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The bracketing feature on most DSLR and EVF digital cameras is sometimes unfairly ignored. Bracketing the exposure is not to be confused with the continuous feature that takes three or more exposures at the same value. The automatic exposure sensor in the camera does its best to supply the correct exposure, but since the window of good exposure is fairly narrow in digital cameras, a better exposure could be made. The light sensor must rely on either average information across a representative section of image or in the case of a spot reading, a small area that may or may not be close to a mid range density. By exposing a subject one half or one third stop under exposed and one half or one third stop over exposed, an obvious difference in image quality will help you decide which one to keep for future enlargement. Most cases of poor image quality can be traced to an original under or over exposure. While it is true that the average image editor can correct for density mistakes, the end result will be a compromised version of the image, even though it is improved from the original. A properly exposed image will show better skin tones, whiter whites, deeper blacks and a more subtle range of tones in pastel colors. Years of shooting with exposure forgiving negative color film has spoiled us with the fact that two under exposure or three stops over exposure will be corrected in the printing. There is some correlation to slide film, especially the characteristics of Kodachrome. Transparencies often required the exposure to be within one half stop of the correct exposure to look at all good when projected. Few photographers carry around a gray card to check the color balance or take a spot reading of a face close up before taking the shot. The bracketing feature can save the day. http://www.photoartbyken.com [Articles, Digital Art, poetry, Original sheet music.]
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