Another Newbie Question

[Killwilly]

Since I started my search for a DSLR, I have been very interested in reading posts on this and other forums where the phrase, "HDR photography" crops up on a regular basis. Is HDR a particular type of camera, or is it a software package?

Sorry guys if I'm boring everyone with my dumb questions.

[Gemm]

It's just a post processing technique used to enhance (or 'ruin' in some/many cases ) the images.

[Dogsey]

What Gemm said. Forget you ever heard the term, the world will be a better place.

[GetCarter]

High Dynamic Range software. Lots in here use it. Many of us think it can be overdone... but when used well is a good tool and can create some stunning images.

Check out http://www.hdrsoft.com - free trial available.

Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 22 November 15:47

[flat-planedCrank]

Killwilly said:

Since I started my search for a DSLR, I have been very interested in reading posts on this and other forums where the phrase, "HDR photography" crops up on a regular basis. Is HDR a particular type of camera, or is it a software package?

Sorry guys if I'm boring everyone with my dumb questions.

HDR means High Dynamic Range, for photography this is generally the process of combining a number of different photographs together in a software package to simulate a large range of exposure.

The first few images on this page show the basic process - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_im...

The 'HDR look' that people generally end up with (and causes so many arguments ) is not actually a product of combining the images, it's from the localised contrast or Tone Mapping that is often an option in the HDR image processing package


Hope this helps,



Cheers.

[RobDickinson]

HDR is a tool, you can use ti to combat large dynamic range (outside of one single shot your camera can take) or use it to make an image look 'HDR' i.e. hideoulsy overdone, which works sometimes but mostly doesnt.

You dont need an SLR, any camera with manual control or bracketing or exposure compensation will work, but an SLR with a good sensor (already) and shooting raw will help a lot (gather more DR per image).

[Simpo Two]

RobDickinson said:

HDR is a tool, you can use ti to combat large dynamic range

In fact you could say 'use it to combat small dynamic range' and it would make equally good sense!

[Killwilly]

Thanks everyone, lots and lots to learn.