HDR—or High Dynamic Range imaging—is now a common feature on both iPhone and Android, and can help you take better-looking photos. It can also be intimidating if you’re unsure of how to get started.
Nov 12, 2012 - The first step is to take a set of photographs of the same scene, at different exposure settings. EasyHDR PRO will produce a so called HDR. The Atlona Rondo™ 442 (AT-RON-442) is a 1x2 HDMI distribution amplifier for high dynamic range (HDR) formats. 1×2 HDMI distribution amplifier with 4K/UHD capability @ 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, plus support for HDR formats. Two-Output HDMI Distribution Amplifier. Easy to install and deploy in commercial and residential.
Below, we answer a reader question and dive into everything you need to know about how—and when—to incorporate HDR in your photography repertoire:
Dear Lifehacker,
I’ve got an “HDR” setting on my cameraphone, but I’m still not sure what it does. It’s supposed to make my pictures look better, but sometimes my pictures just come out blurry or washed out! Am I doing something wrong?
Sincerely,
Confused Cameraphone
Dear Confused,
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range imaging, and it’s an old photography practice introduced to cameraphones like the iPhone and some Android devices a few years ago (and is available with the use of special apps). You’re on the right track: it’s supposed to make your pictures look better, but it depends on when you use it. Here’s a quick primer on how HDR works, and when you should—and shouldn’t—turn it on.
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How HDR works
HDR, as its name implies, is a method that aims to add more “dynamic range” to photographs, where dynamic range is the ratio of light to dark in a photograph. Instead of just taking one photo, HDR uses three photos, taken at different exposures. You can then use image editing software to put those three images together and highlight the best parts of each photo.
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In the case of HDR on smartphones, your phone does all the work for you—just snap your picture and it’ll spit out one regular photo and one HDR photo. The result is something that should look more like what your eyes see, rather than what your camera sees.
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This is why, when you turn HDR mode on, your phone takes a little longer to take the photo. It’s actually taking three pictures, rather than just one. Check out the image above for an example. It wasn’t taken with a cameraphone, but it’s a good demonstration of what HDR can do. If you want more detailed information on how HDR works, our friends at the How-To Geek have a great explainer.
When you should use HDR
As we said, HDR is designed to help you take better-looking photos, especially in certain situations. Here’s where you should try using HDR:
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- Landscapes: Big landscape photos usually have a lot of contrast between the sky and land, which is difficult for your camera to deal with in just one photo. With HDR, you can capture the sky’s detail without making the land look too dark, and vice versa.
- Portraits in sunlight: We all know that lighting is one of the most important aspects of a good photo, but too much lighting on someone’s face—like harsh sunlight—can cause dark shadows, bright glare, and other unflattering characteristics. HDR can even that all out and make your subject look better.
- Low-light and backlit scenes (see above): If your photo is looking a little too dark—which often happens if your scene has too much backlight—HDR can brighten up the foreground without washing out the well-lit portions of your photo.
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When You Shouldn’t Use HDR
Of course, as you’ve discovered, sometimes HDR actually makes your pictures look worse. Here are some situations in which HDR is better off ignored:
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- Photos with movement (see above): If any of your subjects are moving (or might move), HDR increases the chance of a blurry photo. Remember, HDR takes three pictures, so if your subject moves between the first and second shot, your final picture won’t look very good.
- High-contrast scenes: Some photos look better with stark contrast between the dark and light parts of the photo, like if you have a dark shadow or silhouette you want to highlight. HDR will make this less intense, resulting in a less interesting photo.
- Vivid colors: If your scene is too dark or too light, HDR can bring some of the color back. However, if you’re dealing with colors that are already very vivid, HDR can wash them out.
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Luckily, most HDR cameraphones will give you two images: one with HDR turned off, and one with it turned on. That means that you can always give HDR a shot and see what the comparison looks like before turning it off altogether (as long as you have time to sit through the extra few seconds of photo-taking). As with all things photography, you can’t go wrong experimenting!
