Problem doing HDR merge using DNG in Lightroom 6: I thought I'd mention a problem I've had getting Lr 6 to do an HDR merge using DNG files. Sometimes it just refuses to do the merge...

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I thought I'd mention a problem I've had getting Lr 6 to do an HDR merge using DNG files. Sometimes it just refuses to do the merge even with everything like anti-ghosting switched off.

However, I found the answer in those cases is to import copies of the raw files as opposed to converting to DNG on import. So far I haven't had any problems merging raw files. This may or may not apply to newer versions of Lr.

tcthome Loc: NJ

thanks for the info.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

tcthome wrote:

thanks for the info.

You're welcome.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

If doing HDR raw files, with very high ISO values (wth lots of noise) having the the anti-ghosting turned on will result in unusable images. It appears the noise is regarded as "ghosts". Better off to use the closest "correct" exposure and "tweak" it or do not use the anti ghosting and try to edit any "ghosts" out".
I use LightRoom Clasic Version 8.4
This is from shooting classical music concerts in very low lighting.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

RichardTaylor wrote:

If doing HDR raw files, with very high ISO values (wth lots of noise) having the the anti-ghosting turned on will result in unusable images. It appears the noise is regarded as "ghosts". Better off to use the closest "correct" exposure and "tweak" it or do not use the anti ghosting and try to edit any "ghosts" out".
I use LightRoom Clasic Version 8.4
This is from shooting classical music concerts in very low lighting.

I've had problems with shots that were soft due to mist and haze. Lr doesn't tell you but my suspicion is that the problems causing lock-up occur at the alignment stage. Having said that, I've tried turning off alignment (with tripod shots) and Lr still locked up. So far I haven't had ISO noise as bad as you're describing, but it's good to know that it's a potential problem. Thanks for sharing.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

I use the subscription CC LR and had zero problems with HDR or Pano. Have yet to try the combined HDR/PANO. If it had issues with whatever, it tells me. Maybe there are fixes or updated function that fixed this.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Try Photomatix on line free trial.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Picture Taker wrote:

Try Photomatix on line free trial.

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't have a problem merging in Lr if I import a copy of the NEF files. I've tried various editors and so far I prefer Lightroom for the way it makes it easy to stay with a natural look, even with fairly intense processing.

Another one I'm looking at just now is SNS-HDR. Apparently it's been described as "halo-resistant", which I like the sound of. That would be another of my criticisms of Lr. Diffuse halos add significantly to the workflow if you don't want to tolerate them. Perhaps I could use SNS-HDR to do a "Neutral" merge and use Lr for any further editing.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

pithydoug wrote:

I use the subscription CC LR and had zero problems with HDR or Pano. Have yet to try the combined HDR/PANO. If it had issues with whatever, it tells me. Maybe there are fixes or updated function that fixed this.

It's only sometimes I have problems merging DNGs in Lr. As far as I know, Lr automatically checks for the latest updates and installs them.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If you shot RAW and JPG try jpg

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Picture Taker wrote:

If you shot RAW and JPG try jpg

I've tried doing HDR merges using jpegs and didn't like the process or the outcome. It's a whole lot easier using raw or DNG (when they work) and the results are better.