[PRODIG] ASA ratings and dynamic range

[Michael Ting]

Reading the discussion of MF backs to Nikon DSLR cameras, somebody 
mentioned that the sensors ultimately only have one sensitivity level. 
So it takes the shot at that one level, and adjust the histogram to the 
appropriate ASA afterward.

In another word, the sensor captured information that covers a truly 
big dynamic range before "retrofitting" it to fit a smaller range of a 
specific ASA level.

Does this mean that digital sensors probably took information that can 
cover as much as a 10-stop range??

This might be true, since we know how much exposure latitude is 
available in RAW files. Actually that IS true, since that's what I've 
been doing (although not really successful) to my images. Take a shot 
in RAW. Process it stopped down two stops, process it at normal, and 
blend the two.

Doh! Why have I never realized this before. I feel so stupid. 
Neverthless, does anyone have any comments on this? (Maybe sharing a 
good technique on blending the two images together)

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