Auto Bracketing

[Lilly61342]

I just got a new RC1 for my SLR the other day.

The reason I got this is so that I can take multiple exposures without touching the body.

My goal is to take 3 or so exposures at different levels -1 0 +1 and blend them together.

In some of the locations I shoot I find that there are a lot of highs and lows and you cannot always hike back into these areas to get another shot.

I have never experimented with auto bracketing or this technique.

Have any of the NANPA members experimented with HDR (high dynamic range)and auto bracketing?

Or am I out in left field...

This is something that I am just now learning...

Thank you!

[dougotto]

What you're suggesting only gives you a 2 stop spread between exposures. Generally speaking that range of light can be coaxed out of a single frame without the need for HDR. I think that if you want to experiment with it you'll want to include more frames or expand your bracketing to get more stops.

Cheers

[crbattreall]

I agree with Doug. If you are shooting in RAW and are paying attention to your histogram, then I don't think you need to bracket by a stop or two. I quit bracketing the day I switched to digital.

I don't do any HDR stuff, but most of my friends usually manual bracket the exposures and they are usually much more than +2 stops.

Carl
www.photographalaska.com

[robbixby]

When I shoot for an HDR image, I autobracket -2, 0, +2. The goal is to take as many shots as needed to cover the dynamic range of the subject. +/-2 generally does really well. And if you're shooting RAW, that can be expanded another stop both directions, if necessary.

[ericbowles]

The newer cameras are reducing the need for HDR and bracketing if you shoot at low ISO levels. I've found with the Nikon D800 and D600, the dynamic range is much wider than earlier cameras. DxOMark rates them at 13-14 EV at lowest ISO but just 10 EV at ISO 2400.

I agree with the other comments - bracketing at 2 stop intervals makes a lot more sense than single stops.