Image Gamma Correction

Gamma correction adjusts image brightness using a power-law formula that affects midtones more than shadows or highlights. Values below 1.0 lighten the image, while values above 1.0 darken it. Unlike linear brightness adjustment, gamma preserves detail in both dark and bright areas more naturally.

The standard gamma for sRGB displays is 2.2. Use values between 0.5 and 1.0 to lighten dark images, 1.0 for no change, and 1.5 to 3.0 to darken bright images. For web display, stick close to 2.2. For print preparation, consult your printer's specifications.

Brightness adjustment adds or subtracts the same value from all pixels linearly, which can lose detail in shadows or blow out highlights. Gamma correction applies a curve that adjusts midtones more than extremes, preserving detail across the entire tonal range for more natural-looking results.

Different displays have different gamma values. A photo may look perfect on one screen but too dark or light on another. Applying proper gamma correction (typically 2.2 for web images) ensures more consistent appearance across different displays and devices.

Yes, lowering the gamma value (below 1.0) can recover details in underexposed photos by brightening midtones and shadows while preserving highlights. However, it cannot recover information that wasn't captured in the original exposure, especially in completely black areas.

Gamma correction is simpler and faster for overall brightness adjustments with a single value. Curves offer more precise control over specific tonal ranges. Use gamma for quick, natural-looking brightness corrections, and curves when you need detailed control over shadows, midtones, and highlights separately.

All major image formats including JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, TIFF, and BMP support gamma correction processing. PNG files can also embed gamma information in metadata, helping ensure consistent display across different software and platforms that respect this metadata.

Gamma 2.2 matches the sRGB color space standard used by most monitors, browsers, and digital cameras. This ensures consistent color and brightness appearance across devices. Images encoded with gamma 2.2 display correctly on the vast majority of screens without requiring additional correction.

Yes, gamma correction is valuable in HDR workflows for balancing the compressed dynamic range. After tone mapping, applying appropriate gamma (typically 0.8-1.2) can restore natural midtone brightness while maintaining the expanded detail in highlights and shadows that HDR processing provides.