Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

Auto Exposure Bracketing, usually called AEB, is a camera feature that automatically takes a sequence of shots at different exposure levels. You set the number of frames and the exposure step between them, and the camera handles the rest. AEB is the most efficient way to capture bracketed exposures because it happens quickly and consistently, reducing the chance of camera movement or subject changes between shots.

Setting up AEB varies between cameras, but the basic process is the same. Enable bracketing in the camera menu or drive mode selector. Choose the number of frames, typically three for most situations, or five for extreme dynamic range. Set the exposure increment, usually one or two stops. Then press and hold the shutter button, and the camera fires all the shots in sequence. Some cameras also offer a timer or remote release option for bracketed sequences.

The exposure increment determines how much each shot differs from the next. A one-stop increment with three shots gives you normal, minus one stop, and plus one stop. This covers most high-contrast scenes adequately. A two-stop increment with three shots gives you a wider range but with larger gaps that can cause problems when blending. Five shots at one-stop increments gives you a smooth range from minus two to plus two stops, which covers nearly any real-world scene.

AEB is most effective when the camera is on a sturdy tripod. Even with fast burst shooting, handheld brackets will have slight alignment differences between frames. Software can align them, but you lose some resolution in the process. For the best results, mount your camera on a tripod, use a remote shutter release or the camera's self-timer to avoid shutter shake, and make sure nothing in the scene is moving fast enough to cause ghosting in the blended result.

Some cameras offer AEB in combination with other features. You can use AEB with the self-timer for hands-free operation. You can use it with mirror lock-up to minimize vibration. In continuous drive mode, holding the shutter fires the entire bracket automatically. Some cameras even offer AEB in live view with silent electronic shutter, which eliminates vibration entirely. Explore your camera's AEB settings to find the combination that works best for your shooting style.