JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

I believe the idea of HDR is to lighten the dark spots and darken the light spots, taking that info from several photos. The software PhotoMatix was mentioned as that is likely the most popular HDR software. The idea of post processing several images taken in rapid succession (preferably on a tripod) with ever increasing exposure values, allows you to put them into the software and let the computer do the work. Depending on the range and the speed of the computer, it can take from just a few seconds to something like a couple of hours. I have PhotoMatix Pro, vers. 3.2, and haven't used it much. I have been working on other projects. It seems like the easiest way to experiment with HDR. And yet I'm still not sure exactly what you are trying to ask or find out???

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

Although the question seems rather straightforward, I too was looking for clarification in my response:


BboH . . . help us out. What is it that you are looking for in a response. Thanks!

Jack Disbrow Loc: Northern New Jersey

Just for those who still find a mystery in HDR ... here are four photos that may, just may, help. The first three are the results from a bracketed photo taken of our housing complex in NJ. The final photo shows the results of combining those three into one, using FDRTools. I printed that one out and showed it to my wife who said, "That's just like looking down our street!"

Exactly. When the system works, it's great. Oh ... and against all instructions, the bracketed photos were taken hand-held with the help of a chain support for some extra stability. A tripod would have produced a bit more sharpness.

Exposure A


Exposure B


Exposure C


The combined result.
Attached file:
(Download)

The Final Result!

JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

That's the advantage of the PhotoMatix Pro, it will accept small differences in viewing angle (for lack of a better term) and place the pics over the top of each other and lines them up.

Jack Disbrow Loc: Northern New Jersey

FDRTools does it as well, but a tripod is still the best means of support. This set was a test to see if the chain from tripod socket to ground would provide sufficient stability. It is better than pure hand held. FDRTools is apparently working on a version that specifically handles hand-held photos. Hope it works.

JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

I think that is what takes PhotoMatix Pro so long to work, if it has to align several photos. But again, that's just a guess. I have it, I just haven't used it much.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

You are exactly correct - why do high dynamic range in post processing if it can be done in camera. Have been experimenting and will post some results later this week

JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

Well the last few posts were certainly typed in a friendlier tone. I'm not a professional photographer, and as such, I sometimes sound like I'm talking out my butt. But the point I was (probably not so eloquently) trying to make, is that in almost every instance, you should do your post processing on the computer and NOT in the camera. Doing some of that in the camera is OK, but you don't have as much control, and are much more likely to lose an otherwise great shot. I say this for two reasons: You can see much more of what is going on with a 20+" monitor as opposed to a 3" display on the back of the camera. Secondly, I always transfer the images to the computer (via a card reader, I don't like hooking up the camera to my computer for any reason other than updating the firmware. I know it's probably safe 99 & 44/100% of the time,) I then copy an image or images that I want to work on over into a work folder. That way I never take a chance of messing up or deleting the initial image. Hey call me a belt and suspenders type of guy, but I've never lost an image due to pressing the wrong button when I was tired or just not paying close attention. But that's just me.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

The images posted by Jack - what I think is that multiple imaging in the camera would put A, B & C together in the camera and present The Final Result.