Do you use Active D-Lighting?

Ansel · 31st March 2009

Hi CSers,

Just like to know if you guys/gals use the Active D-lighting feature on your D3x/D3/D700/D300/D90/D60. We all know how it works, but I am sure not all of us are convinced of it's usefulness, at least not in all situations.

If you do use Active D-Lighting, what are the situations where you feel it is most useful?

If you don't use Active D-Lighting, why not?

Any other general comments, tips or tricks you want to share regarding the use of Active D-lighting?

Thank you all.

agape01 · 31st March 2009

To me, D-Lighting would almost be completely useless if you know what is equivalent exposure and how to properly use the histogram.

boyboy · 31st March 2009

more noise, more artifacting, but prevents you from blowing your highlights. also, less contrast.

some scenes look much better without active-d lighting. but if i were shooting an event, i'd leave it on. if IQ is topmost concern, i'd shoot raw or leave it off. raw allows you to turn it off later on if you have capture NX

bomby929 · 31st March 2009

If I shoot in bright sunlight.. I leave is on with iso at 100 or 200.

If for indoor which iso goes up to 1600-6400.. I will leave it off. Cos it will intro more noise and beats the purpose.

copycat · 31st March 2009

Active D-lighting tunes down the highlights and brighten up the shadows. Hence I find that contrast is decreased after you enabled Active D-lighting. Sometimes, the shadow parts suffer from noticable noise.

Basically, it's the same as "Highlight & Shadow" function in Photoshop except you can have better control when using Photoshop.

Normally I set off unless I want to have direct photo printing using PictBridge or lazy with any post-process

romeo tango · 31st March 2009

Hi All,

I considered myself still new to the world of digital photography and am still tyring to come to terms with all the technology in using a dslr camera. I understand from the manual that Active D-Lighting will "brighten" the subject if the subject is under some form of shadow, eg standing under a tree on a sunny day. However, I tested out with and without Active D-Lighting (set to Auto) and both picture looks the same, the subject is still quite "dark". Any advise ?

Thanks

u2nofear · 31st March 2009

i used the D-Lighting during "off line", means after shoot edit at camera and NX2

sjackal · 31st March 2009

Active D Lighting is a great tool for the casual camera users, the JPG only shooters, and the photographers who deal with large number of files and probably do not have the time or need to process RAW files, think reportage/photojournalists who need to deliver pics same day or the next day, or think about something like casual family photos without need to satisfy demanding clients or suffer critics.

When I tried out my friend's D90 recently, I was very impressed by the Active D Lighting, looking at the histograms, I consistently get a 'mountain' even in high contrast scenes. I was thinking, this is magic, such tech. But of course the histogram is just based on 8 bit sRGB JPG's not the real RAW capture.

Back in Lightroom, the real histograms shows up and its back to the 'valleys' again.

I had the Active D Lighting settings set to Low. The reason is because with any other settings on, ADL tend to cause matrix metering to underexpose so as to protect the highlights. While it looks great on the 8bit sRGB JPG, but your picture is actually underexposed in reality in the true RAW capture. This is bad, since serious RAW shooters would know we should strive to expose to the right.

Casual shooters and JPG only shooters would not bother about this issue so no problem (at least to them).

Also to note, on another prominent photography forum, it was suggested that ADL actually affects RAW capture right at the sensor level on a pixel by pixel basis. I do not think its true. If so Nikon would call these HDR cameras and it would be revolutionary.

Ansel · 31st March 2009

Originally Posted by sjackal

...
Also to note, on another prominent photography forum, it was suggested that ADL actually affects RAW capture right at the sensor level on a pixel by pixel basis. I do not think its true. If so Nikon would call these HDR cameras and it would be revolutionary.

Hmmm.....I have previously learned that the only things that affect the RAW capture are ISO and exposure (shutter speed/Aperture). They may be saying that ADL causes slight underexposure, and thus, the RAW file is affected. Are they saying that the RAW capture itself is improved due to ADL? I'd love to read those discussions.

luntut · 31st March 2009

i totally do not use Active D-lighting. I call it the "Image Killer". Introduces way too much artifacts into my images for my liking, be it bright or in the shadows.

I rather do the necessary adjustments in photoshop. I can retain the IQ as much as possible to my liking.

