Gamma
FAQ -Gamma
FAQ -If you've been framed, escape!
In video, computer graphics and image processing, gamma represents a numerical parameter that describes the nonlinearity of intensity reproduction. Having a good understanding of the theory and practice of gamma will enable you to get good results when you create, process and display pictures.
The Gamma FAQ is distributed in several formats, listed in the table below. If you would like to view this document in typographic quality, or if you would like to print it, I recommend that you obtain the Acrobat PDF version or the Digital Paper version. You can find information about document formats.
| Acrobat PDF format | GammaFAQ.pdf (246889 bytes) |
| PostScript (job file), GnuZip compressed | GammaFAQ.ps.gz (161682 bytes) |
| PostScript (job file), uncompressed | GammaFAQ.ps (295882 bytes) |
| Hypertext (.html) format, with poor typesetting and low-resolution GIF graphics | GammaFAQ.html (26 KB + 15 KB inline 72dpi GIF images) |
| ASCII text-only format, devoid of all graphics | GammaFAQ.txt (26926 bytes) |
You may be interested in the companion Frequently-questioned answers about gamma, the GammaFQA.
If you think gamma has a bad reputation, read about The rehabilitation of gamma.
If you're interested in color, consult the ColorFAQ.
You might be interested in my note Gamma Correction on the Apple Macintosh.
See also Robert Berger's note about Monitor Gamma.
Charles - Color technology
1998-08-04