Having updated its mobile operating system iOS to version 4.1, the company introduced new feature available only for the iPhone 4. It’s called HDR (high dynamic range) and is a nice addition to the already rich functionality of the smartphone’s rear camera.
Dynamic range is the spectrum from light to dark colors, which can be recognized by the eye and the camera matrix. HDR allows you to take three photos at different exposures (underexposed, normal, and overexposed) and combine them into one image with increased dynamic range. The resulting image is as close as possible to the picture that the human eye sees and is distinguished by the display of additional details that are often not visible because they are in the shadows.
Since the HDR feature often makes your retouched photos look better than the original, it's tempting to keep it on all the time. In addition, no one is stopping you from setting the Settings->Photo menu to save both versions of the photo. The only downside is that saving an HDR photo takes a full 5 seconds. In addition, if you have little free memory, then the need to save an additional, often larger photo can also be annoying.
But the main truth is that although this new tool can make many photographs better, this does not mean that it should be used all the time when taking photographs. We recommend that you spend some time reading this article to understand in which situations it is appropriate to use the HDR function and in which it is better to disable it.
When to use HDR
Landscapes: The classic use case for HDR in photography is when shooting landscapes with bright light above the horizon and a darker ground surface. Users who want a lot of detail to be visible in both parts of such a landscape should definitely switch to HDR mode. The only type of landscape in which this feature performed poorly was sunsets. The system tries to brighten the overexposed sun, which results in the warming richness of the reds and oranges being lost, making the picture less exciting.
Portrait photography on the street: Due to strong sunlight, portraits taken outdoors during the day appear dull and faded. In addition, unwanted shadows can often appear on the model’s face, and dark circles around the eyes. By enabling HDR on your iPhone, these negative impacts can be minimized, resulting in an adequately lit portrait.
However, if a person is completely engulfed in shadow, it is unlikely that the limited capabilities of the HDR mode will be enough to illuminate their face to the required extent. To get the most out of this feature when photographing a backlit subject, focus on the darkest part of the subject's face. As a result, the background will be as faded as possible. Once you take the photo, the final photo combines the subject's properly exposed face and a slightly muted background. Professional photographers In such situations, fill flash is used, but iPhone users have to rely only on software functions to get the desired effect.
Editing with apps: If you plan to use an application to edit the resulting images, the HDR photo will contain more information, which we could work with. If you're happy with the even exposure of this photo, but are disappointed by the dullness of the colors, you can increase the saturation level by using these software products like Photogene or Adobe Photoshop Express. Fans of applications that simulate film should consider the type of filter they plan to use. Some apps create a toy camera effect by cranking up saturation and contrast levels, two metrics that are typically low in HDR photos. Filters that imitate old cameras, on the contrary, brighten photos, giving them a faded appearance.
When is it better not to use HDR?
Shooting in motion: In HDR mode iPhone camera takes three pictures one after the other. If you're photographing a fast-moving subject, or if you're moving while you're shooting, the final photo will make the person you photograph look like a ghost. This happens because two images of a model are superimposed on each other, which is located in two different places. If you frequently experience this issue when using HDR mode, try using a tripod.
When contrast is important: Good photo can give an exciting experience by playing on the contrast of dark and light. For example, a photograph may show a long shadow stretching across a surface, or a completely dark silhouette against a bright background. Unfortunately, when using the HDR function, designed to smooth out excesses, this effect will be blurred.
When you want to add some color: In HDR mode, excessive bright colors are made dimmer, which helps to equalize the overall saturation of the image. Therefore, you may be disappointed when shooting bright and well-exposed subjects using this function. If you desperately need to convey all the variety of colors that you this moment see before your eyes, we recommend that you go to settings and turn off HDR. For example, you're shooting a horizon where the main focus is on the bright sky, but you want to keep the background dark for contrast. To achieve your goal, you will definitely have to turn off dynamic range, since the final photo will obviously lose a lot.
When you need flash: Having carefully studied the HDR function, you probably noticed that you cannot use the flash while it is working. If you turn on the flash, HDR is automatically disabled. Therefore, to shoot in low light using dynamic range, you will have to resort to other lighting devices.
These are mainly DVRs, radar detectors or COMBO devices. But today we are talking specifically about devices that shoot video files, the thing is that many have an HDR function, supposedly it improves the shooting, the photo, or the final file. But no one knows what she really does and what the process is. So let's figure it out...
