Recent content by sk66

I don't think there's any real benefit to using a grey card to set a custom white balance in each camera... I don't see that as being any different than setting them all up to the same fixed white balance (i.e. 5000k for sunlight); because I suspect they will all still generate different results...

No, not necessarily. For "a shoot" I would use a fixed white balance; that way a single white balance correction can be applied to all images from the session. Auto white balance can shift between images due to the various colors in the scene even if the lighting hasn't changed. Which white...

Usually a white balance reference is placed in the scene for the first image. And that is used to correct the white balance in post... that correction is then applied ("synced" in LR) to all other images from that shoot. The only requirement for the reference target is that it has equal R/G/B...

Sounds like you are wanting to use it to set a custom white balance in camera? I would use an inexpensive white balance cap if that's something you want to do frequently. Usually a grey card is used to set the exposure; and any greyscale (i.e. white/white balance) card is used to correct the...

The video is presented at 4k (~8MP); while my MBP liquid retina monitor is set to the default resolution setting of ~ 2MP full screen... so yeah, it doesn't take much to meet those requirements. And the diffraction limit of 16MP (average) at f/11, regardless of the sensor used, isn't really a...

The CIPA standard for image stabilization is much lower than the traditional standard for acceptable sharpness, which is itself legitimately debatable as being inadequate for modern digital imagery. There are many times where the choices one makes does not impose a notable penalty; nor does it...

There are so many tradeoffs, and even once you get into the big primes you end up in almost the same spot no matter what you do; I call it "the circle of equivalence." When it comes to compromises like an 800/11 lens, you aren't necessarily going to be better off than any other compromised...

When operating from within a warm enclosure and it is colder outside you get an interface boundary of turbulence as the warm air moves towards, and mixes into, the cold air. It can happen in a hide and in a vehicle. The same thing can even happen if you take a lens out of a warm environment...

DXO uses a variable MTF (contrast) based upon human vision (larger details require less contrast to see/discern). That makes their resolution numbers a bit different from any other MTF measurement. But, it is consistent and empirical... IMO it is accurate and useful for comparisons within that...

Being really picky, I would also *composite the image to eliminate the refraction of the stem, and to eliminate the flower's reflection. The first could be accomplished by eliminating the water, or moving the waterline up to the neck; but I like the waterline as it is. The latter you couldn't do...

The easy answer is a roll of diffusion sheet, but it's pretty pricey for the large widths. A cheaper/easier alternative is a translucent plastic shower curtain or white bedsheet. Not great for color critical work, but fine for anything else. Whichever, just hang that in place and light it with...

Very nice. I would prefer the highlight side of the vase more resemble the shadow side in shape/contour/gradation... that would require a MUCH larger diffusion screen. And it might require lighting the BG separately.

It has it's advantages. It allows instant access to all three focus modes...don't press- manual focus, press release- AF-S, press hold- AF-C. It can allow exposure lock separate from AF lock; although I have never used that. And it can prevent interrupting the AF function if you tend to over...

Nice!

All surfaces are reflective (other than pure black)... And a CPL won't work on all shiny surfaces either; e.g metal, chrome paint, mirrors, etc. I've never seen a quality polarizer cause flare/ghosting; but I am sure it is possible. I have seen cheap filters of all sorts cause any number of...