characteristic curve

Definition: (1) Graph showing how density of given film and its development is related to exposure given to it. Scale for vertical axis is density and horizontal is logarithm of exposure or relative exposure. (2) Graph relating input values to output values for an image: see tone curve. * For film, characteristic curve is typically a slanted S-shape. Curve characterizes film's response to light for given development regime.

Related Terms: gamma, toe

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