To begin with, the definition
HDR (or HDRI - High Dynamic Range Imaging , if translated literally, it turns out - High (extended) dynamic range image) is an improved technology for working or processing an image or video, mainly affecting brightness and contrast.
To put it in ordinary human language, these technologies improve the “picture” both when shooting videos or photos, and when playing back source files. If we “roughly” describe the improvements of this technology, then the dark becomes even darker, and the light becomes even lighter, the accuracy of image transmission also increases, and in some cases, contrast and brightness.
According to the developers of this function, they have increased the perception of colors from images and videos to 75-80%, although with conventional technologies the percentage of perception is much lower.
SDR andHDR
AT the dawn of the creation of television and video equipment, there was one of the standards for the dynamic range of brightness and color, it was determined by one of the television standards in those days. Well, tube TVs could not convey greater “color radiation”, just as the standard video cameras and VCRs of that time could not record it - to put it very roughly - “the technology was lame”, so the entire wide range of brightness and color was compressed to very standard colors transmitted our old televisions and television towers.
In simple terms, we can say that out of a wide palette of colors and brightness, we perceived only about 20 - 30% (and possibly even lower)! That's why the first films weren't as realistic as they are now.
This function is simply called - SDR — Standard Dynamic Range - that is, the standard mode for displaying brightness and color. This is a kind of carburetor in the age of injection technology.
But now a new, and essentially revolutionary mode has appeared - HDR, as I wrote above, this function greatly increases the brightness and color transmission of our TVs, and also improves video recording by our gadgets (DVRs, phones) or cameras.
As I wrote above HDR - can give us a much more realistic picture, where the perception of brightness and color increases to 75-80%.
How does it work?
The operating process is quite simple, the camera takes several pictures with a different color range, as well as with different brightness. Usually there can be from 3 to 5 such pictures, but you don’t see this, because it’s all done automatically and very quickly. Later, from these images, one is compiled with improved characteristics - brightness and color rendition. After that, it is displayed on your display or TV.
Video cameras - video recorders have already automatically learned to improve the video image, which again should be played on HDR devices.
Actually to get maximum efficiency, you must have not only equipment that records video or photos in HDR, but also equipment on which it will be played back on TVs, displays or gadget screens.
It is worth noting that DVRs are now developing very rapidly, video is no longer shot with HD resolution (1280X720), but often with FULL HD (1920X1080), but SUPER HD (2304x1296) or 4K (4096X2160) are not uncommon. Of course, with such resolutions the detail increases, but if it is dark or slushy outside, then the resolution will not help. We need a function that will improve the picture.
This is precisely the purpose of HDR; if in bright weather it does not work so noticeably, then in slush and darkness it is simply necessary.
The image of all kinds of objects is improved - primarily license plates, pedestrians, road markings, signs and other things. It is especially important to see license plates, because at night they can be illuminated by car headlights. It should be noted that in controversial situations (accidents), every little detail is simply necessary, therefore the HDR function is NECESSARY IN VIDEO RECORDS!
TV and telephone
These devices use HDR to enhance the video experience or enhance the display. For example, a TV improves the quality of the picture and color reproduction, but a phone uses this function both to display the display (that is, viewing videos, photos, a browser, and just the screen), and to shoot videos or photos with the built-in camera.
True, HDR is not available to all gadgets, but only to flagship ones; on cheap gadgets, the price of the model will rise too much.
So everything is simple, now a small roller to secure the material.
That's all, I think it was useful. Sincerely yours, AUTOBLOGGER
HDR. These three letters appear in many smartphone camera apps, but you may not be aware of what they mean. If you still don't know what HDR is, or just want to know how you can make the best use of it, read our article.
In photography, dynamic range is the difference between the lightest and darkest elements of an image. High Dynamic Range - or HDR - can increase dynamic range beyond what the camera lens is capable of.
While the ultimate goal of HDR is to create more impressive photos, it is not a feature that can be used on any given photo. Below we will talk about best use HDR and how it works in practice.
How does HDR work?
When you take a photo with HDR mode enabled, the camera captures multiple images in quick succession with different meanings exposition. The camera software then combines these images into a single photo containing detail in the lightest and darkest areas.
Before this feature appeared in smartphone cameras, you would have had to take three photos, then transfer them to your computer, open those photos in Photoshop or another similar program, and use HDR software to stitch the above photos together, while highlighting best plots images to achieve a similar effect.
