Exposure Calculator
Calculate exposure value (EV) from camera settings or find equivalent exposure settings for different lighting conditions
Camera Settings
Exposure Value Results
Formula: EV = log₂((100 × aperture²) / (ISO × shutter_speed))
Higher EV values indicate brighter lighting conditions
Exposure Analysis
Example Calculation
Portrait Photography Example
Scene: Park portrait with rainbow in cloudy weather
Settings: f/8, 1/500s, ISO 200
Formula: EV = log₂((100 × 8²) / (200 × 1/500))
Calculation: EV = log₂((100 × 64) / (200 × 0.002))
Result: EV = log₂(6400 / 0.4) = log₂(16000) ≈ EV 14
Result Analysis
EV 14 corresponds to "Hazy Sun" conditions
Perfect for rainbows under weak hazy sun
Settings are optimal for the lighting situation
EV Quick Reference
Exposure Triangle
Aperture
Controls depth of field
Lower f-numbers = wider aperture
Shutter Speed
Controls motion blur
Faster speeds freeze motion
ISO
Controls sensor sensitivity
Higher ISO increases noise
Photography Tips
Lower EV values require longer exposures or higher ISO
Each EV step doubles or halves the light
Use tripods for EV values below 8
Consider ND filters for very bright conditions
Understanding Exposure Value (EV)
What is Exposure Value?
Exposure Value (EV) is a number that represents the lighting situation of a scene. It combines aperture, shutter speed, and ISO into a single value that indicates how much light is available and how your camera should be configured to capture it properly.
Why Use EV?
- •Standardized way to describe lighting conditions
- •Compare different camera settings objectively
- •Plan shoots based on expected lighting
- •Find equivalent exposures quickly
EV Formula Explanation
EV = log₂((100 × aperture²) / (ISO × shutter_speed))
- EV: Exposure Value
- aperture: F-number (e.g., 2.8 for f/2.8)
- ISO: Sensitivity value (e.g., 100, 400, 800)
- shutter_speed: Duration in seconds
Note: EV values range from -7 (very dark) to +20 (extremely bright)
Equivalent Exposures
Multiple combinations of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can produce the same exposure value. This is called the "exposure triangle" - changing one setting requires adjusting another to maintain the same overall exposure.
Example: EV 13
f/8, 1/125s, ISO 100
f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 100
f/11, 1/60s, ISO 100
f/8, 1/250s, ISO 200
Creative Control
• Aperture: Depth of field
• Shutter: Motion blur
• ISO: Image noise
Practical Use
• Match lighting conditions
• Maintain consistent exposure
• Plan equipment needs