Dave:
Most DSLRs have built in function that does the bracketing
automatically. If you are using a shutter speed of greater the
1/100th second, then the multiple exposures will occur in less than
1/50th of a second. If you get cloud blur at that shutter speed, I
suggest that it's not really a cloud but perhaps a tornado ( just kidding ).
Scanning the 4x5 at 5000 ppi changes the relative equations quite a
bit. However the limitations of the large format lens / negative
combo still limit the image resolution to about 40 lpi and with great
lenses, perhaps 60 lpi. The 5000 ppi scan will then be recording the
grain structure but you won't be getting additional image sharpness
because of it.
On the other hand, having access to such a high resolution scanner
makes the choice much more difficult.
I think it will finally come down to the relative degree of comfort
you have with the LF system vs the DSLR.
Go with what works for you.
Best of luck,
James
At 11:47 AM 12/7/2008 -0500, you wrote:
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and ideas about my DSLR vs 4x5 film
conundrum. It is interesting how different your opinions have been, some
favoring digital and some film. It seems split down the middle.
One thing I want to clear up is that I didn't say, or didn't mean to say
that I would be scanning the 4x5 neg at 200PPI. That would be pretty silly.
That was the printing resolution I was referring too. For a 20x24" print, I
would probably scan the neg at about 5000PPI, so that I could print at about
200PPI.
Also, James, you referred to the technique of bracketing exposures on a DSLR
and then using the HDR function in Photoshop, in order to increase dynamic
range. But what if you are shooting landscape that include clouds? Clouds
move, and one would probably end up with blurred clouds.
Dave
James Schenken
