AF100 dynamic range stretch
- Thread starter Jay Birch
- Start date
Ticheli
Well-known member
We shot test footage using DRS yesterday; it seems that it's effective in producing a nicer transition into clip, but at a cost of introducing noise. We were shooting a subject strongly back lit by direct sun, deliberately introducing clip, and it looked very good. At DRS 1, we did not see objectionable noise in outdoor tests; I did not push further than that.
A very good DRS test has been posted by David Carstens; have a look: http://vimeo.com/18359615
A point to remember is that the possible combinations of settings is very, very large number and they interact. I think if you stick to what's been recommended here by Barry and a few others you can easily run your own tests to find the combinations that work for you under various shooting conditions.
Good shooting and best regards,
Leo
A very good DRS test has been posted by David Carstens; have a look: http://vimeo.com/18359615
A point to remember is that the possible combinations of settings is very, very large number and they interact. I think if you stick to what's been recommended here by Barry and a few others you can easily run your own tests to find the combinations that work for you under various shooting conditions.
Good shooting and best regards,
Leo
Barry_Green
Moderator
DRS works by compressing the highlights, and gaining up the shadows. It does so on a piece-by-piece basis, which is pretty cool -- meaning, it doesn't gain up all the shadows uniformly; it only gains up little sections that it thinks are too dark. And it doesn't uniformly bring down all the highlights, it only does it in spots where it thinks it's appropriate.
But with any benefit comes drawbacks too. DRS on level 1 can help, but on level 2 or 3 can make for some naaaasty shadow noise! And DRS 2 and 3 can introduce some ringing/shadowing artifacts on harsh transitions from light to dark.
My standing advice is that DRS is for emergencies, but it is most definitely not for everyday use. It's like gain -- you use it when you need it, but whenever you can turn it off, turn it off. THat said, we used DRS 1 frequently on "A Verse Before Dying"; it did help reign in the skies and it only adds up to about +3dB of noise in the shadows in the worst case, and like said before, it doesn't really do the shadow/ringing effect. So I'm okay with DRS 1, but I shy away from 2 and 3. Especially 3.
But with any benefit comes drawbacks too. DRS on level 1 can help, but on level 2 or 3 can make for some naaaasty shadow noise! And DRS 2 and 3 can introduce some ringing/shadowing artifacts on harsh transitions from light to dark.
My standing advice is that DRS is for emergencies, but it is most definitely not for everyday use. It's like gain -- you use it when you need it, but whenever you can turn it off, turn it off. THat said, we used DRS 1 frequently on "A Verse Before Dying"; it did help reign in the skies and it only adds up to about +3dB of noise in the shadows in the worst case, and like said before, it doesn't really do the shadow/ringing effect. So I'm okay with DRS 1, but I shy away from 2 and 3. Especially 3.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
Like Barry said, we used DRS1 on all of the exterior shots in "A Verse…". You can see the results (color-corrected, of course) here…
Brian@202020
Veteran
Wow! DRS3 at 3200 is pretty nasty. Good thing very few would ever do that.