've learned by stumbling around. Thank You ...

[@mikefoster6018]

I love Aperture Priority and AutoISO on my Fuji X-T5. I shift between three AutoISO presets depending on the sort of shutter speed I want the camera to try for. Usually I'm taking photos in urban situations with a lot of shadows and bright spots, so I very broadly trust the camera to set ISO to try to avoid clipping the highlights or shadows (helped by me always being on Dynamic Range 400). All pictures tend to come out a bit dark but, as you say, that's better than too bright. I will absolutely use Exposure Compensation to save the shadows and/or highlights in a key part of the composition as needed - and I always have the top-dial Exposure Compensation redirected to the camera's front Command Dial for easier access (plus I like how depressing it toggles locking it).

[@brunoalcosta45]

I haven't watched the video yet, I just wanted to say that your thumbnails are the best

[@hannahhaslund6606]

I’ve been having a difficult time understanding over/under exposure on my Canon T3 and have watched so many videos trying to wrap my head around it. Just had my “ah ha!” Moment watching this-thank you for this!!

[@justageekboy65]

I have totally done this. Forgot to check the EC from the previous session and completely blown out the first few photos.

[@alanplatt888]

It's so obvious when reminded of the basics. I think you do an excellent job, especially educating "the likes of me" to the basics most important to remember or explore in more detail. Nice job.

[@firefeethok_tui2355]

“ know when to talk and when to shut your mouth, You’re so moody, always such a fighter, baby open up your mind, and you’ll be just fine”. It’s almost the best part of every video.❤ plus these straightforward easy to understand examples of camera features are so helpful. I can’t even even tell you.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so kind

[@elmeme88]

Your explanations are fantastic, now I REALLY want a full frame or crop frame camera. Thank you

[@mgvinod2k]

Extraordinary time and value of yours in putting it together to give such a good explanation.thank you

[@JaySilva88]

Other setting to help your camera make the right decision is the metering mode. Using spot or centre weighted metering will help getting the subject well exposed.

[@simon_dentremont]

I have a whole video on metering covering all the modes

[@journalofwildculture]

Excellent teacher on all aspects of photography craft and camera tech. Very clear and digestible lessons. Highly recommended.

[@Tickleme3090]

Great explanation, so simple and so succinct. Well done, thank you. Loved the bonus tip, I will be working on this. I regularly use the compensation dial, but will now try to remember saving the highlights. Again thank you.

[@eskay2250]

Really useful Simon. Wish I watched this yesterday. I was struggling to get my exposure right when photographing Black Cockatoos against a bright sky. I haven't quite worked out a quick BB way to adjust my EC on my Canon R7

[@jasonparks5627]

Thank you for doing what you do! I've watched many of your videos and appreciate your warm positivity and ability to break down concepts. I'm commenting here specifically because this is the first time I feel like someone has been able to explain exposure compensation in a way that I can understand and apply.

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm glad it finally clicked for you!

[@gregfisher216]

Simon, you are a great teacher and know your craft very well. I have been shooting in manual for many years. Three years ago ,I got a EOS R with electronic view finder. I can set my aperture and ISO and use my thumb wheel to change the shutter speed and watch my histogram and the change in the exposure when I change a setting. I could never do this with my old 6D which by the way took amazing images !The EOS R does not have a dedicated exposure compensation button so I basically do the same shooting in full manual.

[@SavageVoyageur]

I’m an amateur photographer and you have taught me so much. Got my sub and thumbs up. That you Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@gregfeeler6910]

Simon, even for things I understand and have used for years, somehow your explanations open up a deeper understanding. I'll bet if you did a video about how to tell time I would learn something. Thank you!

[@tomwhitmorephotography]

Great video Simon. I think I'll be referring back to this quite often. Can never seem to get this to stick in my head!

[@Echoesofwild]

As usual another great video. What I would like to challenge you though, is a tutorial video on Manual Mode with AUTO ISO, from the beginning to end . It should include, but not limited to, the way you assign buttons or wheels to set/change Aperture and SS and the double back buttons and the additional button or turning wheel for the Exposure Compensation. This would tremendously help "professionals begginers" like myself. Thanks Simon.👌

[@simon_dentremont]

I have one!

[@12lbbluefish3]

I just wanted to say thank you. I just started out photography as a new hobby, and am lucky enough to start with some decent gear, because my dad lets me use his equipment. I've learned a lot about how his camera works, and am working on improving my photos, so that rather than just taking a photo of an animal, I do my best to make the photo pleasing, by getting to eye level and making a good composition. You do a great job of explaining things to people who know nothing about cameras, such as myself.

[@moorabinda]

Love a video that answers my questions as they pop up. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@TimberTransport]

It's nice to listen to a proffessional.

[@greybeard5915]

Nice picture on the news ofmthe northern lights

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@flaviarodrigues4074]

Simon I just found your channel last week. I already watched all videos available here. Good job my friend 👏

[@Steve-qi7hc]

Thank you for another excellent video

[@0123nikon]

LOVE this vidéo ,because i am guilty to not think about adjusting compensation when i take picture this help thank you

[@ddmarty]

I never really understood how to work the exposure compensation so I gave up trying. After watching your video, I get it now. Thank you for explaining it in a way I can understand and not assuming I know everything about exposure compensation like all the other videos I've tried to learn from. Can't wait to try it out now. My favorite tip to get the exposure right, up to this point, is using the histogram in camera. I learned that from your videos also. Thanks.

