Below is a table showing the difference between using an sRGB transformation (as found in digital cameras and RAW converters) and a straight gamma 2.2 transformation for conversion of linear data to non-linear data that can be displayed. For peer review of the Javascript that generated the table, please see the page's source code.

Context; for simplicity of demonstrating the effects of operations on non-linear data, it is desirable to have a simple way of transforming data non-linearly. A simple 1/gamma exponent greatly simplifies the visualisation and understanding of the mathematics behind correct (and incorrect) operations on non-linearly transformed data (for example the folly of subtracting light pollution from stretched data).


For more information on gamma correction in digital cameras and RAW converters, please refer to sources such as http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/gamma-correction.htm or the dcraw source code.

Below a straight 2.2 gamma curve (red), the sRGB curve (blue), the BT.709 curve (green) and Roger Clark's "standard tone curve" (black).