Bracketing

[WhiteLight]

Is it possible to bracket more than 3 exposures with the bracketing option in the D5100?
There are options for the type of bracketing & the stops, but i don't quite seem to see an option for the number of shots?
I have been greatly inspired by some amazing photographers here to try out HDR photography & wondered if there is an option for 5 or more exposures.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Is it possible to bracket more than 3 exposures with the bracketing option in the D5100?
There are options for the type of bracketing & the stops, but i don't quite seem to see an option for the number of shots?
I have been greatly inspired by some amazing photographers here to try out HDR photography & wondered if there is an option for 5 or more exposures.

I have a 5100 and to my knowledge, auto bracket is only 3... you could manually adjust exposure and should say, normal, plus 1 & plus 2 and minus 1, minus 2 stops...

Pat in NH

 

[stmv]

nope,, it is one of the ways Nikon staggers products. So, even the D7000 is crippled to three. I hear even the 600 is crippled, unlike the D300 or 700, so, you have to stagger your brackets, a real pain.

 

[Eye-level]

What do you all think about bracketing...I know 3 is enough but is 5 better? Noticeably better?

 

[ABN Panzer]

Ive bracketed up to 8 shots (Manually adjusted and set on a tripod) I'd like to say i noticed a difference.
But 'technically speaking' not sure... sorry.

 

[TedG954]

I can, and have, bracketed 7 frames with my D700. I like the results.

It can bracket 9 frames +/-1 each.

I believe that the higher number of bracketed photos results in a more subtle HDR photo. Having said that, being able to +/- up to 4 on each side will provide some pretty dramatic effects.

Like others have said, with a tripod and remote, you can "bracket" as many frames as you want. It just requires a little more effort. Try it. Experiment. That's the fun part of all this. Good luck.


PS.... I forgot to add, I literally bracket everything that isn't moving, and some things that are moving.

 

[WhiteLight]

Correct me if am wrong here-
Wouldn't manually setting exposures before every shot result in a time delay which may result in a change of scenario?
This may effect the final HDR, does it?
Am under the impression that the bracketing feature of the SLR is the quickest way to get multiple exposures

 

[TedG954]

Correct me if am wrong here-
Wouldn't manually setting exposures before every shot result in a time delay which may result in a change of scenario?
This may effect the final HDR, does it?
Am under the impression that the bracketing feature of the SLR is the quickest way to get multiple exposures

You're absolutely correct, it may. Or, it may not. Fast moving clouds, waves, or birds, etc. can be a problem. Post processing, particularly in Photomatix, can merge the movements to a point they aren't noticeable. Sometimes, you just can't bracket a shot. Except (aren't you glad there's always an exception) when you manually bracket a single shot. Google the subject and you'll find some good tutorials.

 

[ABN Panzer]

Yes it may.
It would depend on your subject.

 

[Rick M]

Unless your subject is stationary, the lag and exposure times may create problems. Even on a still day, I can see leaf movement on 3 bracketed shots. Shoot on the high speed setting and as wide of an aperature as you can to minimize the effect of slight motion.

 

[WhiteLight]

Thanks Rick. You have some great experience with HDR & your pics are fabulous...
Is there a preference between the number of shots?
Would 7 shots result in a better shot as against 3?

 

[Rick M]

Thanks Rick. You have some great experience with HDR & your pics are fabulous...
Is there a preference between the number of shots?
Would 7 shots result in a better shot as against 3?

More exposures tend to give you a smoother look and will increase dynamic range overall. I stick to 3 to mimimize the motion of clouds and wind. More exposures also mean larger file sizes, some of mine are already over 70mb at just 3

 

[stmv]

yes, for trees, clouds and such, I shoot in high speed burst mode, usually around 5 for brackets, but 3 is better then none.

 

[Philnz]

I can, and have, bracketed 7 frames with my D700. I like the results.

It can bracket 9 frames +/-1 each.

I believe that the higher number of bracketed photos results in a more subtle HDR photo. Having said that, being able to +/- up to 4 on each side will provide some pretty dramatic effects.

Like others have said, with a tripod and remote, you can "bracket" as many frames as you want. It just requires a little more effort. Try it. Experiment. That's the fun part of all this. Good luck.


PS.... I forgot to add, I literally bracket everything that isn't moving, and some things that are moving.

Yes but you are the king of HDR Ted.

 

[Eye-level]

I too bracket everything I shoot...but for purposes of metering because I am using my gut to meter the light and I need the brackets to get fine tuned. HDR is a side effect for me...special effects maybe you'd call it.

 

[jimjamz]

Thanks, I found this information very useful. Obviously, I would like to be able to take more bracketed photos than just 3 but manual bracketing will have to suffice. The debate is whether to capture as much detail in 3 (with less ghosting) or in 5 for a smoother blend of light ranges. Choices, choices ...