Frame Averaging Case Study: Granite Dome After Sunset
This case study shows the benefits of frame averaging, comparing a single frame to 2 frames and 9 frames in an extreme dynamic range situation in which a maximum shadow boost and other contrast control measures were needed.
For this image, I wished to preserve all the detail in the sunset sky and have excellent detail in the black shadow areas.
Making Sharp Images: Frame Averaging Case Study: Granite Dome After Sunset
This study applies to any kind of digital camera of any brand. Includes images up to 60 megapixels, plus crops and histograms.
Given the almost pure black of this image, the result that emerges is very impressive! It could have been even better, but for design ineptitude in the Sony A7R IV.
Image as shot
f8 @ 1/5 sec electronic shutter frame averaging 9, ISO 100; 2019-10-28 18:24:21
Sony A7R IV + Voigtlander FE Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 Aspherical
ENV: altitude 9800 ft / 2987 m, 28°F / -2°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, push 2.65 stops, +100 Shadows, -100 Highlights, +50 Whites, Luminance NR {10,,50,0}, Chroma NR {20,50,50}, USM {12,50,0}, SmartSharpen{60,0.7,0,0}
Sony A7R IV + Voigtlander FE Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 Aspherical
ENV: altitude 9800 ft / 2987 m, 28°F / -2°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, push 2.65 stops, +100 Shadows, -100 Highlights, +50 Whites, Luminance NR {10,,50,0}, Chroma NR {20,50,50}, USM {12,50,0}, SmartSharpen{60,0.7,0,0}
[low-res image for bot]
