Helicon Focus

[sirhc55]

Fab posted an interesting link yesterday on the Helicon Focus software system. I decided to download the free trial and give it a go.

The following pic is composed of 33 photographs. Using manual exposure of 1/100th sec at f/3.2.

I mounted the D2Hs on a Manfrotto micro slide then onto the tripod. All pics were taken with the Sigma 105mm macro. Incremental distance between each photo was approximately 1mm.

This was purely a test but considering the aperture of f/3.2 the result is not too bad.

[Oneputt]

That is very impressive Chris. Looks like a nice addition to the macro arsenal.

[Manta]

My, what a big jack you have! Great shot Chris - not sure the purists will like it but it's very arty.

[LostDingo]

33 captures together sheeesh, makes me tired just thinking about it....impressive

[sirhc55]

Just to show how amazing this program is, I am posting the first shot and the last shot - you can imagine the other 31

[LostDingo]

would be interesting to see how well it works leading into the throat of a flower

[PiroStitch]

Interesting program!

So are you planning on creating your own large wallpaper?

[LOZ]

Chris I wonder if I could get a bee to stay still for 33 shots

[sirhc55]

Chris I wonder if I could get a bee to stay still for 33 shots

Ether

[Manta]

The two comparison shots really show what this program can do. However, I'm still a little confused

If lighting isn't a major problem then, in terms of sharp focus across the full depth of the image, why would one take a multitude of shots and then run this prgram rather than just taking one shot with the smallest possible aperture? What does this program do that a small aperture won't? Isn't it just artificially 'creating' a large depth of field? I know the end result looks cool, almost surreal, but it seems an awful lot of work is going into something that could be acheived in one shutter click.

If I've missed something obvious here, please form an orderly queue to give me a slap.

[avkomp]

Simon: I think the point of using the large aperture is just to demo the program's capabilities.

obviously if light permitted you would stop down more and perhaps require 1 or 2 shots to cover the scene if required.

Steve

[Manta]

Point taken Steve but I still can't really see the value in using a program to merge multiple shots when perhaps one shot could have the same result. Now, in low light....different story.

[sirhc55]

Simon - the problem with macro is the very small DOF even when using F/22 and up. We are talking millimetres. This program was developed primarily for the enhancement of microscopic shots. The macro usage is a by-product of this function. Obviously it is only useful on static subjects, but useful all the same.

[moz]

I still can't really see the value in using a program to merge multiple shots when perhaps one shot could have the same result.

I've had trouble getting adequate DoF even when diffraction is visible in the viewfinder - by f/80 I can see a fuzzy spot in the center.

The other aspect is that in the field it would be nice to be able to shoot fairly wide open and know that you can patch the shots together in post to get depth of field. I'm playing at the moment with using a high fps and just twisting the focus ring as I shoot, because if I can get 5-10 shots that work that way the program might be usable even for animals if they stay still for a second or two.

[sirhc55]

That’s a very good idea Moz

[Manta]

That’s a very good idea Moz

I agree, Chris. Between the three of you - I'm now convinced!