LCD vs actual image quality

msed

New member
Ok, first, I actually have a D60 but didn't see that listed. I shoot my photos in raw format, when I look at my LCD display the image looks perfectly exposed. When I put them on my computer to edit, they are nothing like what was displayed on the camera. They are, typically, severely under exposed. How do I fix what is displayed on the camera? I can't take good pictures if I do not know what is happening as I shoot them. If the display was accurate, I could adjust accordingly.
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
The displayed image after the shot is a JPEG produced by the settings in the camera; essentially a post-processed image produced by the camera.

I believe what you would want to do to see a more accurate as-shot image on the camera would be to remove all the camera processing settings.
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
Added thought here: If the camera is set to record only the RAW image, it may display an unprocessed image. But if set to record both RAW and JPEG, it displays the JPEG. Someone else more familiar with the D60 can probably add more.
 

STM

Senior Member
The image presented on the LCD is really nothing more than an approximation (or "artist's misconception" as we used to call it) of what was stored on the card. You really should not use it as a definitive depiction of the actual image. Use it as a guide but not as the final word
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Ok, first, I actually have a D60 but didn't see that listed. I shoot my photos in raw format, when I look at my LCD display the image looks perfectly exposed. When I put them on my computer to edit, they are nothing like what was displayed on the camera. They are, typically, severely under exposed. How do I fix what is displayed on the camera? I can't take good pictures if I do not know what is happening as I shoot them. If the display was accurate, I could adjust accordingly.
Just a thought but you may want/need to adjust the "LCD Brightness" setting in the Setup Menu, if your camera allows for it. It's possible the brightness setting is resulting in the LCD displaying incorrectly.

...
 

WayneF

Senior Member
The Raw image does not have any of the camera settings in it, such as White Balance, Contrast, color profile Vivid, etc.
The idea of Raw is that we can do that later, after we can see what it needs.

The Exposure (shutter speed and f/stop and ISO) is the same either way, but White Balance and such can affect "brightness" somewhat.

The camera Rear LCD does not (cannot) show the Raw image. What it shows is an embedded JPG image which DOES have the camera settings in it. The histogram also shows that embedded JPG image. But this view is not true of the Raw file until you process it, and add the settings you desire.

So possibly, you have been missing the point of shooting Raw. Raw is unprocessed, your future processing is expected.

Why shoot Raw?
 

nickt

Senior Member
Just to add to what the others have said, Nikon ViewNX2 will show your raw file with camera picture settings applied. Other processing software will not show these camera settings applied (but that software could be applying presets automatically). Check to see what jpg picture controls are being applied in camera. Check your camera histogram for good exposure. Check that no +/- exposure compensation is dialed in. Also check active-d lighting. Having that turned on will make you crazy when shooting raw. Try shooting raw + jpg and see how the lcd, jpg and raw all compare to each other. Also check if your raw processing software is applying some undesirable preset.
 

Glevum Owl

Senior Member
"If the display was accurate... "

Is it? If the monitor is 'off' in some way, no amount of fiddling with the camera settings will help. Try viewing your shots on another monitor, preferably several.
 

PaulPosition

Senior Member
Anyways, when in the field, you should use histogram for judging exposure and LCD image - zoomed in - for judging focus.

As you get top know your camera, you'll get to interpret what the LCD screen shows you better.
 

Gobae

Senior Member
Ok, first, I actually have a D60 but didn't see that listed.

The D60 area can be found as a subsection of the "Out of Production DSLR's" area; which is located at the bottom of the DSLR list.

Second, let me say that as a newbie here myself, I find it really awesome that everyone has been cool with Msed posting in the "wrong" area. I know a lot of other forums where stuff like mis-posting would get either no reply (at best) or veterans yelling at the newb to get a clue. Kudos, to all who answered, I'm glad to be a member here.
 
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