Exposure compensation symbolWhen taking photos where large areas of the photo are very bright, very dark or contain a lot of contrast, a camera's metering system can be fooled. To help prevent an entire photo from being under or over exposed, many digital cameras let you adjust exposure values. Changing EV alters the exposure automatically selected by a camera's metering mode.

Over-exposed image

For overexposed subjects (too light), decrease exposure value.
Under exposed image

For underexposed subjects (too dark), increase the exposure value.

Exposure value settings for a main subject

(+) When the main subject is darker than a bright background, use a positive exposure value.

(-) If the subject is much lighter than the background, use a negative exposure value.

Suggested Exposure Value settings

  • Bright sunlight coming over the back of you when taking a photo:  -0.3 or -0.7 EV compensation

  • For shots with strong light coming behind the subject (back lit): +0.7 or +1.0 EV

  • Scene with bright sun and/or backlighting: 0 to +2 EV

  • Snow, beach or highly reflected water: +2/3 to 2 EV

  • Close-up of white or yellow flower: +1/3 to +1-2/3 EV

  • Dimly lit night sky: 0 to +2 EV

  • Land or seascape taken just prior to dusk: -2/3 to 0 EV

  • Very dark or black objects: -1 1/3 to -2/3 EV