5D MkII - Highlight tone priority (D+)

[mark_farrell]

Having now had my 5DII for a while now, I'm beginning to wonder whether some of the settings I chose in haste can be refined slightly...

The main query I have relates to the Highlight tone priority function. As I understand it, this increases the dynamic range. However, it also appears to increase shadow noise, even at low ISOs. Has anyone else observed this? It can be quite obvious at times...

As I'm finally picking up some ND grads this week, I'm thinking of turning it off, but won't have chance to observe the improvements (or otherwise) until after a week of shooting on holiday. I was assuming that by using the grads I can reduce the dynamic range, making it easier for the sensor to capture everything, and reducing noise

 

[david1701]

I turned it off the instant I got it out of the box (well the guy before me had mut I defaulted al settings then turned it back off). I did it because I kinda like iso 100 and it was renowned for making a mess on the 50d (my prev camera)

 

[mark_farrell]

Yeah, I've turned it off when I've needed really high or low ISOs, but always defaulted back to it afterwards for the increase in dynamic range. I was just wondering if it's not actually such a great thing to have at all, if my suspicions about noise are correct...

 

[david1701]

I dislike in camera procesing because you can allways do it better in post with a proper computer and in a non destructive way.

 

[mark_farrell]

I just wasn't sure whether it was a software process in camera, or whether it did actually extend dynamic range beyond that recoverable on images shot without it turned on

 

[Martin.D]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it only needs to be turned on when shooting in bright conditions, correct?

I have mine turned off and use the histogram for correcting blown out points..

 

[mark_farrell]

That's as I understand it, yes. Believe it or not, this is surprisingly frequent in the UK, at least when I have my camera. As I'm moving to Oz in July, I suspect this will become even more frequent!

 

[Martin.D]

I think if you're shooting weddings or similar event's where the wedding dress is caught out in the sun then maybe HTP should be turned on.. Why not mount your camera on a tripod, try shooting at a bright object (white) out in the sun with and without HTP and see what the effects are..

 

[mark_farrell]

Well, I've hired a Sigma 12-24 for the holiday that should arrive Thursday. I'm sure I can line up a couple of shots with / without, and with PLENTY of contrast, whilst learning how best to use that!