Nexus 5: HDR+ - when to use?

[chenks]

just got my nexus 5 at the weekend (previously had a nexus 4).
is the general consensus to have the HDR+ option turned on all the time?
or just when you think it might be appropriate?

 

[ptonantryloc]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I keep HDR+ on all the time. The only thing I've had trouble with is taking pictures of my cat. I think she watches the tendons in my fingers, listens for their creaking, and then moves just as the camera fires. IOW, moving objects can be problems with HDR+ on.

 

[Zendroid1]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

Very easy answer:

If it moves, don't use HDR+

 

[greydarrah]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I leave mine on HDR all the time. It actually does a pretty good job even when there is some movement. If you're trying to capture something like kids at play or your dog chasing a Frisbee, then switch to Scene, Action.

 

[flick0416]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I keep it on all the time. Just know that the shutter speed on it is slower, since it's really taking three pictures and combining them together. That's why it won't always get the best moving shots. I've still been able to get some with movement (of my 3 yo niece) but it's harder to get the exact moment you want.

 

[chenks]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

it's a shame the HDR mode isn't implemented like iOS, where it gives you 2 images, one HDR and one non-HDR.
means you can leave it on and pick the best out of the two if the HDR version isn't better.

 

[jj14x]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

it's a shame the HDR mode isn't implemented like iOS, where it gives you 2 images, one HDR and one non-HDR.
means you can leave it on and pick the best out of the two if the HDR version isn't better.

IOS actually takes one picture, and then, using software, over/under exposes it and then, merges them to get HDR result. The N5 on the other hand is actually taking 3 separate pictures (one at normal exposure, one over and on under exposed. These are then merged to get the result.

On IOS, when you are picking the "best", you are actually picking which exposure setting you prefer - rather than a distinct picture. You could just take your non-HDR picture on the N5, and over/under expose it to get the same result. But you can't get the N5's HDR+ on IOS.

 

[chenks]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

IOS actually takes one picture, and then, using software, over/under exposes it and then, merges them to get HDR result. The N5 on the other hand is actually taking 3 separate pictures (one at normal exposure, one over and on under exposed. These are then merged to get the result.

On IOS, when you are picking the "best", you are actually picking which exposure setting you prefer - rather than a distinct picture. You could just take your non-HDR picture on the N5, and over/under expose it to get the same result. But you can't get the N5's HDR+ on IOS.

the point i was making was that in iOS it gives you both versions by default (HDR and non-HDR) when using HDR mode, where as in Android you would have to manually take 2 photos.

 

[3C0T3CH]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

the point i was making was that in iOS it gives you both versions by default (HDR and non-HDR) when using HDR mode, where as in Android you would have to manually take 2 photos.

No, you wouldn't. You would just have to modify (or not) the original photo to try and make it look better, the same way iOS does. Granted, at least iOS does this for you.

I suppose it would be nice having the option to choose if you want to keep one of the 3 shots used in the HDR+ picture. HDR+ works so well though that I at least wouldn't get much use from this, as I'm in HDR+ mode intentionally to begin with. After all, if I wanted something else, I'd be using it instead.

 

[TraderGary]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

IOS actually takes one picture, and then, using software, over/under exposes it and then, merges them to get HDR result. The N5 on the other hand is actually taking 3 separate pictures (one at normal exposure, one over and on under exposed. These are then merged to get the result.

On IOS, when you are picking the "best", you are actually picking which exposure setting you prefer - rather than a distinct picture. You could just take your non-HDR picture on the N5, and over/under expose it to get the same result. But you can't get the N5's HDR+ on IOS.

This would help explain why my Nexus 5 in HDR+ is so much better than the iPhone 5s images other family members are getting. I leave my Nexus 5 in HDR+ all the time. The iPhone isn't actually doing true HDR at all.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[the tall guy]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

Yeah same here, I tried it with HDR of but the picture quality wasn't anywhere near as good as when the HDR was on

 

[ottscay]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I leave my N5 on HDR+ mode pretty much all the time. Fast movement in low light, or very fast movement any time and I'll switch to auto, but for moderate movement it often does a surprisingly great job.

 

[g2_havok]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

the only caveat is when you ask someone else to take a picture with your phone. they may not be used to the hdr+ "shutter speed" and end up getting a lot of blurred pictures...

i'm finding that the normal mode works fine most of the time for general pictures.

 

[LegalAmerican]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I know this will sound ridiculous and people may assume that I am just incorrect with my settings, but i've been getting more consistent results with HDR+ on when taking shots of my 2 year old moving all over. They're always blurry on auto but with HDR they actually seem to be pretty impressive.

 

[krifor03]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

i love the HDR+ for landscapes, but people look underexposed IMO

 

[Pro Vickers]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I leave mine on HDR all the time. It actually does a pretty good job even when there is some movement. If you're trying to capture something like kids at play or your dog chasing a Frisbee, then switch to Scene, Action.

Are we all just gonna ignore that he takes pictures of kids at play? Lol



I'm kidding

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

just got my nexus 5 at the weekend (previously had a nexus 4).
is the general consensus to have the HDR+ option turned on all the time?
or just when you think it might be appropriate?

It is appropriate unless you are taking pictures of stuff that is moving or changing quickly. So Sunsets/scenery, posed photos, still life, ect...HDR should be on. Anything that involves stuff moving will risk blurring with HDR.

I have not noticed a huge difference on my Nexus 4. HDR really benefits from the OIS camera on the Nexus 5. Without OIS I don't know that it will make much of a difference.

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

i love the HDR+ for landscapes, but people look underexposed IMO

I have had great results with people...as long as they are posing or standing still.

Took this on a cruise a few weeks ago:

This is a raw image...nothing photoshopped yet.

 

[krifor03]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

I have had great results with people...as long as they are posing or standing still....

try it with two people of opposite skin tones...
The HDR+ on this phone is good, and faster than me having to do it the old fashion way ( which its still easier than the TRUE old fashion way), but not perfect

 

[xstinkyx]

Re: HDR+ - when to use?

In certain photos containing lots of blacks and whites, I disable HDR+ otherwise the deep blacks become a noticeably lighter black