Little Zooey
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Tripod question
Bearing in mind that I've been a film user all my life, I'm used to my trusty cable release. However, when I was lucky enough to win a digital camera it came with a remote commander. OK - so I took it for a test drive to Hastings a few weeks ago and it didn't work. However, my image (at about a quarter of a second) was pin sharp. I have small hands and a delicate touch! 
The stepping stones the other week were fine too, with shutter speeds between one quarter and four seconds. Admittedly there were about two images where the camera had moved, but I've been happy with the success rate.
Fast forward to yesterday when I thought I'd try three exposures for (cough) my first attempt at HDR (or contrast grading, whatever suits the image). I didn't get much time to check, but it looks as though every single group is ruined because the camera moved. Firstly, the camera started out shooting three exposures as long as I kept my finger on the button. Then it would only take one and I had to press the button three times. The tripod is a good one, but not heavy and a tad rickety on steps/leaf litter etc.
Hopefully I can still use the normally exposed images, so all is not lost. Do you think this is all due to not having the remote commander? If so, I'd better get some new batteries. I think they must have worn out in the year the thing was sitting in its box.
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2/Apr/09, 10:52 am
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humblestum
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Re: Tripod question
Zooey, a couple of questions.
1. What camera?
2. Lens - does it have image stability?
Even on a tripod, the use of the remote or the time-delay function is recommended rather than physically pressing the shutter button directly. If/when I want to take three shots for potential HDR use, or just to bracket, I set my Canon EOS 5D to +/- 1 stop, multiple exposure and either use the time-delay setting or plug in my cheap Chinese copy of the remote control. One click of the button = three exposures. I might also use the mirror-lockup function if I'm taking macro subjects.
HTH 
--- Keith
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2/Apr/09, 11:19 am
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Little Zooey
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Re: Tripod question
Thank you for the speedy reply Keith. The camera is a Sony Alpha 700. I'm not sure what you mean about the lens having image stability, but an anti-shake device has been built into the camera and I do leave it turned on. I didn't think about using the self-timer - to be honest, the camera has so many functions I keep getting lost! I'll look it up in the book tonight and if the remote doesn't work then I'll use that.
One more question - what if you want more than 3 images? Sony only brought this out recently as a firmware upgrade and the 2 stops option limits you to 3. The other stops (at .3, .5 and .7) all have options with 5 exposures. I did find a wonderful view yesterday that could be repeated, but it covers more than 4 stops. If I knew how to get rid of the terrible noise in the shadows like Martin, I could work within the limitations. 
Lesley
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2/Apr/09, 12:12 pm
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humblestum
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Re: Tripod question
quote:
but an anti-shake device has been built into the camera and I do leave it turned on.
Re IS (image stability) I was thinking from a Canon perspective, where the function is built into individual lenses, rather than the camera body. I meant to mention that, when using IS and a tripod, the IS should be turned off to avoid a 'feedback loop' which can actually create blur (at least, that is Canon's recommendation).
As to your other question, is -1 and +1 the most you can set? My Canon allows bracketing of -2 & +2 stops. If not, it sounds like you need a graduated ND (neutral density) filter to bring the brightness range within the bracketing range of your Sony.
--- Keith
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2/Apr/09, 12:58 pm
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Little Zooey
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Re: Tripod question
The older options were .3, .5 and .7. With any of these you could choose 3 exposures or 5. The latest upgrade now gives a 2 stop option, but only with 3 exposures. The filter is a good idea and I have a great one from Singh Ray that hasn't been used yet, but the bright portion is in the middle and sort of oval shaped. 
I guess I need to think about the images I currently have rather than a future problem. Thank heavens I get the stitches out of my hand this afternoon so raw processing should at least be a bit more comfortable! 
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2/Apr/09, 1:59 pm
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