Today, fortunately for many smartphone owners, manufacturers have adapted HDR for the cameras of their devices, so mobile devices perform the right job automatically.
When should you use HDR?
Doesn't really exist the best way using HDR. Most often, a lot depends on what you want to get from the photo. However, below we are publishing a selection of tips for the most common places where you can use HDR to take better photos.
Landscapes
Lighting is one of the most important aspects to get good photos, but open place sunlight can cause excessive contrast levels. HDR can smooth out this deficiency, resulting in fewer areas of saturated light or brightness in the image. dark color. Take a look at these two photos and notice how the detail in parts of the sky becomes more noticeable with HDR enabled.
Scenes with low lighting and backlighting
If your photos are too dark - or very dark in certain areas - HDR can be used to enhance general level brightness Although in such a situation you shouldn’t expect a big miracle - if the lighting is bad, then the above mode is not able to make it bigger. As a rule, the principle of its operation is to combine the lightest and darkest areas of several images into one whole, and this helps, but to a certain extent.
When should you not use HDR mode?
When you or other objects are in motion
Since HDR mode involves using three photos, then if something stops being static between one or two shots, the final image may be blurry: this is why the process of photographing with HDR enabled takes a little longer than usual. Therefore, try to be still and take pictures of only static objects.
Scenes with high contrast levels
As far as we know, some photos look better with strong contrast between light and dark areas. Using HDR will reduce the contrast level, and in the end it will do more harm than good.
Scenes with vibrant colors
HDR can certainly add color to dull colors in an image. But, if you are dealing with colors that are already overly bright, then this mode will make them even more saturated. Therefore, you should be careful to avoid such a situation.
How do I know if my device has HDR?
Most modern mobile devices include an HDR option, and to use it, you need to activate it in the camera settings. Sometimes there are cases when such activation must be done manually rather than automatically. If your smartphone does not have an HDR mode, the store Google Play Store you will find a number of alternative solutions that will give results almost similar to HDR.
Conclusion
Generally best advice to use HDR it looks like this: take a photo of one scene with and without HDR, and then figure out which of the two photos you like best. This will give you a better idea of what HDR is capable of. Also, remember to hold your device as steady as possible when taking pictures with the above mode enabled.
Do you like using HDR mode on your smartphone? When do you think it can be used best? Tell us about it in the comments.
Smartphone photography technology has advanced at an incredible pace over the past few years. I can imagine that many of you have already completely forgotten about traditional digital cameras, preferring the camera in your smartphone.
This transformation of preferences became possible thanks to the introduction of more advanced hardware and software to control the smartphone camera. The functionality of cameras installed in smartphones has become more modern and sophisticated. Now a smartphone user has many more opportunities to take high-quality pictures.
I propose to consider today one of the most important technologies that have influenced the quality of shooting on mobile devices. Active HDR mode in a smartphone with operating system Android. What does this abbreviation mean and how to use it?
How does HDR mode work on a smartphone?
The abbreviation HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and is translated as Extended Dynamic Range. When applied to photographic technologies, this term indicates the ability of a photographic device to correctly convey the ratio of brightness of the photographed object. When you shoot with HDR mode enabled, the color and brightness of the subject you shoot is automatically adjusted using the software. The positive effect is achieved by instantly capturing three alternating separate exposures. After which the camera combines the resulting exposures into the final frame. Analyzing the light and dark areas of three exposures allows you to make an assumption about what the ideal picture should look like. As a result, HDR produces clearer and brighter images.
Benefits of using HDR on your phone
In theory, HDR should make photos look better. Combination best plots a frame from three separate exposures into one image is simply bound to produce results in the form of more accurate images, at least in color and brightness. Agree, on paper this sounds impressive. You must understand that “should” and reality can be very different. Indeed, in practice, HDR can create stunning images, but certain conditions must be met to achieve this. Or it can do exactly the opposite.
When to use HDR mode
Of course, I can't tell you exactly when to use HDR and when not to. Photography is a creative activity, akin to fine arts. Nice photos and paintings are created as a result of a series of experiments and mistakes. So my advice to you is to use this mode whenever you want. And look at the result. I liked it, which means that under similar shooting conditions and circumstances, HDR should be used! Since the HDR mode in a smartphone works automatically, you can go too far with the results. This is a very powerful tool. But there is such a concept - everything good should be in moderation. Below I will give you some tips on how to get the most out of using HDR mode on your smartphone when different conditions shooting.
