THE BUILT-in HDR mode

This handy feature is on many newer Nikon D-SLRs and combines two separate exposures into a single merged image

HDR Mode

On this Nikon D5200, the HDR option is half way down the Shooting menu. It resets to ‘Off’ after each HDR picture you take, so you’ll need to reactivate it each time. The camera will take the two exposures needed with a single press of the shutter button.

HDR mode comes in different strengths. Use Auto if you’re not sure how much to apply or pick a manual setting if you know the effect you’re after. The strength needed will depend on the scene, so take a couple of shots at different settings.

HDR software

Merging exposures using HDR software requires a different approach. Make sure the camera’s bracketing option is set to AE bracketing on the Custom Settings menu, then use the camera’s bracketing option with a wide exposure interval of 2.0EV.