What Is Gamma Correction?

Gamma correction is a process that adjusts the brightness of an image to match the non-linear way humans perceive light and color. Here's how it works:

1. Non-linear Perception: Human eyes perceive brightness logarithmically rather than linearly. Gamma correction compensates for this by adjusting the luminance of an image.
2. Gamma Curve: It applies a gamma curve to the image data, which alters the pixel values to ensure consistent brightness levels.
3. Display Calibration: Different devices may have different gamma settings (e.g., 2.2 for most monitors). Gamma correction helps standardize output across various displays.
4. Image Quality: Proper gamma correction ensures that images retain their intended detail and contrast, especially in shadows and highlights.
5. Applications: Used in photography, video production, and computer graphics to achieve more accurate and visually appealing results.

Overall, gamma correction is essential for accurate color and brightness reproduction across different devices and media.