D100 exposure probs - downloading curves

[david_clark10]

Hello All, quite a few people have been on talking about the D100 and

its tendency to underexpose (seems strange to have it set to +0.3/0.7

all the time and this doesn't always help). There are now

downloadable curves to add / replace existing cameras ones just

wondered if anyone actually found these to make any difference. I am

very happy generally the D100, but I previously had a D1 and felt the

exposure was a lot better. Its funny I find it hard to tie it down to

one situation where poor exposure is given it just varies; also this

isn't helped by the Auto WB which is useless. Also I have firmware

v2.0 is there a newer version yet? Cheers

[jeffrey moore]

It does seem that Nikon, in its quest for the user to avoid blown out highlights, erred slightly on the underexposure side of things. A properly constructed curve will give you better results than a simple +.3 or +.7 exposure compensation, which is strictly a linear manipulation.

 

I agree that the Auto WB is next to useless. I have seen it demonstrated, and have demonstrated myself, how Auto WB can give radically different color balance on the exact same images taken less than a second apart. You are much better off selecting one of the other settings other than Auto WB.

 

Firmware 2.0 is the latest.

[james_gregus]

You might try downloading some curves from www.nikonians.com. I have one and it seems to work. As far as Auto White balance I use Warmcards. I tested them and can see a difference. Go to www.warmcards.com. Try shooting a 18% grey card and then a Warmcard #1 By setting the white balance first for 18% grey card then setting white balance for Warmcard #1. Also add +0.3 to + 0.5 EV In the camera. Now tell me what happens.

[james_gregus]

I'll try to load this photo to show you the difference in a #3 warmcard.

[james_gregus]

I shot this Setting white balance with #3 Warmcard.