HDR modes in cameras | Only half way to the 'HDR look'

High Dynamic Range is a technique for capturing a much wider brightness range than the sensor could normally record. It's done by taking two shots at different exposures and then combining them. This is usually done using software, but some cameras have HDR 'double-shot' modes built in.

The Pentax K-5 is one example, and Ricoh's CX4 compact is another. But there are a couple of provisos:


• The camera mustn't move between exposures. Ideally, you should put it on a tripod

• The effects you get won't be like those you see in magazines. The camera's aiming to record the maximum possible brightness range, not produce that characteristic 'HDR' effect with dark skies and bright shadows. For that, you still need software.

HDR images straight from the camera will tend to look very 'flat', and their aim is simply to record a full range of tones. If you want shots like this one, you still need to do some work on the computer.