Improve the mobile photography using an HDR function | Photography Tips

The high Dynamic Range (HDR) function can add huge improvement to the picture quality.

If your camera has an HDR function and you want to know exactly how it works, keep reading.

Let’s first understand the basics of HDR technology.

It is an image processing technology that can be used for processing an image from a camera sensor or any other input.

HDR is also becoming famous as marketed by TV companies as a new feature.

It allows comparatively larger variation in light and at the same time, it also allows a wide range of colors. It has also shown great improvement in focus level and eye-catching colors.

Isn’t it true that viewers easily find the difference between SDR and HDR contents and all love the HDR quality without a doubt?

But it is not about adding more colors only, it is more than that when it is associated with the camera.

Let's understand the use of HDR for photography instead of just for display.

It is the must-have function for filming video or taking photos against the bright light conditions.

Nowadays most mobile phones come with the latest version of HDR which is called DOL – HDR (Digital Overlap – HDR).

It merges two different exposure conditions in one image so that both bright and dark objects can be seen more clearly.

Either in auto mode or manual setting, generally, one image is captured for the fixed setting of shutter speed, aperture, and sensitivity (ISO).

Thus it allows capturing the images for either short exposure or long exposure. Auto mode of the most mobile camera allows users to select an area by touching the region of interest on display and adjust the exposure accordingly.

Thanks to the HDR technology which made the task easy.

But still it always needs practice to inculcate a skill called photography.

Let’s challenge yourself to take a photo which captures an image where most objects inside the room and outside the windows can be seen clearly.

It should be noted that some mobile phones don't show DOL-HDR results in live view; it is only visible in your saved photos. That’s why most users do not know the power of this wonderful option they have for photography.

When to use the HDR option of the mobile camera?

• Use an HDR option when one object is much brighter than the other in the field of view.

• For example, when the camera facing the sun, window, bulb, or any other light source.

• It is best to shoot cinematic videos

Is the HDR option available in DSLRs?

Well the answer is obviously yes, in fact more options are available in the DSLR cameras to get advantage of the HDR. All you have to do is find a Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) setting which allows multiple exposure instead of just two.

Depending upon the camera model it allows 3 to 9 exposures at a time and merges it into a beautiful image. For example setting AEB to -2, 0, +2 allows three exposures.

What extra caution is required for an HDR Photography?

Well, now you know that HDR captures multiple exposures which takes a little bit more time. As a result, even a small hand shake may easily destroy the image quality in HDR mode.

Thus, it is recommended to use a tripod and timer to capture the image especially when numbers of exposures are higher.

What's new about HDR buzz?

In addition to cameras and displays, now online streaming platforms like Youtube and Netflix also market their contents for HDR-ready and now you know what it means.

Thank you for reading, I hope that you got some idea about HDR and its use to improve mobile photography.

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