But if you are an event shooter that catches 1000s of images a day, then this is not a good option for you, PP-ing every photo. But if you are a professional shooter, I would believe you would have gained enough experience shooting to have turned pro.....

indaybadiday · 1st April 2009

hmnnn, i dont use it.but its a great tool

sjackal · 2nd April 2009

Originally Posted by Ansel

Hmmm.....I have previously learned that the only things that affect the RAW capture are ISO and exposure (shutter speed/Aperture). They may be saying that ADL causes slight underexposure, and thus, the RAW file is affected. Are they saying that the RAW capture itself is improved due to ADL? I'd love to read those discussions.

Replied to your PM. Actually, someone was claiming Nikon had the technology to do it photo sensor cell by cell making necessary adjustments before the photo was even taken. But most people find it hard to believe.

Originally Posted by alan24

I think it only affects the exposure. If there are strong highlights in the pic, with active D on, the metering will meter the pic slightly underexposed. Not by much I think, around 1/3-2/3 stop from my experience.

Refer to this previous disccussion:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=444154

Post #6 by tanhb

At low settings, no exposure changes is made, with flash used, a -1/3 stop is made.

That is why its good to use low, so it won't affect your raw file. A -1/3 stop for flash is reasonable, since at close range flash easily blows highlights even with a small bounce card.

Wzierbovsky · 2nd April 2009

I've got it turned off normally. In the event I need to recover detail in a shot, that's when I turn to Photoshop.

RedSnappa · 2nd April 2009

For me I always leave active d-lighting on cos I'm one who always shoot in JPG cos I dislike doing PP as I like my photos "as they are".

I adjust my exposure to cater to real-time lighting conditions.

maybe one fine day I'll learn the benefits of RAW then maybe I'll convert...

lsisaxon · 2nd April 2009

Originally Posted by RedSnappa

For me I always leave active d-lighting on cos I'm one who always shoot in JPG cos I dislike doing PP as I like my photos "as they are".

I adjust my exposure to cater to real-time lighting conditions.

maybe one fine day I'll learn the benefits of RAW then maybe I'll convert...

I always leave it off because I can add it later from the picture menu if I need it.

ChongK · 2nd April 2009

Haha from what i heard ADL helps to save details in brightly exposed pictures.

So what is the verdict for using ADL,Lets say we will process the photos.

-RAW format: ADL, On/Off?
-JPEG format: ADL, On/Off?

diediealsomustdive · 5th April 2009

I listened to KRW and left it on Normal when I first got my D300 - it did very strange things to the colour of the photos. Fortunately since CF cards are cheap and shot only RAW+JPG and managed to salvaged the shots.

A week ago I ended up with an extremely high contrast situation and didn't have my SB-900 with me to fill in the shadows, had to use built-in flash to do that, dial in low ISO. Worked fine - like a few said good for some situation.

But horrors - I forgot to dial it out and didn't realize it until I finished a photo shot this morning - it was truly wonderful how my colour went south ....

So now it is confirmed - I will ask Nikon can I get rid of Active D-Lighting from the firmware so the same mistake of leaving it on won't be made again, and KRW is not to be trusted.

I hate ADL.

Fortunately there is still RAW to salvage the situation, but imagine the number of hours behind PS to salvage....

sf_kang · 5th April 2009

Active D-Lighting is a very convenient way to maintain details in both the highlights and the shadows when you shoot in situations where contrast is very high, e.g. when shooting scenes where some portions are extremely bright while some portions are very dark. What Active D-Lighting does is that it 'compressed' the exposure 'RANGE' so you don't have 'burn out' or 'detail-less shadows'. Processing time may be a little longer in some situations. I think this is a really convenient feature that Nikon and built into the current range of DSLRs. I am shooting with a D3 and will still use Active D-Lighting when I shoot scenes that have high/wide contrast range, i.e. the bright areas are very bright, the dark areas are very dark, and yet I want details in both.

Experiment and learn. Happy shooting.
Fred

Lord Soth · 5th April 2009

I leave this on even though I apply heavy post processing to my photos.

From my experience, it is most useful in backlit situations.

diediealsomustdive · 6th April 2009

I find that it gives predictable results only in extremely high contrast situations. High contrast still ok, but when you manage your contrast range through fill flash, reflectors, etc, it is very unpredictable.

The software should have an algorithm to determine the contrast range and dial it out when it doesn't meet the criteria, i.e. auto shut-off.

To me I am going to keep it OFF unless I have no other way of managing the contrast and die die must use ADL. And will make it a point to switch it back off.

