Regarding image manipulators; what is the difference between curves and channels

Question: Regarding image manipulators; what is the difference between curves and channels!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Curves are used to adjust the overall tonal value of the image, basically just another way to look at tonal range besides the histogram!. The very same things done using curves can be done using levels (mostly), I don't usually mess with curves unless I want to alter color, like in xpro!. Anywhoo!.!.!. Each channel, red, green, blue, and RGB (merged) has its own curve, which isn't really a curve, but a straight line that ranges from bottom left (shadows) to top right (highlights)!. The channels in curves consist of the tonal range for each individual color component of the image!. There's no difference, one is part of the other!. You can either adjust channel curves separately (R, G, B channels) or simultaneously (RGB)!. When done simultaneously, the overall tonal range is adjusted!. Done separately, the overall color can be effected!. So don't adjust individual channels unless you know what you're doing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

!.!.!. as Mixed Mojo said!.!.!.!.

I will just add that they both do somewhat the same thing, but it is said that adjusting levels is like working with an ax, whereas adjusting with curves is like working with a surgeons scalpel!. You have EXTREME control with curves, which also means it is real easy to screw things up real quick!. Curves is one of those "black magic" areas of Photoshop that takes lots of skill and practice to get good, consistent results with!.

steveWww@QuestionHome@Com