These guidelines should help you out, but don’t be afraid to snap a few photos and look at them later. Once you get the hang of it, HDR can be a great tool for getting better pictures. While you’re at it, check out our general tips for taking better pictures on your phone, too.
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Sincerely,
Lifehacker
Lifehacker
P.S. If you’re already an HDR expert, we’d love to see some of your favorite shots. Share them with us below!
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This post originally appeared on Lifehacker in March 2013. It was updated on 5/15/14 and 6/12/19.
This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
iPhone Screenshots
Description
NOTE: A Ricoh Theta camera is required to use Simple HDR. We support the Ricoh Theta m15 and Ricoh Theta S models.
Simple HDR is the easy way to quickly capture a full set of bracketed 360° images. You can use these images to create beautiful 360° landscapes, or to capture light maps or reflection maps for use in visual effects or video games.
Unlike other HDR apps, we remove the complexity from this process and give you just two great options to choose from. We did our research, took hundreds of test images, and found the options that let you get the most out of the Ricoh Theta’s capabilities.
Choose our Auto setting to quickly capture three 360° images, covering a range of 5 stops in just 15 seconds. This should be enough light data to capture most indoor or mixed lighting scenes.
Or you can choose our Pro setting to take up to 7 shots, covering a range of 12 stops. This setting is ideal for outdoor scenes in bright daylight.
When you’re done shooting, you can use Photoshop or your favorite HDR tool to create beautiful landscapes, lighting maps, or reflection maps.
Make 360° HDR images quickly and easily with Simple HDR.
Simple HDR is the easy way to quickly capture a full set of bracketed 360° images. You can use these images to create beautiful 360° landscapes, or to capture light maps or reflection maps for use in visual effects or video games.
Unlike other HDR apps, we remove the complexity from this process and give you just two great options to choose from. We did our research, took hundreds of test images, and found the options that let you get the most out of the Ricoh Theta’s capabilities.
Choose our Auto setting to quickly capture three 360° images, covering a range of 5 stops in just 15 seconds. This should be enough light data to capture most indoor or mixed lighting scenes.
Or you can choose our Pro setting to take up to 7 shots, covering a range of 12 stops. This setting is ideal for outdoor scenes in bright daylight.
When you’re done shooting, you can use Photoshop or your favorite HDR tool to create beautiful landscapes, lighting maps, or reflection maps.
Make 360° HDR images quickly and easily with Simple HDR.
What’s New
# Theta m15 bug fix
This build addresses a bug that could cause a crash when trying to connect to the Theta m15.
This build addresses a bug that could cause a crash when trying to connect to the Theta m15.
6 Ratings
It does not create an HDR image, it only shoots in exposure brackets
I was confused by this app, but soon realized after re-reading the description that his only takes a few under and over exposed images, but it does NOT edit them in the app.
You must export the images and edit them in a separate HDR image editor (photoshop, photomatix, etc.). There are other free and inexpensive alternatives that do the shooting AND editing automatically.
You must export the images and edit them in a separate HDR image editor (photoshop, photomatix, etc.). There are other free and inexpensive alternatives that do the shooting AND editing automatically.
Warning: the app doesn’t connect
I found this app when I was looking for a simpler way to make hdri images for my 3d work. The creator had a great, albeit 2 year old post, about it.
So I bought a theta s and downloaded the app. It won’t connect.
The Ricoh app does connect and control the camera, so I know it is not a bad board on the camera.
An email to the developer has not received response.
If they do reach out, I will happily edit this review. But at this point, I am out $10 for an app that was DOA.
So I bought a theta s and downloaded the app. It won’t connect.
The Ricoh app does connect and control the camera, so I know it is not a bad board on the camera.
An email to the developer has not received response.
If they do reach out, I will happily edit this review. But at this point, I am out $10 for an app that was DOA.
Doesn’t work with IOS 12
Can’t connect with the camera...
Information
Requires iOS 8.4 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Supports
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.