Optics Mag is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Read more.
What Is HDR in a Camera? Photography Basics Explained
Last Updated on
The concept of how a camera works is simple. Perfecting the images that it produces is an art. The term “dynamic range” describes the spectrum of tones from light to dark captured by the camera’s digital sensor or film. High dynamic range (HDR) kicks it up to the next level to record the extremes, and everything in between, in fine detail. It’s the closest a camera comes to replicating what you see with your eyes.
How Does It Work?
Some shots contain exposures at the far limits of the exposure range. Think of a bright, sunny day outdoors or imagine trying to photograph a night scene. These scenarios push the bounds of a standard camera. You’ll likely lose one end of the spectrum, either the dark shadows or the illuminated highlights. The result is either an underexposed or overexposed image.
Finding the right balance between the two makes use of the so-called exposure triangle—three settings that affect the final image. These settings include the F-stop, shutter speed, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The F-stop controls the amount of light entering your camera’s lens through its opening or aperture. Depending on your camera, you’ll see them range from f/1.4 to f/32. Generally, higher-end products will have a greater range of settings.
An inverse relationship exists between the aperture and depth of field (DOF). The higher the aperture’s number, the deeper the DOF, allowing you to capture more detail in a scene. The lower the aperture’s number results in a shallower DOF with less detail in the background. Manipulating these settings can give you cool effects, such as blurry, dreamy images using bokeh effects.
The shutter speed determines how long the sensor or film is exposed to the light. Faster settings reduce blurring, while slower ones, combined with a low aperture number, will allow you to capture low-light scenes. The ISO controls the medium’s sensitivity to light. However, that comes at the risk of more noise or grain in the image.
HDR puts all these factors together to create better pictures by taking several shots at different settings to optimize the final result. It includes exposures that put the shadows and highlights in the best light. This sequence is called a bracket. Your camera will do the heavy lifting. However, you can also replicate the process manually and use photo-editing software to merge the shots.
Image By: Skitterphoto , Pixabay
What Are the Different Types of HDR in a Camera?
HDR is a technique where you manually take a series of exposures. It’s also a feature of higher-end cameras called automatic exposure bracketing (AEB). The ideal number of shots varies depending on the scene, your equipment, and the ambient light. Some devices have a built-in HDR mode where you may or may not be able to change the settings. Many smartphones also include this feature with varying results.
To get the most out of using HDR, the features you should look for include cameras with high resolutions to make the details you’re capturing pop. After all, that’s why you’re using HDR in the first place. We also like products that make the bracketing process quick so we can enjoy our images right away, whether automatic or manual.
Where Is It Used?
HDR is an excellent option for shots where the details tell the story. Landscape and nature photography is where it exceeds and creates stunning pictures. If you find that the pics you took on vacation didn’t capture the scene as you remembered it, the chances are you didn’t use HDR.
Outdoor photography is another way to make good use of HDR, especially if you’re taking shots of people. Too often, a standard camera will only give you washed-out images. HDR can remedy issues with overexposure. The same advice applies to low-light subjects where underexposure can ruin your pics. Bracketing can fix those problems with impressive results.
Image By: Clément Rémond, Unsplash
Advantages of HDR in a Camera
The overriding advantage of HDR is being able to capture details that would otherwise get lost. That’s particularly true in scenes with high levels of contrast. You’ll likely sacrifice something in the dynamic range. Cameras with auto bracketing make it easier than ever to take high-quality images for those new to the hobby. Technology has improved, though, making them faster and more user-friendly.
Disadvantages of HDR in a Camera
The main disadvantage of HDR in a camera is the price. The more features and expanded settings in a product, the more you’ll pay for it. Of course, you have to balance your investment with your interest in photography. Many serious hobbyists find that going old-school with manual shooting is the way to go. As long as you can get the raw images, you can create excellent photos using editing software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay
How Do Smartphones Compare?
Comparing smartphones to digital cameras is like discussing apples and oranges. The best smartphones will have a sensor resolution up to around 20 megapixels on the high end. On the other hand, you’re looking at 30 megapixels or more with a decent full-frame camera. You also have more control over the different settings, such as F-stops. Even if you’re using photo editing software, you need good, raw material.
What Is the Best Use of HDR?
HDR in a camera is an excellent option for someone who doesn’t want to do post-production work on their images. Instead, it does it for you. Using a device with an AEB feature is an outstanding way to take your photography skills to the next level with editing. That’s where the creativity you put into your shots really shows.
Conclusion
HDR in a camera creates new opportunities for taking pictures in challenging lighting conditions. Products with this feature built into them make it even easier for the beginner to take decent shots without photography skills. You can think of HDR as today’s way of taking pictures. HDR advantage of advances in technology to make photography accessible to everyone.
Chris has been writing since 2009 on a variety of topics. Her motto with all of her writing is “science-based writing nurtured by education and critical thinking.” Chris specializes in science topics and has a special love for health and environmental topics, and animals of all shapes and sizes.
