pnomanikon
Senior Member
(Disclaimer: I am a recreational photographer, and realize my photos are not "professional grade". )
I have been experimenting with the built-in HDR in my D-7500. I'm gradually getting the hang of it, and even saved it as my U1 User Setting so I can access it quickly.
Some of the shots have been on the tripod, but I experimented with leaning on a tree or fencepost and handholding if there was plenty of sunlight.
On my first day of experimenting, I made a couple of "comparison" photos to see the difference in Auto mode with matrix metering compared to HDR Normal and one with HRD High setting.
I think the Normal HDR mode worked well here to bring out the dark areas. This was resting the camera on my knee while kneeling.
Tripod shot here. I thought this view from my back patio would test the limits of HDR because of the contrast. The Normal HDR mode brought out the darker areas nicely but I think the grass is still too bright. The High HDR mode brought the grass down to a nicer level, but the shrub and woods are a little too bright for me. I prefer the Normal Mode.
We recently took a few trips to leaf-peep and tried the following photos:
Mozer, WV - This barn photo also had a lot of contrast. (Tripod) This was Normal HDR setting, and I'm happy with the result. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the sides of the barn were black. (Again, I am a recreational photographer and don't plan to submit this to National Geographic. LOL)
Seneca Rocks WV. Hand-held with nothing to rest against, and was the only photo out of 6 that wasn't too blurry. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the shadows around the footbridge in the foreground were almost black. This was Normal HDR setting.
I tried this photo with Normal HDR by leaning against a tree by the trail and placing my left hand between the camera and tree as a cushion. There was plenty of sunlight, so shutter speed was rather fast. I think it worked OK.
In this photo (HDR Normal), the trees in the foreground are in direct, bright sunlight. The hillsides in the far distance are in the shade from passing clouds. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the foreground came out nice but the hills in the background were almost black. I think the HDR Normal mode made it at least an acceptable photo. (Camera was resting on top of the camera bag on a big rock)
I still have a lot of practicing and experimenting to do, but I've learned that a tripod or something to rest the camera on are essential. I also found that I had better success rates when I set the 2-second timer on the camera to eliminate shake. I think the Normal HDR Mode in the D7500 creates acceptable (to me) photos that would otherwise get tossed because of contrast.
If I get really serious, I may invest in Photomatix Essentials software. (the basic version)
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome. Thank you.
I have been experimenting with the built-in HDR in my D-7500. I'm gradually getting the hang of it, and even saved it as my U1 User Setting so I can access it quickly.
Some of the shots have been on the tripod, but I experimented with leaning on a tree or fencepost and handholding if there was plenty of sunlight.
On my first day of experimenting, I made a couple of "comparison" photos to see the difference in Auto mode with matrix metering compared to HDR Normal and one with HRD High setting.
I think the Normal HDR mode worked well here to bring out the dark areas. This was resting the camera on my knee while kneeling.
Tripod shot here. I thought this view from my back patio would test the limits of HDR because of the contrast. The Normal HDR mode brought out the darker areas nicely but I think the grass is still too bright. The High HDR mode brought the grass down to a nicer level, but the shrub and woods are a little too bright for me. I prefer the Normal Mode.
We recently took a few trips to leaf-peep and tried the following photos:
Mozer, WV - This barn photo also had a lot of contrast. (Tripod) This was Normal HDR setting, and I'm happy with the result. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the sides of the barn were black. (Again, I am a recreational photographer and don't plan to submit this to National Geographic. LOL)
Seneca Rocks WV. Hand-held with nothing to rest against, and was the only photo out of 6 that wasn't too blurry. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the shadows around the footbridge in the foreground were almost black. This was Normal HDR setting.
I tried this photo with Normal HDR by leaning against a tree by the trail and placing my left hand between the camera and tree as a cushion. There was plenty of sunlight, so shutter speed was rather fast. I think it worked OK.
In this photo (HDR Normal), the trees in the foreground are in direct, bright sunlight. The hillsides in the far distance are in the shade from passing clouds. With Auto Mode and Matrix, the foreground came out nice but the hills in the background were almost black. I think the HDR Normal mode made it at least an acceptable photo. (Camera was resting on top of the camera bag on a big rock)
I still have a lot of practicing and experimenting to do, but I've learned that a tripod or something to rest the camera on are essential. I also found that I had better success rates when I set the 2-second timer on the camera to eliminate shake. I think the Normal HDR Mode in the D7500 creates acceptable (to me) photos that would otherwise get tossed because of contrast.
If I get really serious, I may invest in Photomatix Essentials software. (the basic version)
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome. Thank you.
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