what is histogram

[picard]

I read the reviews of different cameras on the internet and there is no explanation of histogram. What is histogram in photography? How does it affect the picture? for example, The sony DSC V3 has hisogram feature. I am newbie with digital photography. I am still learning the terminology and how to shoot high speed outdoor shots.

[DownByFive]

I read the reviews of different cameras on the internet and there is no explanation of histogram. What is histogram in photography? How does it affect the picture? for example, The sony DSC V3 has hisogram feature. I am newbie with digital photography. I am still learning the terminology and how to shoot high speed outdoor shots.

Here's a good explanation

[Asylum Steve]

That link gives an extremely good explanation of the hisogram feature and how to use it when figuring out your exposure.

IMO, the best part is further down the page when it dispels a common myth about histograms: that they all should resemble a bell curve with the peak (midtones) roughly in the center with tappeing sides (highlights and shadows).

This is not even close to being true. Different lighting situations will yield completely different histograms. Look at the high and low key examples they use.

As a photographer you need to compare the histogram with your perception of the scene (IOW how you're trying to depict it) as well as your light meter readings...

[picard]

Thanks for link about histograms. It is very useful for me.

[another view]

As a photographer you need to compare the histogram with your perception of the scene (IOW how you're trying to depict it) as well as your light meter readings...

This is the absolute very best piece of advice about histograms. You should get to the point eventually that you'll know what the histogram looks like (well, pretty close at least) before you even see it. When it consistently looks like what you want it to look like, then you're good with exposure. A lot of my band pictures have blocked up shadows and have no detail past the center of the histogram (very little at that point, too) and - to me - that's how they should look. A smooth histogram that spans from one side to the other ain't gonna happen, and won't look right anyway.

Bottom line, the histogram is probably the most valuable tool on a digital camera - as long as you learn how it works.