S3 - Dynamic Range and Exposure Problem

[S2kDriver]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/s2kdriver/250203349/

This is a photo I took of the parking lot outside of my workplace. It was relatively sunny when I captured the photo. I set the contrast to minimum (to avoid clipping). Minimum contrast makes bright things less bright and dark things less dark - kinda brings everything closer toward the midtones area. Everything in the photo is within the dynamic range of the S3 and there is no clipping. However, if you notice, everything south of the sky seems underexposed compared with reality and it really makes the photo look "dull". See all sizes --> large size.

Am I correct in saying that I only have these 2 options, given the limitations of the S3?

1. If I wanted to properly expose the area of the photo south of the sky,I would increase the EV at the expense of highlight clipping in the sky.
2. I would leave the EV at 0, keep everything within the dynamic range of the S3, yet have things below the sky underexposed.

Thanks in advance.

[Rhys]

The problem is that the S3 compact uses the older JPEG format which is an 8-bit format. This means that your range of colours and sensitivities is extremely limited.

[TenD]

The dynamic range of transparency film is very similar to what a digital camera can capture: about 5 stops. So the problem of dynamic range is nothing new. Digital cameras tended to meter to preserve the shadows, so clipped highlights were common. The manufacturers have been listening, they are toning down their meters to reduce clipped highlights, no one seems to mind no detail in the shadows, but everyone gets upset with loss of detail in the highlights. Shooting at mid day often produces results like your example, the reduction of contrast kept you from clipping highlights but also yielded a dull photo.

[BowerR64]

Thats a hard shot, with the reflections the camera will think there is more light then there is. There is good lighting but the reflections trick the light sensor.

I think these are the types of shots when a polarizer works good.

What if you tried that shot with the sun over your shoulder?

[truflip]

i agree polarizers help as they block some reflection.. i think its enough to get a decent shot with good dynamic range... given that you use it properly

[Paul79UF]

The problem is that the S3 compact uses the older JPEG format which is an 8-bit format. This means that your range of colours and sensitivities is extremely limited.

Really? Why would a camera released in 2005 be using the "older" jpeg format.

How are the ranges "extremely limited".

Pardon my ignorance but if the S3 has these problems then all Canons and other non-pro cameras have the same limitations.