HDR -- Getting past the AEB limitation of 3 shot sets

I was wondering how some of you go about bracketing your shots, especially for HDR processing.

Being able to set the number of shots that camera takes for AEB, ultimately for HDR, might be the feature that makes me jump to a 5DIII (or Magic Lantern firmware for my 7D). Every camera I have owned so far is limited to 3 shot sets in AEB mode.

For HDR, I've been using the 7D, and recently also the G1X; I shoot almost all of my outdoor (artsy) shots using AEB to get a 3 shot set of exposures for HDR processing (or at least so that I have the option of HDR). When the light range is extremely disparate, I adjust my center point EV and the offsets and have been getting pretty good results.

I know that, if I want more than 3 shots, after the first set of 3, I can simply adjust the settings and take another set (repeat as often as needed) -- but I never do.

I love the idea of being able to bracket shots with, for example) 3 variables:

1. number of shots in the AEB set
   
2. value of stops between them
   
3. Ev of the center shot

I started doing HDRs in 2009 with a 50D, same limitation. I researched alternatives at the time and decided on the Promote Remote control. It plugs into the usb port on the camera and allows you to bracket up to 29 shots. Essentially, you take a few shots to determine your mid shot, then set the controller to take as many shots with whatever spacing you like.

The device offers other functions too like HDR time lapse, normal time lapse, focus stacking, hyperfocal calculator, HDR bulb, and more. It's pricey, but it does the job well.

There is your cheapest solution. I have the 5DIII and like having the option of adding more shots to the AEB set, but since HDR shots are generally taken on a tripod, it is trivially easy to take care of this manually.

Promote Control or CamRanger.

Might also be able to use MagicLantern, but I am not familiar with this method.

paddler4 wrote in post #16690950
There is your cheapest solution. I have the 5DIII and like having the option of adding more shots to the AEB set, but since HDR shots are generally taken on a tripod, it is trivially easy to take care of this manually.

When I have a tripod with me, I use it; but more often than not, I do not.
In those situations, I put the camera in AEB mode and High-Speed Continuous Shooting mode; then one extended press of the shutter takes exactly 3 shots and stops. Shooting that way, the shots won't be lined up exactly, but photomatrix handles that.

I learned, right after writing this post, that Magic Lantern does not work on the 7D. So, short of spending $300 on Promote Remote or a 5DIII, I think this is my best option for the times I do have a tripod.

cutwater wrote in post #16690945
I researched alternatives at the time and decided on the Promote Remote control.

Thanks for this.. I was unaware of this solution.

You can also install DSLRController on your phone and use your phone as an advanced remote.