And die die must shot raw.

Still much better to use a graduated ND, or use fill flash - at least I know what the outcome is going to be.

ADL gives strange colour, especially skin tones, when not used during high contrast scene.

31st March 2009	#1
Ansel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Land Downunder Posts: 2,069	Do you use Active D-Lighting? Hi CSers, Just like to know if you guys/gals use the Active D-lighting feature on your D3x/D3/D700/D300/D90/D60. We all know how it works, but I am sure not all of us are convinced of it's usefulness, at least not in all situations. If you do use Active D-Lighting, what are the situations where you feel it is most useful? If you don't use Active D-Lighting, why not? Any other general comments, tips or tricks you want to share regarding the use of Active D-lighting? Thank you all.

31st March 2009	#2
agape01 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Somewhere Out There Posts: 2,260	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? To me, D-Lighting would almost be completely useless if you know what is equivalent exposure and how to properly use the histogram.

31st March 2009	#3
boyboy Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 549	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? more noise, more artifacting, but prevents you from blowing your highlights. also, less contrast. some scenes look much better without active-d lighting. but if i were shooting an event, i'd leave it on. if IQ is topmost concern, i'd shoot raw or leave it off. raw allows you to turn it off later on if you have capture NX __________________ http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...9&l=8ea073cc13

31st March 2009	#4
bomby929 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 294	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? If I shoot in bright sunlight.. I leave is on with iso at 100 or 200. If for indoor which iso goes up to 1600-6400.. I will leave it off. Cos it will intro more noise and beats the purpose. __________________ Nikon D700

31st March 2009	#5
copycat Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Coast Posts: 581	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? Active D-lighting tunes down the highlights and brighten up the shadows. Hence I find that contrast is decreased after you enabled Active D-lighting. Sometimes, the shadow parts suffer from noticable noise. Basically, it's the same as "Highlight & Shadow" function in Photoshop except you can have better control when using Photoshop. Normally I set off unless I want to have direct photo printing using PictBridge or lazy with any post-process __________________ bokeholic pixelle@projecttyingknot.com

31st March 2009	#6
romeo tango Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 472	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? Hi All, I considered myself still new to the world of digital photography and am still tyring to come to terms with all the technology in using a dslr camera. I understand from the manual that Active D-Lighting will "brighten" the subject if the subject is under some form of shadow, eg standing under a tree on a sunny day. However, I tested out with and without Active D-Lighting (set to Auto) and both picture looks the same, the subject is still quite "dark". Any advise ? Thanks

31st March 2009	#7
u2nofear Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,487	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? i used the D-Lighting during "off line", means after shoot edit at camera and NX2

31st March 2009	#8
sjackal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,000	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? Active D Lighting is a great tool for the casual camera users, the JPG only shooters, and the photographers who deal with large number of files and probably do not have the time or need to process RAW files, think reportage/photojournalists who need to deliver pics same day or the next day, or think about something like casual family photos without need to satisfy demanding clients or suffer critics. When I tried out my friend's D90 recently, I was very impressed by the Active D Lighting, looking at the histograms, I consistently get a 'mountain' even in high contrast scenes. I was thinking, this is magic, such tech. But of course the histogram is just based on 8 bit sRGB JPG's not the real RAW capture. Back in Lightroom, the real histograms shows up and its back to the 'valleys' again. I had the Active D Lighting settings set to Low. The reason is because with any other settings on, ADL tend to cause matrix metering to underexpose so as to protect the highlights. While it looks great on the 8bit sRGB JPG, but your picture is actually underexposed in reality in the true RAW capture. This is bad, since serious RAW shooters would know we should strive to expose to the right. Casual shooters and JPG only shooters would not bother about this issue so no problem (at least to them). Also to note, on another prominent photography forum, it was suggested that ADL actually affects RAW capture right at the sensor level on a pixel by pixel basis. I do not think its true. If so Nikon would call these HDR cameras and it would be revolutionary. Last edited by sjackal; 31st March 2009 at 10:58 AM.

