Noisy digital shadows - was: Re: [Leica] re: digital

[dmdorn_ct_usa at mac.com (David M. Dorn)]

Phong wrote:

When I use my Canon digital SLR, I am always mindful
of the possibility of blown highlights.

The best advice I have heard so far about digital vs. film was to think 
"slide film" and expose for the high lights and let the shadows take 
care of themselves.  Years ago Popular Photograph had an article 
exposing slide film which suggested using a crumpled white handkerchief 
like a grey card and taking a spot reading of of an area that a one 
step down from the purest white.  I used it many times and got great 
results keeping in mind that in extremely harsh light I was going to 
see shadows go black.  In more normal contrast lighting is was just 
about perfect given the film at that time (Kodachrome 25 etc.).

I have only dabbled with digital cameras so far but I think this seem 
to work when I had the original Digilux.  Also,  I hear that to get the 
full dynamic range of digital you need to shoot in raw which is why I 
got rid of the Digilux and am still looking at digital cameras.

P.S. - I am about to test Adobe LightRoom...the workflow seems to more 
fit what I think it should be and the fact that you can go to PS where 
you need extra features looks very good.  I seems the adjustments and 
especially Color to B&W conversion are easier and my even be better 
than PS.  Tests will tell.

David