Used with high contrast subjects, High Dynamic Range (HDR) preserves details in highlights and shadows by combining two shots taken at different exposures. Use with high-contrast scenes and other subjects to preserve a wide range of details, from highlights to shadows.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| [HDR mode] |
|
| [Exposure differential] | Choose the difference in exposure between the two shots. The higher the value, the greater the dynamic range. If [Auto] is selected, the camera will automatically adjust the exposure differential to suit the scene. |
| [Smoothing] | Choose how much the boundaries between the two images are smoothed. |
| [Save individual pictures (RAW)] | Choose [On] to save each of the individual shots used to create the HDR image; the shots are saved in RAW format. |
Taking HDR photographs
We recommend that you use the matrix metering option when shooting with HDR.
- Highlight [HDR (high dynamic range)] in the photo shooting menu and press 2.
- Select an [HDR mode].
- Highlight [HDR mode] and press 2.
- Highlight one of the following options using 1 or 3 and press J.
Option Description 0 [On (series)] Take a series of HDR photographs. HDR shooting will continue until you select [Off] for [HDR mode]. [On (single photo)] Normal shooting will resume after you have taken a single HDR photograph. [Off] Proceed without taking additional HDR photographs. - If [On (series)] or [On (single photo)] is selected, an icon will appear in the display.
- Choose a value for [Exposure differential].
- Highlight [Exposure differential] and press 2.
- Highlight an option using 1 or 3 and press J.
- Choose higher values for high-contrast subjects.
- Note, however, that choosing a higher value than required may not produce the desired results. Match your choice to the level of contrast in the scene.
- If [Auto] is selected, the camera will automatically adjust the exposure differential to suit the scene.
- Adjust [Smoothing].
- Highlight [Smoothing] and press 2.
- Highlight an option using 1 or 3 and press J; the selected option represents the amount the boundaries between the two images are smoothed.
- Higher values produce a smoother composite image.
- Choose a setting for [Save individual pictures (RAW)].
- Highlight [Save individual pictures (RAW)] and press 2.
- Highlight an option using 1 or 3 and press J.
- Choose [On] to save each of the individual shots used to create the HDR image; the shots are saved in RAW format.
- Frame the photograph, focus, and shoot.
- The camera takes two exposures when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.
- If [On (series)] is selected for [HDR mode], you can continue to take HDR photographs until [Off] is selected.
- If [On (single photo)] is selected, HDR will turn off automatically after a single shot.
- HDR photographs are recorded in JPEG format regardless of the option selected for image quality.
HDR photography
- The edges of the image will be cropped out.
- The desired results may not be achieved if the camera or subject moves during shooting. Use of a tripod is recommended.
- Depending on the scene, you may notice shadows around bright objects or halos around dark objects. This can be mitigated using [Smoothing].
- Uneven shading may be visible with some subjects.
- With spot or center-weighted metering, an [Exposure differential] of [Auto] is equivalent to [2 EV].
- Optional flash units will not fire.
- In continuous release modes, only one photograph will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.
- Long exposure (“Bulb” or “Time”) photography is not available. If you set the shutter-speed dial to Bulb or Time, the Bulb or Time indicator flashes in the display.
HDR restrictions
HDR cannot be combined with some camera features, including:
- modes other than P, S, A, and M,
- flicker reduction,
- bracketing,
- multiple exposures,
- interval-timer photography,
- time-lapse video recording, and
- focus shift