chimping

my understanding from read a few threads is that it is taking a shot and adjusting exposure until you get it right. is this correct?

That's correct. Sports photographer talk, mostly. Deadline guys reviewing their shots between plays. It's a habit among those who need to get the images correct in the camera.

Partly right. Sometimes sounds are expected:

Chimping EXPOSED! (Part 1)

Chimping - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.luminous-landscape.com …standing-histograms.shtml

Better would be to get the exposure right the 1st time:
First set the f-stop & shutter speed you need. Then adjust the ISO.
Need an exposure crutch?

This shows how the subject can affect the exposure & why manual keeps me worry free:
Post #47