Page 1 of 21

An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 2 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

One of the more confusing parts of digital photography (or photography in general) is
what all of the settings do to the picture. Below are nine examples of the same shot
made with different settings. For each corresponding page, you’ll see the changes
made in the settings from the first picture which was taken in “auto” mode. The
settings are the EXIF settings that the camera puts in the header of each photo.

The camera used for these photos is a Kodak Easyshare Z740.

Page 4

Page 6

Page 8

Page 10

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 3 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Page 12

Page 14

Page 16

Page 18

Page 20

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 4 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Picture Taken in Auto Mode

ApertureValue F4.0
ExposureBiasValue EV0.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
Format :
2412Bytes
MakerNote (Offset:1098)
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 80/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2952.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:9313 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:9432
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:9861
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:72075
JFIF_APP2 size:61446bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 5 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

FXPR (offset:133532
JFIF_APP2 size:7395bytes) DigitalZoomRatio 0/100
Main Information FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)
Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY SceneCaptureType Standard
KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA GainControl None
Orientation left-hand side Contrast Normal
XResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
YResolution 230/1 Sharpness Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
YCbCrPositioning centered ExifR98
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/750Sec Thumbnail Information OLDJPEG
FNumber F4.0 Compression left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal Orientation 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 80 XResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 YResolution Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:39:30 ResolutionUnit 3818

DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:39:30 JPEGInterchangeFormat 5479

JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
ComponentConfiguration YCbCr th
ShutterSpeedValue 1/724Sec FlashPixExtention 0000019C
/Extension List 0001FFD2

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 6 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F4.0
ExposureBiasValue EV0.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 80/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2953.JPG OneChipColorArea sensor ea sensor
OneChipColorAr
JFIF_APP1 Exif SensingMethod ea sensor
FXPR (offset:9385
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:9504 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:9933
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:72147
JFIF_APP2 size:61446bytes) ExposureMode Auto

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 7 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

FXPR (offset:133604
JFIF_APP2 size:9191bytes) WhiteBalance Manual
Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100
Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)
KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA SceneCaptureType Landscape
Orientation left-hand side GainControl None
XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Hard
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/500Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F4.0 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 80 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:39:39 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:39:39 th 5741
OneChipColorAr
ComponentConfiguration YCbCr SensingMethod ea sensor
ShutterSpeedValue 1/512Sec FileSource DSC
A directly
photographed
SceneType image

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 8 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F4.0
ExposureBiasValue EV0.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
CenterWeightedAver
MeteringMode age
LightSource Daylight
Not
Flash fired(Compulsory)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)

MakerNote Unknown Format

FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 80/1
OneChipColorArea
Filename 100_2955.JPG SensingMethod sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
FXPR (offset:9575 A directly
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType photographed image
FXPR (offset:9694
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:10123
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:72337
JFIF_APP2 size:61446bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 9 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

FXPR (offset:133794
JFIF_APP2 size:15191bytes) DigitalZoomRatio 0/100
Main Information FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)
EASTMAN KODAK
Make COMPANY SceneCaptureType Standard
KODAK Z740 ZOOM
Model DIGITAL CAMERA GainControl None
Orientation left-hand side Contrast Normal
XResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
YResolution 230/1 Sharpness Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
YCbCrPositioning centered ExifR R98
ExifInfoOffset 504 Version 100
Sub Information Compression OLDJPEG
ExposureTime 1/500Sec Orientation left-hand side
FNumber F4.0 XResolution 72/1
ExposureProgram Program Normal YResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 80 ResolutionUnit Inch
ExifVersion 221 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLen
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:40:40 gth 5471
OneChipColorArea
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:40:40 SensingMethod sensor

ComponentConfiguration YCbCr FileSource DSC

A directly
ShutterSpeedValue 1/512Sec SceneType photographed image
CustomRendered Normal process

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 10 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F2.8
ExposureBiasValue EV1.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
CenterWeightedAver
MeteringMode age
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)

MakerNote Unknown Format

FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ApertureValue F2.8
Filename 100_2959.JPG ExposureIndex 80/1
OneChipColorArea
JFIF_APP1 Exif SensingMethod sensor
FXPR (offset:9695
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) FileSource DSC
FXPR (offset:9814 A directly
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) SceneType photographed image
FXPR (offset:10243
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:72457
JFIF_APP2 size:61446bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:133914
JFIF_APP2 size:19477bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 11 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

EASTMAN KODAK
Make COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)
KODAK Z740 ZOOM
Model DIGITAL CAMERA SceneCaptureType Standard
Orientation left-hand side GainControl None
XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Normal
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/500Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F2.8 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 80 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:41:44 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLen
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:41:44 gth 5861
OneChipColorArea
ComponentConfiguration YCbCr SensingMethod sensor
ShutterSpeedValue 1/512Sec FileSource DSC
A directly
SceneType photographed image

