There are tons of ways to improve image quality. One example is High Dynamic Range (or HDR), which, in short, helps create “better” pixels. In the following article we will explain exactly what HDR is.
HDR enables improved brightness and color accuracy
Simply put, HDR means that your smartphone's camera processes recorded images and videos differently than normal in order to capture more details of light and dark areas:
In the case of the HDR image, the brightness was balanced and the contrast increased. You can now see the details in the very dark areas of the picture much more clearly without overexposing the picture.
So what exactly happens when you shoot with HDR?
Instead of just taking one photo, HDR uses three photos taken with different exposures. Because of this, it will take a little longer to take a photo in HDR mode. So your smartphone takes one photo for the shaded areas, one for the light areas and a normally exposed image. Then the best elements of each of those photos are put together into a single one..
When should you use HDR mode?
- Landscapes : In landscape photography in particular, there is a very high contrast between sky and land. With HDR, you can capture the details of the sky without making the land appear too dark - and vice versa.
- Portraits in sunlight : Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a good photo, but too much light on your face can cause dark shadows and other unflattering properties. HDR can prevent that and make your subject look better.
- Low-light, high -backlit scenes : If your photo looks a little too dark - which is often the case when your scene has too much backlighting - HDR can brighten the foreground without washing out the well-lit areas of the photo.
- Moving photos : Remember, HDR takes three pictures. If your subject moves between the first and second shots, the final image may look blurry.
- High Contrast Scenes : Some photos look better with a strong contrast between the dark and light areas. HDR makes this difference less intense, which can result in a less interesting photo.
- Bold colors : If your scene is too dark or too light, HDR can bring back some of the color. However, if you're working with colors that are already very vivid, HDR can wash them out.