31st March 2009	#10
luntut Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toa Payoh Posts: 1,344	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? i totally do not use Active D-lighting. I call it the "Image Killer". Introduces way too much artifacts into my images for my liking, be it bright or in the shadows. I rather do the necessary adjustments in photoshop. I can retain the IQ as much as possible to my liking. But if you are an event shooter that catches 1000s of images a day, then this is not a good option for you, PP-ing every photo. But if you are a professional shooter, I would believe you would have gained enough experience shooting to have turned pro..... __________________ Fast Camera. Fast Lens. Slow Me. Sigh. My Flickr

1st April 2009	#11
indaybadiday Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,356	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? hmnnn, i dont use it.but its a great tool __________________ they just keep on copying it...!! whitewall industry

2nd April 2009	#13
Wzierbovsky Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 272	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? I've got it turned off normally. In the event I need to recover detail in a shot, that's when I turn to Photoshop. __________________ Nikon D300+MBD10+SB600\|18-55\|50\|70-210 Sigma 10-20\|24-60\|18-250\|150 Mac\|190CXPRO3+488RC2+Bazooka!

2nd April 2009	#14
RedSnappa Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 110	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? For me I always leave active d-lighting on cos I'm one who always shoot in JPG cos I dislike doing PP as I like my photos "as they are". I adjust my exposure to cater to real-time lighting conditions. maybe one fine day I'll learn the benefits of RAW then maybe I'll convert... __________________ D90 \| 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 \| 50mm f1.8 \| 70-300mm f4-5.6 \| 90mm f2.8 Macro \| 530 DG ST \| Raynox DCR250

2nd April 2009	#16
ChongK Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Side Posts: 272	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? Haha from what i heard ADL helps to save details in brightly exposed pictures. So what is the verdict for using ADL,Lets say we will process the photos. -RAW format: ADL, On/Off? -JPEG format: ADL, On/Off? __________________ \|K's Photography\| \|Nikonian\|Nissin Di622\|

5th April 2009	#17
diediealsomustdive Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: CCK Posts: 1,065	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? I listened to KRW and left it on Normal when I first got my D300 - it did very strange things to the colour of the photos. Fortunately since CF cards are cheap and shot only RAW+JPG and managed to salvaged the shots. A week ago I ended up with an extremely high contrast situation and didn't have my SB-900 with me to fill in the shadows, had to use built-in flash to do that, dial in low ISO. Worked fine - like a few said good for some situation. But horrors - I forgot to dial it out and didn't realize it until I finished a photo shot this morning - it was truly wonderful how my colour went south .... So now it is confirmed - I will ask Nikon can I get rid of Active D-Lighting from the firmware so the same mistake of leaving it on won't be made again, and KRW is not to be trusted. I hate ADL. Fortunately there is still RAW to salvage the situation, but imagine the number of hours behind PS to salvage.... Last edited by diediealsomustdive; 5th April 2009 at 01:12 PM.

5th April 2009	#18
sf_kang Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 289	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? Active D-Lighting is a very convenient way to maintain details in both the highlights and the shadows when you shoot in situations where contrast is very high, e.g. when shooting scenes where some portions are extremely bright while some portions are very dark. What Active D-Lighting does is that it 'compressed' the exposure 'RANGE' so you don't have 'burn out' or 'detail-less shadows'. Processing time may be a little longer in some situations. I think this is a really convenient feature that Nikon and built into the current range of DSLRs. I am shooting with a D3 and will still use Active D-Lighting when I shoot scenes that have high/wide contrast range, i.e. the bright areas are very bright, the dark areas are very dark, and yet I want details in both. Experiment and learn. Happy shooting. Fred

5th April 2009	#19
Lord Soth Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dargaard Keep Posts: 349	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? I leave this on even though I apply heavy post processing to my photos. From my experience, it is most useful in backlit situations. __________________ *\| Nikon* D700; AF-S 14-24 f/2.8GED; AF 20 f/2.8D; AF 50 f/1.4D; SB400\| Tamron AF 28-75 f/2.8 A09NII\|**

6th April 2009	#20
diediealsomustdive Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: CCK Posts: 1,065	Re: Do you use Active D-Lighting? I find that it gives predictable results only in extremely high contrast situations. High contrast still ok, but when you manage your contrast range through fill flash, reflectors, etc, it is very unpredictable. The software should have an algorithm to determine the contrast range and dial it out when it doesn't meet the criteria, i.e. auto shut-off. To me I am going to keep it OFF unless I have no other way of managing the contrast and die die must use ADL. And will make it a point to switch it back off. And die die must shot raw. Still much better to use a graduated ND, or use fill flash - at least I know what the outcome is going to be. ADL gives strange colour, especially skin tones, when not used during high contrast scene.