Differentiating charcoal and black

[calvinloke]

OK I know this sounds stupid but how exactly do we differentiate charcoal and black? As from the pictures I saw on this forum, I hardly see any difference between both of them. I would appreciate if you guys can show me a distinctive comparison in photos.

Thanks.

 

[Manton]

The difference is much harder to spot in a picture, and harder still to spot on a monitor. In sunlight, you can tell instantly. In artificial light, it might be a little harder, but you can still tell.

Apart from the obvious -- charcoal is lighter -- there is the fact that black will appear flat, sort of a drain to all the colors around it. Charcoal has more life and is less stark and lets the surrounding colors speak more for themselves.

 

[Fuuma]

Just look at both fabrics together in natural light and you won't make the same mistake twice. Black is much more stark and unforgiving which might not be your cup of tea.

 

[yo!]

^+1

Just as with comparing navy and black, the best thing to do is look at the two side by side.

In my experience pure black will also have a strange shine to it when compared with other colors.