[@petermeitzler9981]

Interesting. Under-exposing as a precautionary move. Very similar to working with color reversal film. Great explanation!

[@kevinbalmer427]

As always... as polished presentation by a talented presenter.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Kevin

[@juancarloshorta1934]

I have a Rebel T3 with the 18-55 mm kit lens because someone gifted it to me. This is all I have and my only learning tool because I'm 100% a beginner. But even without money or resources, I can't thank you enough for all the information you share in your videos because that this is the way Im learning. Thanks!

[@richardpesce5325]

Thanks for the very clear explanation Simon!

[@lindsayway100]

Thank you for being so enthusiastic about every subject you teach! (knowledgeable goes without saying)

[@saifaldin_]

I shoot with a crop sensor mirrorless, and I normally have my exposure compensation meter underexpose by a third of a stop. Thank you for the video!

[@boatman222345]

Having learned Minor White's version of Ansel Adam's zone system years ago I sometimes run into difficulty with today's sophisticated camera exposure systems. In Ansel's day you picked the area of the composition you were going to expose for and took a reading. The result told you the exposure required to render that area Zone 5 or middle gray. You then added or subtracted the appropriate number of stops to render that area the zone you wanted it to be. Today's far more sophisticated cameras contain massive data bases of images with a wide variety of contrasts and deliver exposure results based upon the database scene that most closely match the current composition. This means that the camera is "doing the thinking" for you based upon some very complex calculations. If you continue to use the same techniques appropriate for the old style meter systems the results will often not be what you expect.

[@shaynestephens]

Thank you, Simon! You are always helpful!

[@passionandcommonsense]

Amazing! Thanks. Aside from your imaging skills, give yourself a 10/10 on communication.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@Bimmly]

Your videos are always deserving of a like, they are just so very helpful 👍

[@MrStuartAllan]

Another excellent video, thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@SapphicCode]

Just to add on to your last point, Dynamic Range (Fuji) and Auto Lighting Optimizer (Canon) will under-expose in camera and protect the highlights for you, at the cost of some added noise similar to raising the exposure yourself in post.

[@kanehi3275]

I use exposure compensation to my liking most of the time when the image is too dark or light. I have the Canon RP and the ring dial on the lens makes it very convenient to adjust the exposure compensation in addition to the dial on the camera.

[@dsouzaangelo]

Omgosh, I so love your channel, you make photography less daunting and above all concise! Excellent educator, so glad I have been following you for a while!🍻

[@JamieAL16]

You should honestly sell this content. I appreciate it being here for free on youtube but I've learned SO much from you! if you're ever in Ottawa I'd love to show you cool spots!

[@barki_8662]

Binged through probably over 10 episodes of your channel during the past couple days. Your experience really shines through your explanations. You’re doing an amazing job and your videos are really good. Thank you so very much.

[@mikelyon5595]

Thanks again for your efforts to improve your viewer's photographic proficiencies!

[@tmewborn1]

Thank You sir, I have been subscribe since I first discoverd Your fantastic Video's I always learn a lot, and still learning. Learning about expsoure compensation when shooting Manual which I do 99% of the time has been a major eye opener. That, and paying attention to metering both have greatly improved my keepers in regards to exposure, and Your Video's on Focusing has greatly increased the percentage of My Keepers. Very happy to see this new Video posted. I look forward to each new one. Have a very nice weekend.

[@ArcanePath360]

This is why I use centre weighted average, and sometimes bracket my photos if I'm struggling to guess how many stops to adjust the comp. Also, the mirrorless don't always give true exposure settings, such as when you half press to focus it will brighten the scene to help with focusing. A handy feature with M focus macro lenses with x2 magnification where flash is needed.

[@gregoryballou7901]

I love your videos. Your teachings have helped improve my photography by leaps and bounds.

[@debrapeasley2606]

Thanks for your timely video! In the past week I've encountered egrets flying low over a lake in bright sun to land in a tree with dark branches. I've also shot a bald eagle flying high in a bright sky. I set shutter speed and aperture with Auto ISO at your suggestion but the exposure comp. had me stumped. I've heard about "ETTR" but didn't know how far to go or how to handle it in post processing. You've given me a starting point. Thank you. Just an idea- a follow-up video where you take a shot ETTR and show us how you process it. I'm new to post processing beyond cropping and total image brightening or darkening. Thanks again.

[@PhotoswithArt]

The correct exposure is such a vague subject to grasp. I binge watching on exposure videos quite a bit now, still can't nail it in my head. I use manual mode DSLR and because I try to run away the muddy gray photos, I'm messing up over and under exposure often. Thanks for the video, it helped me more understand a bit better.

[@roberthennessey5702]

Thank you Simon great information here. In addition do you have the white balance on auto?

[@simon_dentremont]

I do!