Pentax Composite Modes Explored

0:00 Intro/the negs of ND filters
6:09 Samples
16:05 Setting up the mode

In this video I show some examples of the various Interval Composite Modes (Average, Bright and Additive) available within the Pentax system. I compare the results against using traditional ND filters in genres like waterfalls and rivers.

What do you think? Is the Interval Composite Mode adequate enough to replace the necessity for ND filter use?

[kcphotogeek]

Great video thanks Eddie, tried this a while ago but have been meaning to give it another go

[alandaniel]

Brilliant! Nicely explained Eddy. I'm going to be all over this like a rash.

[KobieMC]

I actually did an experiment on pentaxforums comparing the same shot, one with a grad and Nd filter and the other just using interval composite mode. I had people try to figure out which one was which and it was split 50/50. I don't use the mode much but have been thinking of using it more. Another cool thing you can use it for is shooting wind turbines. They end up looking like giant man made industrial daisy flowers.

[GGascay]

Nice to hear about the explanation for the save process function where each image in the series is +1 of the previous image to show the steps. I had always used the end result and never bothered with the in- between stuff. Oh, and by the way, for the name - two hard consonants - hard “G” and hard “C” like “Gasoline” in the “Cayman” Islands, lol.

[NWPipeSmoker]

The Sigma fp as an 'ISO 6' (and up to the base ISO 100) which is somewhat similar to the Sigma SD Quattro SuperFineDetail (SFD) mode of a seven-shot composite into one image (to increase dynamic range and decrease noise, two problems with the Foveon sensor). All interesting stuff.
-Tom

[tonyb]

I have not used this feature due to the fact of moving branches around the subject and I know how to correct that by taking another single image at a shutter speed fast enough to correct the motion of branches and foliage and such around the subject. I have done that, but I am intrigued by the thought of basically adding more water flow, especially on lower flow periods. I will say I am enjoying your channel and the information and knowledge I am gaining about the K1. I am glad I stumbled across your channel. Thanks for sharing

[marclavoie]

I've used the in camera averaging on the K3 but usually with longer exposures, enough that on a single shot you would get some motion blur, between 1/15s to 1s or more, just my using a low ISO / small aperture. What you get is a lot smoother looking image because you are averaging shots that already have some blur "built-in". I will use a cable release and hold it to get 10 to 20 continuous shots so there is no gaps between shots. Just be careful to not make the exposures too long for fear of the noise reduction kicking in which will introduce a small gap between each shot as the de-noising takes place making the result less smooth, causing a "stutter" in the images. Or turn denoise off for long exposures. Playing around, I had never been able to figure out the brightness mode, I guess the subject matter wasn't conducive to producing appreciable results. Now that I know how it works I'll know when to use it. Great video, thanks.

[marvymagoo]

Another nice vid Eddy. I have tended to use the PS workflow for this but I reckon I will also give this a go as well. Always good to have alternatives to work with.