Exposure compensation is a camera feature that allows photographers to adjust the exposure level determined by the camera's metering system. It is measured in stops and can be increased or decreased to make an image brighter or darker. This feature is useful in challenging lighting situations where the camera's automatic settings might not produce the desired result, such as backlit scenes or high-contrast environments. By using exposure compensation, photographers can fine-tune their images to achieve the correct exposure, ensuring details are preserved in both highlights and shadows.