Noise in sky and water at ISO 100

Software darktable
21

In my view, blown highlights are a bigger problem than noise. Ideally my photos are ETTR but if I err, I would rather err on the side of underexposure.

1 Like
22

I hate overexposed parts in an image, pinpoints notwithstanding. And I fully agree with @snibgo that blown is much harder to deal with in a nice way compared to noise. And taking 2 or more bracketed shots will give you back your blacks/deep shadows. I do realize that a tripod or other stable surface isn’t always available though.

I basically have 3 rules when exposing an image:

  1. Protect your highlights.
  2. Protect! Your! Highlights!
  3. ETTR if the above two rules permit this.
4 Likes