Fun with Focus Stacking

[DKS]

Thanks, Bill! Wasn't sure which N scale mag it was, so I tossed a coin. I lost.

[wcfn100]

I was this close to ordering a Lytro a few weeks ago.  However, using Helicon or Combine Z allows for the exact same results (when used properly).

Maybe I haven't done the research but I don't think that's true.  A Light Field camera like the Lytro will allow you to pick a new focal point after the fact.  The rest of the image is still blurry.

I've yet to see a light field image where the whole picture is in focus like the effect from Helicon.  Have I just missed this?

Jason

[DKS]

I've yet to see a light field image where the whole picture is in focus like the effect from Helicon.  Have I just missed this?

http://lightfield-forum.com/2012/08/lytro-hack-create-all-in-focus-pictures-using-lfpsplitter-and-python/

[wcfn100]

http://lightfield-forum.com/2012/08/lytro-hack-create-all-in-focus-pictures-using-lfpsplitter-and-python/

Very nice. I t said by the end of last year, did it happen?

Jason

[Bruce Bird]

I just purchased Helicon- with the Remote- and I am really digging this thread.  I've had several swings at it so far with mixed results.  I've noticed that Helicon does not like silver exhaust stacks on black locos.  And sometimes the edges of the black locos get fuzzy.  Other than that I really enjoy it.

Any other info would be greatly appreciated!  When I get a little more time I'll post some of the images, both from my layout and a couple of others.

Bruce

[wcfn100]

Of course there's always just letting it do what it does best, macro photography.



How all models should be judged. 


Jason

[Bruce Bird]

Here is one of the first shots of a pair of units in the yard.


And here is an overview of John Colombo's NKP roundhouse before an op session.


As I said- still working on it!

Bruce

[peteski]

Yeah, focus stacking is perfect for extreme closeups. Actually, many Helicon Focus users are people who take extreme close-ups of insects.
Here is an example of a model's closeup.  IMO, it makes this N scale loco look like a much larger scale model.



Pete Nolan:  You mention that Helicon has problem with things like ship's railings (which are close to the camera) being fuzzy. That is because none of the photos in the stack contain the focused area of the image which would be directly behind the railing.  When the image in the stack is focused on area behind the railing, the railing is out of focus. Being out of focus, it's silhouette is wider then when the camera is focused on the railing. Since none of the images in the stack contain focused information directly behind the railing, the stacking software leaves that area fuzzy.

[Mark W]

http://lightfield-forum.com/2012/08/lytro-hack-create-all-in-focus-pictures-using-lfpsplitter-and-python/

You don't even need a hack.  Here's the lytro interactive image gallery.  https://pictures.lytro.com/lytroweb/pictures/431197
Click-release to re-focus.  Click-drag-release to see full in focus.  Also, move the pointer in a circle to see the 3D parallax. 
But again, notice how small the photos actually are. 

[Mark W]

But maybe I don't have a good DSLR and probably won't get one?   

Also the point of the Lytro would be that you don't have to take multiple shots and could even take pictures of moving trains.  Or is that expecting too much?

Have to get back in touch with the friend who has one.

Unless you're using studio lights, I think moving trains would be expecting too much. 
Though I am definitely curious to know how the Lytro handles motion blur!

[wcfn100]

That's definitely cool.  Some soft focus issues with close objects when it's 'all' in focus but not bad.

Jason

[Ron McF]

I've never tried Helicon, but I have been using Zerene Stacker to create pictures for my blog.
http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker

Regards,
Ron

[peteski]

That's definitely cool.  Some soft focus issues with close objects when it's 'all' in focus but not bad.

Jason

It is not that the close up of the railings is out of focus. They are perfectly sharp (if an image of in-focus railing was in the stack to begin with). The problem is that there is a halo around them. That halo was left there by the stacking software because the entire stack of photos does not contain focused part of the image which was usable for filling that area.

[wcfn100]

It is not that the close up of the railings is out of focus. They are perfectly sharp (if an image of in-focus railing was in the stack to begin with). The problem is that there is a halo around them. That halo was left there by the stacking software because the entire stack of photos does not contain focused part of the image which was usable for filling that area.

I was referring to the images in the Lytro gallery.


Jason

[pwnj]

Yeah, focus stacking is perfect for extreme closeups. Actually, many Helicon Focus users are people who take extreme close-ups of insects.
Here is an example of a model's closeup.  IMO, it makes this N scale loco look like a much larger scale model.

Exactly!  Here's a before and after comparison.  BEFORE:



And AFTER:



This was just a quickie shot, no tripod (camera just sitting on the table), stacking 5 photos manually using GIMP and hand-trimming the layers using a soft eraser for blending (can't afford to buy software).  The difference is quite significant.  This next shot is a 4-layer stack handheld quickie of a snow scene:



I made one mistake on the roof (note the ghosting of the roofwalks) and a tripod would certainly have made that less likely, but I'm definitely sold on stacking.