GH1 still- dynamic range

L

LittleTreeMedia

Active member
So I just got my GH1 so I'm still in the playing and figuring out phase so please bear with me. Earlier I went out to shoot some still tests with the 20mm f1.7 Panasonic lens. When i got back i noticed that in long exposure pictures the light reflecting off of dark areas is getting completely crushed so there is only a limited dynamic range.

I'm sure its user error and if i change a setting this will go away. I was wondering if any one knows what i would have to change.

Hopefully you can see what I'm talking about in the attached photo. 20mm f1.7, 2" exp, 100 iso, Vibrant color, AWB. (I also had to change the size in PS to be able to attach). Thanks.

Dave
LTM
 

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If you shoot in RAW instead of Jpeg, you'll have much more control over the image, and more dynamic range. If you need to shoot jpeg and want more dynamic range, try the Smooth setting. The Vibrant setting really crushes the blacks.
 
Sweet thanks brother! I knew it was a user error! When shooting low exposure night stuff in raw, to have the most dynamic range, would you suggest shooting in dynamic or standard (or another one)?
 
That's how night photos work, it's something you have to learn to deal with creatively. Or start doing HDR's. Always shoot raw for the most options in post, and remember that you have to do things in post to see the advantage. The raw picture will look identical, you have to modify the curves in Photoshop or whatever program you use.
 
Ben is right. Shooting RAW bypasses all the GH1's built in film modes. You then have access to the RAW data and can make direct adjustments to color, contrast, etc. that allow you amazing flexibility. You can also make multiple "developments" of your RAW "digital negatives" at different exposures and then blend them in photoshop for a faux HDR image. Might look pretty cool with your night time long exposure shots.
 
Great thanks guys! Since i got the GH1 on Friday i decided on a whim to go out and shoot some night stuff because the sky looked really cool. I will definitely now shoot in RAW so i can adjust in post. Thanks!
 
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