What Exactly Is Active Dynamic Range?

Question

I understand that Active D-Lighting can be found on the Nikon D3, D700, D300, and soon to be, the D90. My question is, how exactly does ADL work? I read that it helps control highlights from blowing out, but does image quality suffer any? Can anybody tell me if it work well? Also, does anyone have any examples of how it works. That would be great. Thank you.

Answer 1

I've read that it boosts the shadows a bit without loosing the highlights.  I think that's an accurate description.  I have a few samples here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei...  One is a composite showing both kinds of D-Lighting - pre- and post-shot.  I DO use Active D-Lighting, but sparingly.  Personally, I do not like the high setting and even the "normal" (mid) setting is too much sometimes.  Active D-Lighting will only work in the matrix meter setting and I rarely want to use matrix metering, so I keep my Active D-Lighting set to the low position.  This way, when I switch to matrix metering, it automatically puts me in the low Active D-Lighting mode.  If I want to, of course, I can turn the Active D-Lighting off.  I have added Active D-Lighting to my personal "My Menu" page on the camera to make this easier to do.

I don't bother with in-camera processing for anything (so far), because it makes little sense to me to try this in the field.  I mean, the LCD on the D300 is simply gorgeous, but it still won't compare to a computer monitor.  As far as D-Lighting as an in-camera post-process, I would say that it's just a basic version of the Photoshop (or Elements) "Highlight/Shadow" adjustment, so just wait and use that instead of taking your time, using your battery, and taking up memory card space.  Just shoot it in Active D-Lighting if you don't like the looks of thing without it instead of looking at an image and then playing with it.

Although...  If you are going to bang out some prints at a kiosk, maybe doing it in the camera is easier than trying their tools...