with AEB the camera takes 3 pictures instead of one, where one is underexposed and the other overexposed.

You can then join these pictures to create a HDR (High Dynamic Range) image using special software (I’m using Photomatix Pro 4) or photoshop.

With 3 picture with different exposures, you don’t loose details that you would normally loose by taking just 1 normal picture. I took a test picture outside my window:

With this exposure that captures the neighbors house fine the detail of the sky, the patio roof and my SHRUBBERIES are lost

Combining 3 pictures however brings out these details:

I know the HDR effect on this image is a bit overdone :p

The downside is that you must keep the camera relatively steady, so a tripod is very useful. Think I’ll try and take a few real pictures soon, not just boring pictures out the dirty window =)

Here is a picture I took around midnight, looking for the lunar eclipse (which was too low, only about 5 degrees above horizon, so it was blocked by a stupid mountain)

Notice the mustache is gone, replaced by “the Klingon”

Click for disgustingly larger version

+50 points to who can guess what the image is =)

So I spent about 40 $ on some cheap camera equipment from focalprice.com and dealextreme.com (both cheap hong kong stores with free shipping).

Tripod – 14.47 $

http://www.focalprice.com/detail_DT011S.html

Cheap, light and folds nicely into a small bag that came along with it. Used it at home a couple of times, but if used with caution I think it will survive a couple of trips to the big outside world as well but will probably not last indefinitely like the other items I received. Very useful for setting up images with long exposures.

Shutter remote – 4.14 $

http://www.focalprice.com/detail_DI134B.html

Compared to the official one for my camera, it’s dirt cheap, and worked perfectly with my Canon EOS 1000D. Perfect for use with the tripod when I don’t want to shake the camera while taking pictures.

Lense Hood – 3.29 $

http://www.focalprice.com/detail_DI024B.html

Used to combat lens flare, I’m not J.J. Abrams. Makes the camera look cool, but I’ll probably never have a need to take pictures at an angle which will require this hood

UV Filter – 3.88 $

http://www.focalprice.com/detail_DI004B.html

Pretty practical to keep the lens safe. Was a bit skeptical to the low price, but could not see any difference in pictures taken with it on/off in lots of light settings. I hope this will prove itself useful sooner or later by taking a hit for the camera lens

microfiber cloths – 1.8 $

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6842

Extremely useful for cleaning the lenses as I always get fingerprints on the while changing. Also great for glasses, laptop screens etc.. Comes individually packed into cute little zip lock bags.

Polarizing filter – 7.89 $

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14517

Prevents reflections from water/lakes, and makes the sky blue (read here how it works and see some examples, pretty fascinating).

(Left = without, Right = with polarizing filter).
Click for larger image

8X Macro lens – 9.14 $

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.17324

Good for taking pictures of small crap, but the field of focus is pretty small, but I’m sure this is true for all macro lenses

(Left = without, Right = with macro lens).
Click for larger image

The only downside is that with both the macro lens and UV filter attached the lenses will make a shadow for the internal blitz. Maybe I need a new blitz

All in all I’m pretty satisfied with the purchases I’ve made, and if you’re looking into getting some nice equipment for your camera it might be worth checking out focalprice and dealextreme instead of using hundreds of dollars. And IF it breaks or turns out to be rubbish, at least you’re only out a fiver.