Can any camera overlay a previous photo on the LCD to help line up a double exposure?
Asked 10/26/2016
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I want to create digital double exposures and sometimes need more precise alignment between the two frames. Is there a camera feature, or a modification such as Magic Lantern, that can display a previously shot image semi-transparently over the live view/LCD so I can compose the next shot to match it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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Generally, there's not a whole lot of love for double exposure in camera. It can easily be accomplished in post-processing, with finer control over exposure blending, masking out areas, etc. The only reason I can think of to perform it in camera is if there were restrictions against post-processing when you submit images (to publishers such as Nation Geographic, or for contests with no-post-processing rules).
Is there a camera that has a feature, or an after-market modification such as magic lantern, that would allow you to compose a double exposure in the LCD viewfinder?
Several Canon DSLRs have that feature (showing the image on the LCD display, since they do not have LCD viewfinders). For instance, in this popular YouTube video, Sara Byrne describes how to create double exposures with the 5D Mark III, and specifically mentions using Live View with the first image overlaid to help the framing.
Nikons do not have this feature. In fact, you cannot shoot multiple exposures while in Live View with Nikons.
With regard to MagicLantern, it appears this feature has been closed as "WONTFIX" (i.e., it will not be implemented) (at least as of May 2013). Generally, the mentality at MagicLantern is that they won't implement features that can be accomplished in post-processing.
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
10y ago
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Yes—some cameras do offer this on the rear LCD/live view. Several Canon DSLRs have a multiple-exposure mode that can display the previous image on the LCD while you compose the next frame, which helps with alignment.
That said, in-camera double exposure is relatively niche because doing it later in post-processing usually gives much finer control over blending, masking, and exposure. If your goal is simply the best creative result, post-processing is often the easier and more flexible route.
The main reason to do it in-camera is when you specifically want an in-camera result or need to follow rules that limit post-processing, such as certain contests or editorial requirements.
So: yes, this kind of overlay/composition aid exists on some cameras, especially certain Canon DSLRs using live view/LCD, but it’s not universal and is less common than simply combining the images afterward in software.
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