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HDR Number of Brackets How many to do ?
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Oct 8, 2014 10:32:03   #
fjrwillie Loc: MA
 
Does it make a difference to do a 5 bracket sequence with +/-1 EV adjustments or 3 bracket with +/-2 EV.

I have done as many as 11 bracket at +/- .7 EV.

Wondering at what point are you simply spinning the wheels to see them turn.

Willie

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Oct 8, 2014 10:35:55   #
Wahawk Loc: NE IA
 
Not sure you can make a blanket decision on that.....
A lot would depend on the total range of tones in the scene. Some may only need a +/- 1 while others +/- 2, some scenes could get by with 3 exposures and some may need 5, but I do not personally believe that you would need more than 5 at the most.

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Oct 8, 2014 10:45:34   #
fjrwillie Loc: MA
 
Wahawk wrote:
Not sure you can make a blanket decision on that.....
A lot would depend on the total range of tones in the scene. Some may only need a +/- 1 while others +/- 2, some scenes could get by with 3 exposures and some may need 5, but I do not personally believe that you would need more than 5 at the most.


In my question I asked about 5 brackets with 1EV difference and 3 brackets with 2 EV difference. Both cover the same range, however is the 5 a more preferred sequence than 3 covering the same range or it doesn't make a difference

Thanks for responding
Willie

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Oct 8, 2014 10:59:47   #
Wahawk Loc: NE IA
 
fjrwillie wrote:
In my question I asked about 5 brackets with 1EV difference and 3 brackets with 2 EV difference. Both cover the same range, however is the 5 a more preferred sequence than 3 covering the same range or it doesn't make a difference

Thanks for responding
Willie


I think that it would still depend on the scene and the range of contrast. The greater the range of contrast between the darkest and the lightest, the more benefit to more individual exposures.

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Oct 8, 2014 11:07:04   #
Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX
 
Most of my landscapes come out nicely with 3 at + or - 1 ev. I agree the dynamic range of the scene would make a difference. I think you need to play with it. That's part of the fun!

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Oct 8, 2014 11:21:44   #
Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI
 
I think combining 3 photos at +/-2 results in a very nice blend of the scene. More than that can result in greater chance of something not matching. I've seen many 7, 9 etc photos, but usually find those have almost no chance of things moving. (example indoors at an abandoned building) JMHO

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Oct 8, 2014 11:23:20   #
Searcher Loc: Kent, England
 
Why not do 5 at 1 EV, then process all 5, then process #1,3 & 5 to see the difference.

It will be an interesting exercise, and if possible could be posted on the Hog for meaningful discussion.

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Oct 8, 2014 11:38:35   #
fjrwillie Loc: MA
 
Searcher wrote:
Why not do 5 at 1 EV, then process all 5, then process #1,3 & 5 to see the difference.

It will be an interesting exercise, and if possible could be posted on the Hog for meaningful discussion.


Great Idea...will probably do this, this weekend sometime. Will definitely post the results. Such a simple solution! Now I have to think of an interesting subject close to home, which should not be a big problem.

Willie

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Oct 9, 2014 03:14:49   #
Picdude Loc: Ohio
 
Wahawk wrote:
I think that it would still depend on the scene and the range of contrast. The greater the range of contrast between the darkest and the lightest, the more benefit to more individual exposures.


For what it's worth I think you're exactly right. The more incremental changes of contrast you have in the scene, the more benefit you get from an increased number of exposures.

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Oct 9, 2014 04:37:15   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
fjrwillie wrote:
Does it make a difference to do a 5 bracket sequence with +/-1 EV adjustments or 3 bracket with +/-2 EV.

I have done as many as 11 bracket at +/- .7 EV.

Wondering at what point are you simply spinning the wheels to see them turn.

Willie


You really need to see what EV range you have in the scene. Fewer shots will result in smaller files and easier processing. I typically use 2 or 3 shots for some really wide dynamic range images. Very little noise and less ghosting are two side benefits of fewer shots. But sometimes you will need to use more. Best is to take as many as 7 or 9 and use as few as you need to get the jog done.

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Oct 9, 2014 06:08:44   #
Billyspad Loc: The Philippines
 
fjrwillie wrote:
Does it make a difference to do a 5 bracket sequence with +/-1 EV adjustments or 3 bracket with +/-2 EV.

I have done as many as 11 bracket at +/- .7 EV.

Wondering at what point are you simply spinning the wheels to see them turn.

Willie


Personally I take 3 shots if hand held and 5 if I have a tripod available.
I tend to take 2 sets in either case the first at 1EV apart and the second at 2EV apart. This applies to 3 and 5 shot sequence. I usually shoot at F8 and for simplicity my second sequence I set camera to F5.6.
7,9,or more shots I think are only needed in exceptional conditions. Dark church interior with light streaming through windows etc.
If the subject is good the shot is nicely composed then 60% of the work is in PP. Photomatix and Photoshop combined work wonders irrespective of numbers of shots. Fewer shots seems to result in less noise by the way.

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Oct 9, 2014 06:14:10   #
FutureLook Loc: Florida, USA
 
fjrwillie wrote:
Does it make a difference to do a 5 bracket sequence with +/-1 EV adjustments or 3 bracket with +/-2 EV.

I have done as many as 11 bracket at +/- .7 EV.

Wondering at what point are you simply spinning the wheels to see them turn.

Willie


In my experience, I usually do 5 +/-1 EV with high contrast scenes and 3 +/-1EV less contrast scenes. So far, I have been very pleased with results.

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Oct 9, 2014 07:30:15   #
Mike Hardisty Loc: North Wales
 
I'm sure I read somewhere that 5 brackets at +/-1 Ev generated less noise in the HDR process than a bracket set of +/-2 Ev

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Oct 9, 2014 07:35:20   #
GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA
 
I usually use 3 or 5.
It is a case of diminishing returns, the more you do, the less difference each step makes.

I've only done a bunch (11) once, and that was an exercise to satisfy my curiosity.
I couldn't see an improvement over 5 exposures.

GT

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Oct 9, 2014 07:53:06   #
Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont
 
None ! Take a good picture & leave it alone !!!

* Luddite Society *

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