Understanding HDR

[Mike in Cincy]

As many of you have read a previous post of mine, I am in the midst of picking my first DSLR. I'm very interested in producing a lot of HDR photographs which is why I'm buying a DSLR vs. an advanced P&S.

I just want to understand the basics of what HDR photography is and how the images are produced. Please correct me if my assumptions are wrong

In HDR:
-take 3 AEB shots (underexposed -3, normal exposure, overexposed +3)
-these 3 shots are then layer on top of each other in Photoshop or Photomatix
-if you want more of a surreal look, you can play with it in either of these programs

is that the gist of it?

One of the selling points to the new Pentax K-7, is that it's supposed to automatically combine those three shots to produce one HDR image (in camera). For those who've been doing HDR, is that feature even all that big of a deal? Is it that big of a pain to combine those three shots in imaging software?

 

[johsa]

HDR pictures normally requires a lot of tweaking in photo software such as Photomatix or Photoshop. This also depends on the type of image you want, "normal" photo with extended range or a more artistic photo where the HDR is used for effect.

There is a reason that people who own Photoshop also buys Photomatix for HDR manipulation. I have never been impressed with in camera image manipulation before so...

I would go for a tripod, remote control and a camera that supports auto bracketing, at least three shots, preferable five.

 

[Mike in Cincy]

johsa,
I was watching a tutorial on the Tube that mentioned a free software program (ends in GUI) for HDR images, are you familiar with it?

They also mentioned that Photomatix has a free downloadable (non-expiring) trial software so potential customers can learn how to use the program. Is the trial software good representation of what you can do with it?

 

[Monkeydad]

Our D-SLR camera (Fuji S7000) does the three shots, but I do not have Photoshop to play around with this. I've seen it though...they look incredible, poster-quality shots but you can tell they're fake, or manipulated.

A tripod or self-timer is a must. If you want clear photos, it's best not to touch or hold the camera, or press the button. It causes movement of the camera and robs the shot of clarity.

 

[johsa]

johsa,
I was watching a tutorial on the Tube that mentioned a free software program (ends in GUI) for HDR images, are you familiar with it?

They also mentioned that Photomatix has a free downloadable (non-expiring) trial software so potential customers can learn how to use the program. Is the trial software good representation of what you can do with it?

Have not played around with photomatix for a year, but before they had a free trial with full functionality for download. No features were removed but a transparent photomatix logo was put on top of the image. So it is an excellent way to try out HDR image manipulation.