Is there an optimal histogram display

[imarine]

Just wondering if there is an ideal or preferred histogram display for a photo.

[sirhc55]

Just wondering if there is an ideal or preferred histogram display for a photo.

The short answer is no. Every photo is made up of a series of zones. As you are probably aware the histogram that can be seen on the back of the D70 gives an approximate indication of where the light and dark is plus whats in between. The left hand side represents dark and the right hand side light.

Unfortunately the D70 histogram is not RGB so it gives only a rough idea.

If you shoot raw and you are using PS with camera raw you will see a RGB histogram indicated in the top window. Manipulation of the exposure, contrast etc will move these histograms.

A link was posted earlier today to this site which gives a good run down on spot metering.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=5778792

Ron Reznik has an ebook that goes into histograms in depth.

If I have not explained properly I am sure someone will put me right.

Chris

[sirhc55]

imarine - you could also look here:

http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml

or here

http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_histogram.html

Chris