What was that cartoon I saw here recently Don?

http://xkcd.com/386/

You definitely need the 12 step program! LOL!
Matt

Essentially, yes. For real HDR you need a tripod. HDR software handles movement between the frames differently for each package. In this respect Artizen is superb

You can tonemap (and create "pseudo HDR" when there's a shot that just couldn't have been multiple shots - like a "once in a lifetime" moment.

But in my book, a "real" HDR image shouldn't look like one It should just look like a well exposed photo

Matt

That's is NOT HDR
Yes, you can take a single RAW file and do pseudo HDR.
The K10D, for example, has about 7 stops of detail (though the shadow end will have more noise).
It is not about the number of shots that feed into the HDR software, but their interval. I would suggest 5 or 7 shots at 2EV apart. Actually the K10D and K20D has a rather nice feature that allows 5 shots at 2EV to be taken automatically. That gives you 10 real stops of difference.

As I mentioned elsewhere, though, most "HDR" images I see fall into the category of pseudo HDR - tonemapped single images. There are a few where the dynamic range of the original image was just so huge that real HDR was the only way to capture the scene. (But there aren't many situations like that!!).

Here's one of my examples where pseudo HDR doesn't work - the range was huge. Even 5 exposures wasn't enough and I should have taken more!
From a pro photographer... this is one that's HDR, and this is one that isn't

Matt

Thanks for the link - I'd looked at MediaChance a long time ago.
Now they have a cheap ($16) HDR-style plugin for Photoshop that I'm just giving a quick whirl...
http://www.mediachance.com/plugins/redynamix.html

Matt

Not a disappointment... it's all interesting
Matt

Absolutely. Probably at least 6 months after...
Matt

Just noticed this: http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Pentax-K2000D-rumours-circulate-the-net

And please DO NOT start a "full frame vs APS" argument on this thread
Let's just say I'm sticking with the K10D until I find out where it's all going

EDIT: Apparently based on this user report, and this old AP article.

Matt

The full EXIF information (at least in the RAW file) contains a "proper" shutter count.

The file number wraps to 0000 after you hit 9999, 19999 or 29999 shots.
Matt

It is also possible to stop the K10D from initiating autofocus when you half-press the shutter.

When you want the camera to focus, you press the "AF" button on the back with your thumb.

I find this useful because:
1) You can choose centre focus, point at the eyes (for a portrait) and press the AF. Then recompose.
2) For fast moving subject you can prefocus with the AF button on a point, recompose, then jab the shutter when the subject gets to that pre-focussed point (ie. there is zero delay on the shutter)
3) It's helpful in very low light situations, or when taking shots of low-contrast items.
4) When shooting with extremely shallow depths of field you have confidence and control where the focus is.

It takes a little getting used to - but for me it is instinctive and I don't even think about it
(The setting is available in the Custom menu - it's the "AF by Press Halfway" setting )

Incidentally, all the Pentax DSLRs have this feature (The *ist-DS uses the "OK" button to focus).

Hope that helps!!
Matt

Just thought this might interest someone:
http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/SHdetails.asp?Item=193

There's a few film bodies up there, a couple of *ist-D at reasonable prices.

(No affiliation... just doing my regular Internet trawl!)
Matt