CI Impressions of Phase One Dual Exposure + and New Firmware 7 for IQ4

[hubell]

Perhaps I am missing what is happening with this new “feature”, but is it not an in camera version of the exposure fusion algorithm that HDR programs like Photomatix use to combine two separate files?

[Steve Hendrix]

Perhaps I am missing what is happening with this new “feature”, but is it not an in camera version of the exposure fusion algorithm that HDR programs like Photomatix use to combine two separate files?

Howard, why are you putting quotes around the word feature?

https://captureintegration.com/phase-one-labs-dual-exposure/

It's explained in further detail above.

An exposure starts at your set shutter speed and your primary exposure reads out of the sensor at the end of that setting.

A secondary exposure continues until a total of 3 stop exposure gain has been achieved and then the 2nd exposure is read.

This exposure is combined with the first within the IQ4, in the same sort of way that a Frame Average combines exposures.


Steve Hendrix/CI

[faberryman]

Sounds like auto HDR to me. I guess some will find it useful.

[Steve Hendrix]

Sounds like auto HDR to me. I guess some will find it useful.

Auto HDR has a very bad connotation.

I would think of it more as starting out 3 stops ahead in the shadows.

Being able to set the proper exposure for highlights without a shadow push penalty.

And be able to do that with one press of the button (in the field, in front of the subject).

And without an obviously artificial HDR look.


Steve Hendrix/CI

[Paul2660]

Sounds like auto HDR to me. I guess some will find it useful.

Nothing like any auto HDR tool.

It’s a very well balanced tool when used with reasonable exposure ranges.

Paul C

[hubell]

I understand that "Auto HDR" has a bad connotation, but that's because it is typically implemented poorly. However, the basic premise of what Photomatix does with 2 files through post processing software is presumably the same as what Phase is doing in combining two separate exposures into one file in camera. Instead of post processing software determining how to blend the two exposures, Phase is using the back's firmware to blend the exposures. Is the Phase firmware doing it better than HDR programs like Photomatix? Perhaps, but before any conclusions are reached, I would expect a lot of work to be done to compare the approaches.

Auto HDR has a very bad connotation.

I would think of it more as starting out 3 stops ahead in the shadows.

Being able to set the proper exposure for highlights without a shadow push penalty.

And be able to do that with one press of the button (in the field, in front of the subject).

And without an obviously artificial HDR look.


Steve Hendrix/CI

[Steve Hendrix]

I understand that "Auto HDR" has a bad connotation, but that's because it is typically implemented poorly. However, the basic premise of what Photomatix does with 2 files through post processing software is presumably the same as what Phase is doing in combining two separate exposures into one file in camera. Instead of post processing software determining how to blend the two exposures, Phase is using the back's firmware to blend the exposures. Is the Phase firmware doing it better than HDR programs like Photomatix? Perhaps, but before any conclusions are reached, I would expect a lot of work to be done to compare the approaches.

Yes, this is true. Good HDR programs, utilized properly, can be very effective. And so is the Dual Exposure + process that happens in the IQ4 150. As for comparisons, you're welcome to compare. Those who own IQ4 150 backs seem pleased so far.


Steve Hendrix/CI

[Ken Doo]

.... Those who own IQ4 150 backs seem pleased so far.


Steve Hendrix/CI

+1.

The benefits of Dual Exposure + is real. But the best part is how easy it is to use.

And I expect further refinement/improvements from Phase One once out of lab beta mode.  A great firmware update to coincide with previously promised standard features 

Ken