Landscapes. High contrast between the ground and sky typically results in objects on the ground appearing too dark. HDR can help here by brightening the ground without reducing the detail of objects in the sky.
Sunny day. Bright sunlight can cause a lot of problems for a photographer. Blurred facial contours, strong contrasting shadows and faded colors accompany shooting under the bright sun. HDR mode has good potential to correct exposure in such conditions.
When HDR mode should not be used in a smartphone
Movement. When you shoot in HDR mode, I advise you to remember that it takes a little longer than usual. Let me remind you that the lens is used three times - to obtain a sequence of three frames with different exposures. If there is even the slightest movement between exposures, it will negatively affect the final result and you will end up with blurred outlines of moving objects.
If you need to take high-contrast pictures. Some photos look much better with high contrast subjects. When you shoot in HDR mode on your smartphone, the camera automatically corrects dark areas of the frame by brightening them. In addition, some light areas of the image can, on the contrary, be darkened to obtain a more realistic picture. Depending on the situation and your shooting plan, HDR can only make your results worse.
If the colors are already rich and bright. Sometimes you may notice that the colors in your photos are unnatural. This may happen due to the use of HDR. As you remember, one of the benefits of using the HDR function on your phone is the “revitalization” of color in your photos. But this does not mean that you must use this mode. When the colors in a photo are already realistic, as they usually are in well-lit conditions, HDR can over-enhance them, resulting in unnatural colors and a cartoonish color tone and blurry outlines throughout the photo.
But still HDR can be called very powerful and useful tool, which increases the potential of mobile photography. I note that the HDR mode in a smartphone can give a different effect for specific models. So it's best to experiment with HDR to find the best situations to use it. It should be noted here that many Android smartphones To make the user's life even easier, they take a series of two photos, one with HDR enabled and the other without it. Shoot and choose when you want to use the HDR feature on your phone. Interesting, do you use HDR?
High Dynamic Range mode - extended dynamic range - is used when shooting complex scenes with a combination of light and dark areas in the frame. In this case, HDR allows you to save maximum information, avoiding overexposure or, conversely, darkening part of the frame. There are several options for obtaining an HDR image. Let's look at them using the example of one of the most advanced smartphones -
The first method is the built-in HDR option in the standard smartphone camera app. In this case, HDR mode takes a single shot, reducing the contrast and saturation of the photo. At the same time, the dynamic range of the image does not increase much, so this option is suitable for subsequent photo processing.
The second option is to download a special application for HDR shooting. It is often preferred by more advanced photographers. Here, during HDR processing, the camera takes not one, but several pictures at once with different exposures: high, when objects in the shadows are brightened, normal, and low, when excessively light areas of the frame are darkened. The application then creates one composite image, which ultimately allows you to get a high-quality photo that is as sharp as possible and close to what the human eye sees.
Thanks to HDR technology, scenes that combine bright areas with deep shadows are rendered in high dynamic range photos without blowing out or losing detail. Specialized applications for HDR photography take an unlimited number of frames with different exposures, as many as a specific scene requires. If desired, using this option, you can even get an HDR photo from a regular photo.
However, it must be taken into account that this method does not work when shooting moving objects, children running, animals, sports activity, since in this case the frames in the picture will blur and double.
Another method of obtaining an HDR image is implemented by programmatically reducing the brightness in light areas of the frame and increasing it in dark areas. However, this method requires caution: always set only the minimum values! And it is strictly not recommended to use it when processing portraits and selfies, as it creates an oversaturated effect on the face, which sharply highlights wrinkles and blemishes on the skin.
Today, top-end smartphones such as have the ability to shoot with manual settings and in RAW format. Moreover, when processing a RAW image, you can achieve an even more expanded dynamic range. Therefore, this version of a photo in an uncompressed format is preferable when shooting with a smartphone.
HDR modes are ideal for photographing landscapes, for correctly conveying objects against the background bright sky or the sea. The HDR option is also indispensable when shooting high-contrast scenes with very hard light.
But don't forget that to get a picture optimal quality you can simply take photos using the first option - the built-in HDR option in your smartphone camera. There is no maximum brightness capture here, but the pictures will look natural, without oversaturation. And if you wish, in subsequent processing you can always add a little more dynamic range to the photos by combining the first and third options.
So that you have no doubt that taking HDR photos on a smartphone is not difficult and very interesting, watch our new video from the series about mobile photography: