Brightness and the Powershot SX100IS

[Falligator]

Any filters for the sx100is? I had a nagging problem with sunlight while at Niagra Falls this past week. Anyone know of any suggestions for this problem. Here is one of the pics I shot and a lot of pics very bright and dark contrast no matter what setting.

[minifhncc]

Use exposure compensation

[Falligator]

Sorry, newbie here and not sure how to do that. sorry. :rolleyes: Could you explain please? thanks.

[Big Hands]

In most of the 'modes' (although not in "M"), you will see a "0" preceeded by a + and - symbol at the bottom of the LCD screen. This is the exposure compensation setting and it can be accessed by the button with the +/- symbol on it located just below the large thumb wheel on the rear of the camera.

Also realize you were shooting into the sun and the camera didn't perform too badly under those conditions. It would have been better to shoot that scene in the morning. A digital camera has a limited number of steps to the dynamic range and when you shoot into the sun, you really put this issue to the test. Even using exposure compensation, this is a difficult composition.

That said, you could actually do some post processing to that example and make it much more pleasing. A shadow/highlight type tool would be especially helpful here. I downloaded your shot and spent about 30 seconds applying the shadow/highlight tool and added some saturation in Photoshop CS and I can post my example of a quick fix in Photoshop if you wish to see it.

Another suggestion it to meter with your focus point either in the sky (if that's what you wish to expose "best" or on the scene or subject you most want to properly expose. It does make a difference and when shooting into the sun, this will be especially critical.

I don't currently know of any filters available for the SX100, but a graduated neutral density filter would have been helpful here.

Remember that although there are some wonderful software tools available that can really save an average shot or help you in difficult conditions, the best compositions are usually well thought out.

Regards,
Jeff

[Jon]

That picture shows a humongous range of brightness, from the glare of the sun's rays and sunlight reflected off the wet pavement to the deep shadows. A polarizing filter might help cut down the reflection, but that's about the only filter that would help in that situation. It doesn't appear that Canon has made provisions for using filters on the SX100, but there are adapters available for cameras which lack a locking ring. Whether (or when) they will be available for the SX100, I can't say. In the worst case, you might be able (a tripod would help here) to hold a polarizer in front of the lens while you shoot.

[jonnythan]

No camera would be able to capture that scene very well. You're shooting at the bright sun high in a blue sky, which is *just* off picture. The bright parts are just too bright for the camera to pick up the dark parts.

[Falligator]

In most of the 'modes' (although not in "M"), you will see a "0" preceeded by a + and - symbol at the bottom of the LCD screen. This is the exposure compensation setting and it can be accessed by the button with the +/- symbol on it located just below the large thumb wheel on the rear of the camera.

Also realize you were shooting into the sun and the camera didn't perform too badly under those conditions. It would have been better to shoot that scene in the morning. A digital camera has a limited number of steps to the dynamic range and when you shoot into the sun, you really put this issue to the test. Even using exposure compensation, this is a difficult composition.

That said, you could actually do some post processing to that example and make it much more pleasing. A shadow/highlight type tool would be especially helpful here. I downloaded your shot and spent about 30 seconds applying the shadow/highlight tool and added some saturation in Photoshop CS and I can post my example of a quick fix in Photoshop if you wish to see it.

Another suggestion it to meter with your focus point either in the sky (if that's what you wish to expose "best" or on the scene or subject you most want to properly expose. It does make a difference and when shooting into the sun, this will be especially critical.

I don't currently know of any filters available for the SX100, but a graduated neutral density filter would have been helpful here.

Remember that although there are some wonderful software tools available that can really save an average shot or help you in difficult conditions, the best compositions are usually well thought out.

Regards,
Jeff


Sure, if you would like to post your redo that would be no problem to me. Was also using a tripod in that shot. albeit one of those cheap walmart ones but it seems to do the trick.

Shawn

[Falligator]

Thanks 4 ur help

[Big Hands]

Less then 30 seconds of work:

http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/pixelpeepersdelight/oddballstuff1/demonstrationstuff1/2008_0102January20080051a.jpg

[Falligator]

a lot nicer that's for sure.
Another pic from the sx100is in direct sunlight but also in the evening but this time it produced a great shot. Along US 23 in Virginia. One of the best sunsets ever seen.

[danpass]

sometimes forcing the flash to fire will help with the near shadows.



.

[danpass]

Less then 30 seconds of work:




You got me thinking. I couldn't resist either LOL.


Here it is with some Lightroom work, primarily using "Fill Light":


234298

[Falligator]

That definitely brightens up the railing and wall.