Nikon Coolpix 8800 User Manual - Page 54

Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera. Exposure compensation can be set to values between -2.0 EV (underexposure) and +2.0 EV (overexposure) in increments of 1 3 EV. 1 2 1.0 8M 1/60 F2.8 126 Rotate mode dial to , A, or . , P, S, Press button and rotate command dial until desired setting appears in control panel and shooting display. At settings other than 0.0, icon is displayed in control panel after button is released. More on Photography Restrictions on Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is not available in mode M ( is selected in scene mode ( 26). 46) or when (Fireworks show) Cancelling Exposure Compensation To cancel exposure compensation, choose a value of 0.0. In , , and modes, exposure compensation is also reset to 0.0 when the mode dial is rotated to another setting. Choosing a Value for Exposure Compensation As a rule of thumb, select positive values when large areas of the frame are very brightly lit (for example, when photographing an expanse of sunlit water, sand, or snow) or when the background is much brighter than the main subject. Choose negative values when large areas of the frame are very dark (for example, when photographing a forest of dark green leaves) or when the background is much darker than the main subject. This is because the camera, in order to avoid extreme under- or over-exposure, tends to lower exposure when the frame is very bright and raise exposure when the frame is very dark, which can make naturally bright subjects look dim and naturally dark subjects appear over-bright, or "washed out." 44