Double exposure

[DWessel]

In Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, he discusses Double Exposure and how certain DSLR's will allow you to double expose an image.

I've read through my A900 manual, and I can't find any setting that allows for the taking of a double exposure. Does anyone know if it is possible with any of the Alphas??? If so, how do you set it up???

I'm curious to know if it can be done in camera vs. post production via PS.

[dr4gon]

I think he means bracketing? You can set the A900/A700 to bracket +/- 1 or 2 EV

[Elisha]

i thought double exposure means 2 different exposes on the same frame so the image is somewhat merged?

[SONYNUT]

Post.........it.s way better to control anyway

[DonSchap]

Double exposure was a film idea ... usually to demonstrate movement of some kind, or other special effects. As the 'NUT mentions, post-processing offers tremendous control in developing that double-exposed look. Photoshop tools allow for erasing, cloning and transparency layer adjust. You just cannot get that out of a double-exposure. You are usually stuck with what you have. More often than not ... due to the rather strict and unforgiving timing and lighting considerations of the shutter, it just looks like a mistake.

What you are fighting with is the program of the camera, wanting to rapidly clear that data-buffer and "crap out" an image, so that the next one is lean and ready to go. The CCD/CMOS does NOT expose like film, in that regard. It is a 'calculated' exposure based on metering and timing ... and not taking into account the unknown qualities of a 'future shot.' The last thing SONY would probably want is a camera that purposely makes "a mistake."

Welcome to digital imaging.

[DWessel]

This is not bracketing. The technique is to take two shots, 1-stop underexposed on the same film or digital exposure such that they overlap.

I knew you could do it with film ... usually a mistake of not fully advancing the film, with some cameras allowing you to purposefully set a double exposure. I was curious when Peterson mentioned that some digitals allow you to do this (Understanding Exposure at p. 140).

[SONYNUT]

and sometime whole roll not on purpose..&&^%#%&(()&^%$@@

[Peekayoh]

I think some of the Nikons do double (or more) exposures.
You could do it with flash on the Bulb shutter setting.

[DonSchap]

Well, I have done a strobe-effect to get a double exposure.

Canon EOS 20D w/ TAMRON SP AF 11-18mm Di-II LD & EF 580
16mm - f/8 - 1/30 sec - ISO-200 - Manual - strobed flash 2x

It was just a test shot, but I think you get the idea.