EM-1 HDR function

[Swordfish]

Having played around with HDR a bit, including stand alone software like HDR EFex Pro, I have become quite impressed with the HDR1 setting on the EM-1 as a useful way of dealing with very high contrast scenes.

These are two shots of the same scene, the first a single Raw file worked on to a pretty acceptable standard in LR5, and then the HDR jpeg from camera with a bit of tweaking in LR5. On balance I think the HDR jpeg is marginally better (more detail in the cobbles for example) and is a lot less hassle than taking and blending separate images.






Anyone else use the function?

The scene is the Santa Catarina convent arch in the town of Antigua, Guatemala, In the background is the dormant Volcan de Agua which was responsible for devastating the town in the 18th century. It was taken in early morning when the streets were empty, but with enormous contrast between sunlit parts and shadows.

Martin

[David Morison]

Re: EM-1 HDR function

I agree Martin, it's a function I use quite often on static subjects in contrasty conditions, even for wildlife shots. Surprisingly, although four shots are taken and merged in camera, even subjects that move slightly are rendered blur free as long as the shutter speed is sufficient. There also appears to be a sharpening effect as well and the resultant image needs very little work in pp. Usefully a RAW is generated as well so if you don't like the result you can ditch the jpg and work on that.

David

[Gwyver]

Re: EM-1 HDR function

Martin,
It's difficult to make an accurate judgement from images posted at web resolution, but they seem very similar to me. I think your comment about more detail in the cobbles on the HDR version may arise because you changed camera position between shots and captured more/closer foreground. I think it is David Morison on this site who has experimented with HDR (for bird photography) and his observation is that the HDR output yields a greater degree of sharpening. It may be that this is what you are noticing. I suggest you inspect the railings at the upper right of your excellent image.

My preference is the composition of the non-HDR version because the LHS of the street, arch, and detailling on the eaves of the house are more understandable. (Alternatively, you might consider these eaves a distraction - but to crop them would unbalance the arch).

[StephenL]

Re: EM-1 HDR function

I haven't tried this, being a raw shooter, but I must and will.