When algorithms outshine the optics...

@dmapr: Thanks for sharing that. I suppose the "purist" photographers would have an issue with all the computer involvement, but today there are fewer and fewer purists in photography. Most already use post-editing software. So while the art of taking the photo is becoming more automated, the art of composing the image is still left to the photographer. Those that enjoy the challenge of manual settings will balk, but that's progress. (I personally do like the proud feeling of accomplishment when I setup my DSLR "just right" and capture a challenging image but with my failing vision, I've had to depend more heavily on the camera to select focus and more.)

 

@dmapr: I think I used -2, 0, +2 (HDR) to make this image (lobby of Orick motel in Orick, CA):

 

not handheld. I used a tripod. It was pitch black outside. Also, I can't remember whether or not I used a trick I learned. I may have taken one picture that is total black and use it to mask out noise.

https://monochrome.sutic.nu/2014/10...g-dark-frame-subtraction-and-median-blur.html