Mastering the Nikon D300

2.19. Computer Adjustment of Images

Looking at the image in Figure 16, taken in midday overhead sunshine, we see an example of a range of light that is too great to be captured by a digital sensor, but is exposed in such a way that we can get a usable photo later.

Notice in Figure16 how the dark values are clipped off, and dark detail is lost. But, look to the right side of the histogram and notice how the light values are not clipped off. So the camera recorded all the light values, but lost some dark values. Since our eye sees this as normal, this image looks okay.

If we were standing there looking at the cabin ourselves, our eye would be able to see much more detail in the front porch area. But, the camera just can't record that much light ...