GIMP Tricks

Interesting detail enhance method

Alternate and simple way to enhance dark photos.

Here is a great way to lighten dark parts of image without blowing out highlights
http://spectacled-bear.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-brighten-up-dark-photos-without-blowing-highlights-using-FREE-software

This photo was too dark in the face and simple brightening would blow all the light areas.

After lightening with layer masks I preserved the lighter detail quite well. I could have completely not lightened some areas by painting out the mask with black and I probably was too extreme in duplicating for lightening but you get the idea.

Masking for hair or detail: Photoshop using channels

Canon SX50HS Stuff

Crazyfingers settings

C1

C2

Comment

1

AF Frame

Flexzone

Flexzone

This is what Sets the focus to the center focus square by default. User can shift this around but I have not tried. With maz zoom at 2x, knowing how to do this could be helpful

2

Digital Zoom

Off

Off

3

AF-Point Zoom –

On

_

This gives a magnified view of the focus point. It focuses only once.

4

OnServo AF

Off

on

This and below somehow related and camera constantly tries to optimise focus until shutter is pressed.

5

Continuous AF

Off

on

6

AF Assist Beam

Off

Off

7

MF Point Zoom

Off

Off

8

Safety MF

Off

Off

9

Flast Control

-

10

ISO Austo Settings

11

High ISO NR Standard

Standard

Standard

12

Spot AE Point – AF Point

AF Point

AF Point

Exposure uses the focus point only instead of the whole scene

13

Movie Ausio

-

14

Review – Quick

Quick

Quick

15

Review Info

Blank

16

Blink Detection

Off

Off

17

Custom Display

-

-

18

Reverse Display

19

IS Settings

Continuous 1

Continuous 1

20

Display area

Small

Small

21

Date stamp off

Off

Off

22

Face ID settings

23

Set Shortcut Button T

T

T

http://pro.myphotopipe.com/index.cfm?d=myphotopipe

Good Youtube tutorial at Fat Dragon 100

I am considering a Nikon D5300 rig and here is a crazy good review thread from Amazon.

Parts:
Canon E67U 67mm Snap On Lens Cap 
Lensmate 58mm adapter
Hoya 58mm Moose Peterson Warming Circular Polarizer Filter considering this?

CHDK
Builds http://mighty-hoernsche.de/ (scroll to bottom)
ACID to check firmware and automate download (download may not work).
Time lapse plugin for LR
Time Lapse remote shutter
Wireless remote shutter