HDR (High Dynamic Range) Disabled in camera menu: Does anyone have any idea why HDR is disabled (grayed out--can't be accessed) in my new Nikon D500 camera's menu? I can't find any...

jrichter

Does anyone have any idea why HDR is disabled (grayed out--can't be accessed) in my new Nikon D500 camera's menu? I can't find any mention in the camera manual of other settings that would disable this feature. Thank you.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

jrichter wrote:

Does anyone have any idea why HDR is disabled (grayed out--can't be accessed) in my new Nikon D500 camera's menu? I can't find any mention in the camera manual of other settings that would disable this feature. Thank you.

Most in camera HDR only works in JPEG, not RAW or RAW+JPEG on my Canons it is grayed out unless I set the image to JPEG only.

twowindsbear

Your camera is set to an exposure mode that is not compatsble with HDR. Try various combinations of shutter priority, aperature priorty, full auto, program, non- & auto-ISO and full manual modes.

I've also found that the downloadable PDF version of the instructions are quite useful because you can use the CTRL+F to easily search for anitem such as this.

Check RAW, RAW&JPG, JPG only recording modes too.

Good luck

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

You didn't mention the camera model. In the Canon 6D, e.g., HDR is not supported if you are shooting in raw and the option will be grayed out in the menu. None of the shooting programs (shutter, priority, etc.) affect the availability of HDR in this camera--just the file type.

I believe this differs from model to model and camera make. I understand the 5D Mk III allows in camera HDR in raw.

jrichter

That's it! HDR cannot be used to record RAW (NEF) images. I did find it in the manual. Thanks, everyone.

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

jrichter wrote:

Does anyone have any idea why HDR is disabled (grayed out--can't be accessed) in my new Nikon D500 camera's menu? I can't find any mention in the camera manual of other settings that would disable this feature. Thank you.

As you found out it only works when shooting jpg only. Hopefully you'll like the results of the "in camera" HDR processing. I tried it on my Canon 6D not liking how it looked. On the 6D you only get one file, the composite processed file instead of 3 or more. I kind of suspect it will be the same with the D500. There's way more flexibility when bracket shooting and bringing in all of the files into PP software to produce an HDR photo.

Good luck with the "in camera" HDR and enjoy the new D500.

Jim Bob

LiamRowan wrote:

You didn't mention the camera model. In the Canon 6D, e.g., HDR is not supported if you are shooting in raw and the option will be grayed out in the menu. None of the shooting programs (shutter, priority, etc.) affect the availability of HDR in this camera--just the file type.

I believe this differs from model to model and camera make. I understand the 5D Mk III allows in camera HDR in raw.

..."my new Nikon D500". Yep he sure didn't mention the camera model. Geesus.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Yikes, sorry. Wow, blind.

Jim Bob

LiamRowan wrote:

Yikes, sorry. Wow, blind.

Well you're in good company on this site where significant numbers of posters are either figuratively or literally blind.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Good deal I hate what you people do with HDR !

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Jim Bob wrote:

..."my new Nikon D500". Yep he sure didn't mention the camera model. Geesus.

I thought he said D500.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jrichter wrote:

That's it! HDR cannot be used to record RAW (NEF) images. I did find it in the manual. Thanks, everyone.

HDR works well with NEF, so you might want to shoot HDR manually.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

LiamRowan wrote:

You didn't mention the camera model. In the Canon 6D, e.g., HDR is not supported if you are shooting in raw and the option will be grayed out in the menu. None of the shooting programs (shutter, priority, etc.) affect the availability of HDR in this camera--just the file type.

I believe this differs from model to model and camera make. I understand the 5D Mk III allows in camera HDR in raw.

The III does allow HDR in raw and in fact allows you to save the three three original RAW files along with the output jpg. . This can be very handy if you want process the files in another tool like Lightroom. LR, OTOH outputs a raw file after processing allowing even more post processing power.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Just looked at my D500and HDR was also grayed out. Searching the PDF of the manuals It shows you need to shoot in JPEG. If you want NEF files I would use the Bracketing mode, then combine in PS or LR

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

TucsonCoyote wrote:

Good deal I hate what you people do with HDR !

"I hate what you people do with HDR" ? Really? You people? Its just a tool. When used properly the results can be spectacular, when used poorly the results will be terrible. Just like anything else in photography.