dynamic range/HDR

[chauncey]

When assessing a scene's dynamic range, how does one determine if using exposure bracketing
is needed to cover the entire range or if a single image is sufficient?

Thanks

[krb]

One way is to take a shot and look at the histogram

[FlyingPhotog]

Basically, if you expose to hold the highlights and the shadows are crushed or if you expose for the shadows and the highlights are blown out, you've got more range than your camera can handle in one shot.

[chauncey]

Sounds like your saying that to chimp will give the information needed and if my histogram is overfilled, I should bracket.

[krb]

yep

[chauncey]

got it.

[luigis]

Use the RGB histogram sometimes you are clipping a channel and you don't notice that in the brightness histogram.

Luigi

[AginKajun]

My theory even if it might be flawed is that if I go through all the trouble of setting up a tripod, mirror lock up and a remote release
and I have a stationary non moving subject.
I will usually bracket both sides of what my camera says is the correct exposure by at least 1 stop in 1/3 incriments sometimes 2 f stops Maybe overkill but it gives me as much information as I can get. Sometimes it takes 3 or more shots to get everything.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/AginKajun/OKC%20Memorial/_MG_0504-E8F.jpg

[chauncey]

Lets say that, for whatever reason, that you wanted to shoot in manual mode,
in the proper lighting, could you not accomplish your goals by changing your ISO the appropriate amount?

[krb]

Lets say that, for whatever reason, that you wanted to shoot in manual mode,
in the proper lighting, could you not accomplish your goals by changing your ISO the appropriate amount?
I have no idea what you just said (what does manual mode have to do with this?) but I'm going to have to say "no". The purpose of HDR is to capture a range of lighting that is in excess of what the sensor can record. Changing the ISO will make the sensor more or less sensitive but will do nothing to expand the overall range that can be captured.

[luigis]

No, changing the ISO you will just get the same picture "n" times with different degrees of noise.

HDRs in manual mode should be avoided -if possible- because while you change the exposure you are micro-moving the camera and tripod and that affects your sharpness. Use bracketing and if the bracketing shots are not enough then proceed to shoot the extra shots as needed.


Lets say that, for whatever reason, that you wanted to shoot in manual mode,
in the proper lighting, could you not accomplish your goals by changing your ISO the appropriate amount?

[FlyingPhotog]

Bracket the shutter speed only though. Don't change your apertue or you won't have the same depth of field for each frame...!