Let's cram MP up the wazzoo, Rumored Nikon D3200 24mp slr

[mrbigstuff]

Billybob wrote:
[quote=wowzer]
What I really want is more dynamic range. I hate the clip offs on the high end (more than the low end). Less noise is my second wish. Megapixels comes last now...especially since I don't have any lenses which could resolve the images any better with these high pixel sensors.

I think diminishing returns have clearly set in. However, the 24MP Exmor sensor does resolve more detail than earlier versions without significantly increasing noise. Of course we can ask whether the sensor would be even better if they kept it at 16MP or 18MP, but we'll never know.

Moreover Exmor sensors actually do increase dynamic range. However, you have to adjust your shooting by exposing to the left (expose for highlights). Then, in post,raise shadows to taste.

I know it's an extra couple of steps, but it doesn't bother me, and my D5100 is my preferred camera for high contrast/high Dr shooting.
Although I have not kept up with the latest tech in cameras, I can imagine a time when the in-camera processing allows for increased HDR without any real heavy lifting. At least, one can hope.

[freeradical]

I'm not a gig fan of low key middle gray b&w photographs. High key photos where the shadows and highlights are blown out a little are more satisfying to me. HDR images seem gimmicky to me...

[mrbigstuff]

freeradical wrote:
I'm not a gig fan of low key middle gray b&w photographs. High key photos where the shadows and highlights are blown out a little are more satisfying to me. HDR images seem gimmicky to me...

when I worked in a professional darkroom, we called it "The Hand of God" printing technique.

[Billybob]

freeradical wrote:
I'm not a gig fan of low key middle gray b&w photographs. High key photos where the shadows and highlights are blown out a little are more satisfying to me. HDR images seem gimmicky to me...

Do note that increased dynamic range shooting is not synonymous with what is commonly knows as HDR shooting. I'm not a big fan of HDR shooting. At best, images often look surreal. At worst they look cartoonish and unnatural. The processing of using multiple images to compress the dynamic range of a shot is knows as "tone-mapping," and is very different from what I was referring to.

What I was referring to was the process of bringing out detail in the shadows of a high contrast image. In such situations, if you shoot to get a sky in focus, often the rest of the image is too dark. Pushing the shadows allows for proper exposure.

For example, here is an image that I tonemapped three separate exposures to produce this HDR shot. I like it, but it has been criticized for being overcooked.


This is a more restrained example of tone-mapping. I used three exposures for this shot as well. I could not bring out the green foliage on the right without blowing out the sky.


This final example is from a single exposure. I exposed it for the sky and was able to bring out the detail in the foliage in post.

To be completely honest, these shots were all taken with Canon equipment, so pushing shadows is possible using Canon equipment. However, I would like to have been able to produce the middle shot with a single exposure like I did with the third shot.

[lost in space]

What really got my attention on the 4x5 chromes was that, being slides, there was no PP done. You click the shutter and that's what you get, not even any manipulation from printing. These guys knew their stuff. No auto anything.

I personally love the subtle greys that you get only with silver prints from medium or large-format slow films. There's a softness in the gradations of greys while still getting sharp details. Highlights sometimes have a pearl-like quality, like the shirts of the rowing team on http://www.shorpy.com/node/12643 , there is some blowout there.

Billybob, where were those taken. Looks like a beautiful place.

[vision63]

Billybob, I wish I were with you when you shot those. So beautiful.

[Billybob]

lost in space wrote:

Billybob, where were those taken. Looks like a beautiful place.

I took these shots on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The first was taken in Princeville looking towards "Bali Hai," the cliff made famous in South Pacific. I took the other two in Haena State Park near the breathtaking Na'Pali Coast. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

vision63 wrote:
Billybob, I wish I were with you when you shot those. So beautiful.

I wouldn't have minded, but my wife might have objected. It was our 30th anniversary, and it was sometimes difficult getting away to shoot.mile:

[Uncle Wig]

Billybob, I agree that your first photo is a little overcooked, although not by much. I'd be very pleased with the 2nd & 3rd.

[lost in space]

I wonder what this move portends for Nikon's entry-level DSLR. This would seem to move the 3000/3100/3200 out of that piece of the market. Will there be a 2xxx series with fewer MPs, w/o video, etc.?

[pRICE cUBE]

lost in space wrote:
I wonder what this move portends for Nikon's entry-level DSLR. This would seem to move the 3000/3100/3200 out of that piece of the market. Will there be a 2xxx series with fewer MPs, w/o video, etc.?

It has been rumored the 24mp will be on the D300s replacement too.