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Interpreting the 645Z Histogram
An example follows below after this general discussion.
The Pentax 645Z has an incredible dynamic range. Even so, there are scenes in which every last bit of that range is needed. Hence a discussion of both camera behavior and operational best practices is offered here.
Histogram behavior
After making an image, the 645Z shows a post-shot histogram (assuming it is configured to do so).
- The post-shot histogram can be significantly at variance with the histogram shown during “Play” of the same image.
- Both histograms can mislead in how well the exposure retained the highlights, because the relatively narrow color gamut of AdobeRGB clips highlights, particularly bright saturated reds and yellows (much worse with sRGB, so avoid sRGB).
- Apparently clipped highlights might in fact not be clipped.
- Apparently safe highlights can in fact be blown! This is less common, but derives from the color space and white balance flaws in the histogram implementation.
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- In-depth lens evaluations covering behaviors not likely to be found anywhere else, based on real-world field shooting.
- How to configure menus and buttons and best operating practices, gotchas and how-to.
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens and camera behaviors.
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- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
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