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Off camera lighting and RAW images

PostPosted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:10 am
by j_costin
I've read several posts about using a light meter to figure exposure for portraits with off camera lighting. What I was wondering is that if I take the images in RAW format, is it that important to get the perfect exposure? I'm going to be using a Konica-Minolta 5D with a Minolta 5600HS D and a Minolta 3600HS D as my off camera lighting.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

James

PostPosted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:46 am
by dang
First let me note that it's been years since I did a lot of work with multiple flash units, and in those days they were strictly manual. So, it was the only way to get decent exposures.

But today, if you're using automatic flashes it's not as difficult since the flash automatically reads, and adjusts exposure. Since I'm not specifically using the mentioned flashes, maybe someone else could advise you better. But if they're automatic, hopefully they'll have adjustments for output so you can vary their balance.

As far as how important it is to get a good exposure shooting RAW, I'm of the old belief that you should get the exposure right, regardless. If you underexpose RAW, it still adds noise from my personal experience. While it does give some latitude, it's never good to become lazy and think you can fix it later.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:26 pm
by dharden
I'd second that. I do quite a bit of interiors work for an architect that my brother works for. Even using RAW if you underexpose and bring up the shadows you'll soon see plenty of noise.

I'd advise bracketing if possible - there's no reason not to with digital. If not then make sure you pay close attention to the histogram. The 5D is a bit prone to blowing the highlights very quickly. A friend of mine shoots one and it causes him a few issues on landscapes...

Re: Off camera lighting and RAW images

PostPosted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:41 pm
by jducasse
I shoot lots weddings and events. Ajusting thousand of images can be a pain in the butt. So my suggestion is to get it right from the get go.

Re: Off camera lighting and RAW images

PostPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:24 pm
by pollackphoto
I use a 7D with both those flashes.I also use raw. I set the flashes in wireless with a 2 to 1 ratio and let the camera do its thing I have very little trouble with exposure since Minoltas flash work differently than Nikon or Canon.I use raw because I can use the full amount of pixels from the camera .I also like the full control raw offers you