Vignettoitumista

Vignettoitumista refers to a phenomenon observed in some digital image processing and display technologies where the edges of an image appear darker than the center. This effect can be intentional, as a stylistic choice to draw the viewer's eye towards the subject matter, or unintentional, stemming from limitations in lens design, sensor characteristics, or display calibration.

In photography and cinematography, vignetting is often deliberately added during post-processing. It can create a sense of depth, focus attention, and enhance the mood of an image. Photographers might use software or physical filters to achieve this effect. The degree of vignetting can vary, from subtle darkening to a pronounced, almost circular frame.

Conversely, optical vignetting can occur naturally due to the physics of light passing through a lens. Wide-angle lenses, in particular, are more prone to this, especially when used with filters or when the image sensor is not perfectly aligned. Sensor vignetting can also happen if the light rays hitting the sensor are not perpendicular across the entire surface.

In display technology, vignetting might manifest as uneven brightness or color across the screen, with the corners appearing dimmer. This can be a result of the manufacturing process or the way the display panel is illuminated. While less common as an intentional artistic choice in displays, it is generally considered a defect. Calibration can sometimes mitigate display vignetting. The term itself is derived from the concept of a vignette, a short descriptive sketch or illustration, often enclosed by a border, which visually parallels the darkening at the image edges.