Gizmodo, the Gadget Guide.

We’ve seen other cameras provide in-camera HDR modes that capture multiple images and then combine the images to create a higher dynamic range image.  The Sony A550 and A500 do this quite well.

Additionally, some cameras have attempted to create an HDR “look” by processing a single exposure in-camera with reduced contrast.  And, while this method can be successful to some extent in post-processing soft using RAW image files, the in-camera processed images tend to look overly “fake” or just plain bad.

Canon is reaching for some lofty goals by altering the exposure data on a pixel level.  If successfully implemented, this is one of those things that could change the way we use cameras forever.

Dynamic range is something that we try to squeeze as hard as we can at times.  However, “HDR” as a photographic art form has both lovers and haters.

Would you want to see this expanded dynamic range in your next camera?  How should the final camera work should Canon actually bring such one with this feature to market?

DSLR Cameras for HDR

One of the essential features that a camera must have for HDR photography is exposure compensation. At a minimum, the camera should allow you to manually change the exposure settings with relative ease. This will allow a camera mounted on a tripod to shoot HDR images. Trying to handhold and shoot HDR using exposure compensation is pretty much impossible because you have to fumble through the dials. That’s where Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) comes in. AEB is ESSENTIAL for handheld shooting as it allows you to fire off the entire HDR image set by pressing the shutter release for each image. No fumbling needed, just preset the camera, compose the image and press for each release of the shutter.

Another great feature to use with AEB is Continuous Shooting mode. With Continuous Shooting activated the camera will shoot all the frames continuously while HOLDING the shutter release down. This allows for steadier handholding and because of the rapid fire, helps reduce ghosting. Don’t get carried away about spending more money on a camera for HDR just for the high frames per second. Not worth it.

Today’s DSLRs have AEB but some don’t cover enough dynamic range. At a minimum the camera in AEB mode should capture a range of at least 4EV (see column 5). That means at least a +2EV and a –2EV image is created in the exposure set. Canon, some of the Nikon’s, Pentax, and the Fuji S3 Pro are able to shoot this sequence by taking 3 images at 2EV spacing. The high-end Nikon’s and Fuji S5 Pro, require 5 images at 1EV spacing but still capture the same dynamic range. A camera with 3 frames @ 1EV spacing isn’t going to allow enough dynamic range in AEB mode. If you have one of these camera’s, all is not lost, just use a tripod and dial in the exposure each time.

Some DSLRs allow you to choose the order of bracketing, for example, Meter/Under/Over. What’s the best? The best order of bracketing is Meter/Under/Over. The Under and Over exposed images are essential to HDR and when shot in succession with little time gap, can reduce ghosting. Just omit the Metered exposure and merge-to-HDR the Under and Over images. If they were shot in continuous shooting mode, all the better.

HANDHELD TECHNIQUE

Even if your HDR software can align images, when handheld shooting  good techniques are still needed. When shooting handheld concentrate on being steady. Look through the viewfinder and use one of the etch marks in the viewer and lock it on a feature in the scene. Press the shutter release on hold steady for all the shots.

Before you pay the full price, my Photomatix tutorial has a discount coupon for the program.

Ferrell McCollough

http://beforethecoffee.com/dslr-cameras-for-hdr/

Related articles

• HDR Video Tutorial Giveaway (chris.pirillo.com)
• Why I Do HDR – A Fresh Take On A Tired Debate (digital-photography-school.com)
• HDR – the ultimate? …a continued conversation (pixiq.com)
• Knowing My Limits – Why I Don’t Do HDR (digital-photography-school.com)
• Surgeons, CCTV and TV football gain from new video technology that banishes shadows and flare (eurekalert.org)
• 27 Shot HDR – Handheld! (pixiq.com)
• World’s first full HDR video system sees like the human eye (gizmag.com)
• The HDR Photo Difference (speedofcreativity.org)
• Incredible HDR Car Photos (techeblog.com)
• HDR Fusion – Cogitap Software (itunes.apple.com)
• Setting Up Your Digital Camera For HDR Shooting (digital-photography-school.com)
• HDR Exposure – My Way (pixiq.com)