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 12 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F5.7
ExposureBiasValue EV-0.5
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 100/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2960.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:8851 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:8970
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:9399
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:71613
JFIF_APP2 size:56522bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 13 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)

KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA SceneCaptureType Standard

Orientation left-hand side GainControl Low gain up

XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Normal
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/750Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F5.6 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 100 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:42:10 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:42:10 th 5017

ComponentConfiguration YCbCr

ShutterSpeedValue 1/724Sec

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 14 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F5.7
ExposureBiasValue EV-0.5
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 100/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2963.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:8660 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:8779
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:9208
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:71422
JFIF_APP2 size:52958bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 15 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)

KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA SceneCaptureType Standard

Orientation left-hand side GainControl Low gain up

XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Normal
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/750Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F5.6 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 100 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:42:56 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:42:56 th 4826

ComponentConfiguration YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue 1/724Sec

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 16 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F5.7
ExposureBiasValue EV-1.5
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Not fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 100/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2965.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:8223 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:8342
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:8771
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:70985
JFIF_APP2 size:42681bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 17 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)

KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA SceneCaptureType Standard

Orientation left-hand side GainControl Low gain up

XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Normal
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/1000Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F5.6 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 100 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:43:23 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:43:23 th 4389
OneChipColorAr
ComponentConfiguration YCbCr SensingMethod ea sensor
ShutterSpeedValue 1/1024Sec

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 18 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

ApertureValue F5.7
ExposureBiasValue EV0.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Fired
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 400/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2975.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:9581 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:9700
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:10129
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Manual
FXPR (offset:72343
JFIF_APP2 size:61446bytes) WhiteBalance Auto
FXPR (offset:133800
JFIF_APP2 size:25147bytes) DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 19 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Main Information FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)

Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY SceneCaptureType Standard
KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA GainControl High gain up
Orientation left-hand side Contrast Normal
XResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
YResolution 230/1 Sharpness Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
YCbCrPositioning centered ExifR R98
ExifInfoOffset 504 Version 100
ExposureTime 1/1000Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F5.6 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Manual XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 400 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 16:47:40 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 16:47:40 th 5747

ComponentConfiguration YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue 1/1024Sec

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 20 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

This Picture Taken at Dusk with Night Setting

ApertureValue F2.8
ExposureBiasValue EV0.0
MaxApertureValue F2.8
MeteringMode Division
LightSource Unidentified
Flash Fired(Auto)
FocalLength 6.30(mm)
Unknown
MakerNote Format
FlashPixVersion 100
ColorSpace sRGB
ExifImageWidth 2576
ExifImageHeight 1932

ExifInteroperabilityOffset 3514
ExposureIndex 140/1
OneChipColorAr
Filename 100_2979.JPG SensingMethod ea sensor
JFIF_APP1 Exif FileSource DSC
A directly
FXPR (offset:7944 photographed
JFIF_APP2 size:108bytes) SceneType image
FXPR (offset:8063
JFIF_APP2 size:418bytes) CustomRendered Normal process
FXPR (offset:8492
JFIF_APP2 size:62203bytes) ExposureMode Auto
FXPR (offset:70706
JFIF_APP2 size:22270bytes) WhiteBalance Auto

Main Information DigitalZoomRatio 0/100

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 Page 21 of 21
An Experiment In Digital Photography: Photo Setting Variations

Make EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY FocalLength(35mm) 38(mm)

KODAK Z740 ZOOM DIGITAL
Model CAMERA SceneCaptureType Night scene

Orientation left-hand side GainControl Low gain up

XResolution 230/1 Contrast Normal
YResolution 230/1 Saturation Normal
ResolutionUnit Inch Sharpness Normal
YCbCrPositioning centered SubjectDistanceRange Unknown
ExifInfoOffset 504 ExifR R98
Sub Information Version 100
ExposureTime 1/2Sec Compression OLDJPEG
FNumber F2.8 Orientation left-hand side
ExposureProgram Program Normal XResolution 72/1
ISOSpeedRatings 140 YResolution 72/1
ExifVersion 221 ResolutionUnit Inch
DateTimeOriginal 2007:03:04 18:36:13 JPEGInterchangeFormat 3818
JPEGInterchangeFormatLeng
DateTimeDigitized 2007:03:04 18:36:13 th 4110

ComponentConfiguration YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue 1/2Sec

©copyright 2009 Dan Feildman • http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/blog/

All Rights Reserved Worldwide.