Bracketing settings

[rickp1]

Hey guys and gals,
I was doing some reading of DPS articles and I came across the subject of bracketing.
My question is what is the rule of thumb on how many stops on the minus side and how many on the plus side. Now I understand there's a lot of other factors that come into play but i'm hopig to get some general guide lines or a setting to start from if you will.

Thanks a bunch.
R.

[Elmo]

The primary answer is how much do you normally miss the actual correct exposure. Then set up bracketing that much with the center exposure compensated to where correct exposure should be.

If i bracket normally about 1/2 to 2/3 stop either side of normal.

[kencaleno]

First step is to know how your camera meters:

Calibrate your camera for exposure.

The starting point is to find out how your camera's meter reads exposure. I know mine overexposes by 0.3 to 0.7 EV, depending on lighting, so I set exposure compensation for -0.3. To check this:

With camera on tripod,matrix/evaluative metering ,exposure compensation at 0-0 and a scene with average tones:

set Exposure compensation (+/-) at +1 take a shot

Now in 1/3 (0.3) increments adjust exposure compensation and take a shot, all the way to -1, giving you seven images.

load these into imaging programme and select the image with best detail in shadows and highlights.

This setting will be your standard, set this on your camera, and you will never need to do this again - your camera will be calibrated for optimum exposure.
This is baseline, so if shot looks too dark or light, in certain conditions, just adjust (+/-) to suit.

Once calibrated, If you bracket 2/3ds each way you will always be within 1/3 of a stop of correct exposure. Regards, Ken

[rickp1]

Hey Ken,
That was great information an exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a million.

One more question though. What image would you recommend for average tones, a portrait, landscape or an object?

Again thanks for the great info.

R.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Hey Ken,
That was great information an exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a million.

One more question though. What image would you recommend for average tones, a portrait, landscape or an object?

Again thanks for the great info.



R.

Landscape-your street,your backyard, doesn't really matter where-Ken