Be gamma correct

The terms “gamma” and “gamma correction” are well‐known to most graphics practitioners. They describe a fundamentally simple but some‐ times confusing method used in print, imaging and video technology, which also plays an impor‐ tant role in 3D computer graphics and composit‐ ing. Even though most have heard the terms be‐ fore, there are many misconceptions about gamma correction, especially in the field of com‐ puter graphics (for example: “By calibrating my monitor, I remove its gamma curve”). This article, intended for any slightly technically inclined 3D practitioner, tries to clear things up by giving some background on what gamma correction is, why it is needed, and what happens if you ignore it. Additionally, the article explains why it is im‐ portant to use gamma correction in any image processing and how to set up proper gamma correction in 3ds Max as an example.