Japanese term (edited): ���Ƃ�

Overexposure is not enough because photographers deliberately overexpose all the time. This term refers to a problem with the CCD. More specifically, in this context, an excellent article on histograms and compensation, it refers to the fact that filters are totally useless.

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Note added at 5 hrs (2006-01-30 22:42:28 GMT)
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In a CCD context, I'd consider lumping both under "out of range"; in an image processing one, "beyond saving with digital filtering."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maynard/sets/

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Note added at 10 hrs (2006-01-31 03:32:38 GMT)
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I'd prefer "whiteout" to "whitewash" because that's what skiers and divers use, but unfortunately stationery stores sell a commercial product with that name.

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Note added at 21 hrs (2006-01-31 14:53:52 GMT) Post-grading
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I've changed my mind. For "out of range," substitute "end or range" or "endpoint." In a private communication, Kurt has revealed that the source document specifically means 0 and 255, the endpoints for the possible RGB value ranges. (0,0,0) means pure black; (255,255,255), pure white. Even one pixel with either of these values generally indicates an exposure problem.

Note, however, that my Flickr buddies and I have the option of repainting image areas with these values should the need/desire arise. But that's "post production," not camera image management.

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Note added at 21 hrs (2006-01-31 15:01:54 GMT) Post-grading
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Thanks to torut for "highlight burn-out" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_photography), but he/she didn't read carefully enough. The key word is "total"--that is, 0 or 255.

"Highlight burn-out" is also a potential problem. Depending on the contrast of the subject, the lightest parts of the image may be so over-exposed that there is no image information, other than *total white*, in these highlights. Also, the reverse may occur. Shadows parts of the image may become murky to *totally black*.

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Note added at 21 hrs (2006-01-31 15:07:56 GMT) Post-grading
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"Highlight burnout" applies only to the white end of the scale. http://www.dcmag.co.uk/Nikon_CoolPix_4500.YeethgxoY7WsLA.htm... for example says "it has a tendency to underexpose – however, that's actually no bad thing because digital cameras are prone to highlight burn-out." The reason, of course, is because too bright a light overloads the CCD. (Too little is subject to noise.)

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Note added at 1 day10 hrs (2006-02-01 03:46:40 GMT) Post-grading
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/deryid/93886010/ shows an effective use of "whiteout".