Canon G1 pix look too dark

[Mimi]

I'm pretty new to the digital world, but I've been loving my Canon G1. I've noticed, however, that most of my pictures, even under ideal conditions, look dark. I can enhance them usually to an adequate degree using the Zoombrowser contrast and brightness buttons, but I'm wondering why I even have to mess with it. I have been shooting in Auto mode, simply because I don't know what else to do. I've looked in my manual for tips, but I don't see this problem addressed. I've searched the forums somewhat, but if this issue has been discussed, I can't find it.

I have a Canon Rebel 35 mm. camera which takes beautiful photographs, and I'm ready to throw in the towel and give up on the digital camera unless I can figure out what I'm doing wrong here. Or maybe this is normal?

[slejhamer]

No answers yet, but a few questions for you, Mimi:

Have you tested the G1 pix in print, or only on your monitor? If the latter, have you calibrated the monitor? Do you have software (such as Photoshop) that will give you a histogram display which lets you check exposure? Also, just to be on the safe side, have you checked the camera's contrast and exposure compensation settings to ensure they are not set at low levels?

I find that my G1 underexposes slightly, but not so much as to be a problem. In some cases this is actually a benefit, helping to avoid blown-out highlights.

Regards,

[Mimi]

I've had a few "rolls" developed, but only after I've enhanced them first - so I guess I haven't tried to print them in their virgin state yet. I don't have Photoshop, unfortunately. I guess my next step is to check the camera's contrast and exposure compensation settings. I hope there are some instructions in the manual as to how to do this --- like I said, I'm pretty new at this!

Thanks for your help!

[Yance]

I'm also thinking you should check your monitor's brightness settings.