Canon EOS R5: Mitigating Auto Exposure Errors for Superior Captures, Lower Noise and Higher Dynamic Range
Related: Canon, Canon EOS R, Canon EOS R5, Canon mirrorless, dynamic range, exposure, histogram, noise, Walter B
This page looks at how the matrix metering of the Canon EOS R5 can in effect rob you of up to two stops of dynamic range, by underexposing the scene. This issue is seen with just about all cameras due to the anachronistic way exposures are determined.
A discussion is included as to how to mitigate this loss of dynamic range by using the tools available in-camera. Applies to most/all brands.
Canon EOS R5: Mitigating Auto Exposure Errors for Superior Captures
Below, the camera histogram is the best you have to go on, and it is erroneously shows a red channel more exposed than the green channel. The truth is that the green channel is 1/2 stop more exposed! This discrepancy stems from the time-honored anti-feature of baking-in all sorts of JPEG settings into a JPEG rendition of the RAW file (I was shooting RAW-only), then showing the histogram of the JPEG instead of a raw histogram. Here we are in late 2021 and all its AI technology, putting up with stupid shit like this.
Walter B writes:
Nice article, very nice.
When photographing static objects one can bracket. But when photographing leaves, plants, and moving objects, one often need to make many exposures to obtain one without blur in one part of the image. Thus obtaining the right exposure the first time is so important. Your article provides a clear explanation and excellent suggestions.
Appreciate the info.
DIGLLOYD: yes, the same principle applies if using a higher ISO to freeze subject movement. But ultimately the ISO is not very relevant on most cameras (ISO invariance), so it's just about shutter speed and let the exposure fall where it may.
