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Automatic Optimal Exposure (ETTR)

2019-12-05 • SEND FEEDBACK
Related: Expose To The Right, exposure

This article is part of a series. See Introduction to Camera Features to start.

Industry insanity: billions are spent for another 1/3 stop dynamic range, with software solutions ignored.

The idea here is a maximal exposure (ETTR) that maximizes the light-collecting potential of the sensor so as to maximize dynamic range and minimize noise without blowing out highlights. The longstanding issue has been the idiotic metering algorithm for 18% gray, which is inappropriate for digital and JPEG oriented (and yet still bad for JPEG as well).

To date (late 2019), the issue of exposure has been conflated with the brightness of the captured image, yet the two are only correlated—that is the fundamental error in logic that results from the difference between conventional metering that assumes 18% gray versus metering that maximizes light capture within the ability of the sensor. For optimal results, a digital camera should ALWAYS maximize exposure, flagging the differential for a push/pull that renders an image according to classic 18% gray metering algorithms. In this way maximum image quality is obtained, and is seamless even for the JPEG shooter.

Requirements:

  • Works with frame averaging and Super Dynamic Range.
  • Camera determines best possible ETTR exposure; user need only release the shutter, gets it right to 1/10 stop. OK to iterate with a few (electronic) exposures.
  • Post-capture, camera must confirm that exposure is optimal and meets capture requirements for highlights and shadows as prioritized by use.
  • Auto-redo option (in case lighting changed during exposure), with option to keep all frames.
  • Specular highlight support; allows D.dd% blowout.
  • Bias control for shadows or highlights when both cannot work.
  • Electronic shutter preferred.
  • Adds EXIF flag for pull adjustment relative to 18% gray allowing JPEG generation at proper rightness as per the 18% metering algorithm (delivers full compatibility with conventional metering).
  • Just works!
Optimal Light Capture / auto-ETTR
Sony Nikon Fujifilm Canon Panasonic Leica
NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE
No cameras support this feature as of late 2019.


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