HDR help

M

Mikeynose

Messages
143
Name
Michael
Edit My Images
Yes
Basically, my camera doesn't have the auto bracketing feature so was looking for help on the best way to get around HDR.
Is it better to take 3 pictures with different exposures using exposure comp, 3 using different shutter speeds, or using one image and adjusting exposure in Lightroom? Cheers :)
 
Use 3 different shutter speeds, simple enough. Bung the camera on a tripod, set the aperture to f8 or whatever you fancy, take a reading for the "correct" shot and ajust shutter speed, then just dial the shutter speed 2 stops above and two below whatever correct was.
 
Using three or more separate exposures at capture 'should' give better final results than multiple exposures derived from one RAW file, as any file brightened will introduce noise, which may be magnified during HDR processing.

Sometimes that may not be possible though, if there is something large or multiple in the scene which is moving.
 
Like above you will get better results from taking 3 shots but its such a faff without bracketing feature on the camera (i didn't have it on my d40x) and you run the risk of ghosting due to movement when changing the settings. I've had great results from 3 images taken from one raw file and saved as dng files and opened in photomatix. Its funny it was one of the reasons i wanted to upgrade to the d5100, but since having it i think i've used it once. I don't really like hdr anymore.
 
Last edited:
Thanks very much for the info guys. I will try using different shutter speeds and see what happens. Iv never tried it before so looking forward to see what I can come up with. Thanks again :)
 
Without wishing to hijack thread, what's the preferred software for HDR?

Thanks.
 
I think Photomatix is the most popular, though there are other options.

I also have CS5 which has the facility to to HDR as well, but I started with Photomatix and Photoshop seemed a bit clunky to me for HDR. It may have got better with CS6. :shrug:

The good think about Photomatix is that you can try it for as long as you want to see how you get on with it. The only downside is it leaves little 'Photomatix' watermarks on the final image, which are removed from the final image once a License is purchased. :)


There are probably other software that can do HDR, and I hope others will be along with more options to choose from.
 
This months Digial photo has a review of HDR software. Its gives the award to HRD efex pro 2 @ £65 photomatix feel down on the alignment front
 
Another vote for HDR efex pro. It's one of the excellent Nik software products.

Mine works as a plug in for photoshop....not sure if it can work as a stand alone. Very fast and easy to use with a lot of preset recipes for one click HDR and loads of sliders for those wanting more control.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top