LCD/monitor diffrence

[mtb'n ski]

I just got my first digital camera yesterday, an Lumix FZ20, i love it but once i uploaded my pictures onto my computer they all looked under exposed? Is this just a fact of digtal life, or is their something I can do to fix this. Any help would be great... and sorry if this is a stupid question, i am completly lacking in knowledge about digital.

[Michael Fanelli]

I just got my first digital camera yesterday, an Lumix FZ20, i love it but once i uploaded my pictures onto my computer they all looked under exposed? Is this just a fact of digtal life, or is their something I can do to fix this. Any help would be great... and sorry if this is a stupid question, i am completly lacking in knowledge about digital.

First, the LCD is not designed to be accurate in terms of brightness and color. Use the histogram to determine what you have.

You will also have to color calibrate your monitor. Most monitors are way off. PhotoShop has a simple software calibration that works very well and is free with the product.

[another view]

Agree - it's a bad idea to judge exposure by looking at the LCD because it can look so different under different light conditions. It is best to use the histogram which is a graphical representation of the file. Some cameras also can be programmed to make the highlights blink when the captured image is shown on the LCD, which may be quicker/easier to use. I'd guess that if the camera is on auto and you're in "normal" light conditions, then the problem is mainly in the monitor though.

Monitor calibration is always good too, I use Monaco Optix which made more correction than I thought I needed and has been worth every penny. Adobe Gamma which is a program within Photoshop should take care of most of the problem though. This is just one of those things to deal with in digital imaging, everyone either has this program or calibrates their monitor!

After you make a few prints, you can get a good idea of how your monitor corresponds to what the file actually looks like and kind of guess enough to get a fairly decent print but you'll have a problem with consistency (guess how I know).

[shadz]

I found this a problem at first too. What else can you say but, you'll get used to it. Things look great on the camera and you get 'em home and ...

I find that I'm treating my outings more like a film camera, I wait & see these days. What the LCD is good for is 1: histogram, assuming your camera offers it? and 2: checking composition.

Having said that, I always look... KNOWING that it isn't being honest!!

hehehe.