Why & How to Use a Camera’s RGB Histogram (VIDEO)
Most of you are hopefully using the camera’s familiar Luminance histogram to fine-tune exposure, especially when shooting under difficult lighting situations. But are you aware that some modern mirrorless cameras offer the option to select an RGB histogram instead? This tutorial from Adorama TV will quickly bring you up to speed so that you’ll understand which tool to use when.
Instructor David Bergman is a versatile NY-based pro who shoots everything from celebrity portraits and sports, to live concert and event photography. This episode was prompted by a question posted to his unique Ask David Bergman website where anyone can request advice on common photography challenges and techniques.
Today’s succinct three-point question from a fan goes like this: “I’ve seen the option to shoot with an RGB histogram. How does this differ from a Luminance histogram? Why should I use it, and are there any downsides?”
Bergman’s detailed 11-minute response delves into these concerns and more so that you’ll be confident about the relying upon the RGB histogram when it’s the most valuable choice. He provides a quick overview of histograms in general and describes the key implications when shooting in Jpeg or Raw.
You’ll also learn the powerful advantages of the RGB histogram, with its red, green and blue-colored lines, along with a few downsides that are worthy of consideration. Here’s a quick explanation for those who’ve completely ignored a camera’s histogram: “It’s just a graph showing the distribution of brightness levels in an image.”
The left edge represents solid black without detail, the right edge does the same for the whites, with a full range of tones in between the two sides. That’s about all many photographers know if the Luminance histogram is the only option they’ve explored.
If you’re lucky enough to own a camera that also offers a RGB histogram, you’ll learn exactly how to use it (and when to avoid it) as this essential lesson proceeds. Then take a look at the interesting Ask David Bergman website where you can pose questions of your own and view the entire archive of insightful replies.
And don’t miss another important primer we posted for those of you who don’t understand how a camera’s different Shutter mode settings affect the photographs you shoot.
