21 step by step high dynamic Range

Capture shadow detail and correctly expose for highlights

Scenes that contain very bright and dark areas may often exceed the dynamic range of any camera, but an HDR (high dynamic range) image can capture a full range of tones in one image. No longer do you need to create an HDR image by taking three bracketed shots then merging them into one image in software, as Canon DSLRS, such the 100D and 700D and later, have scene modes for automatically capturing HDR images. Three bracketed shots are taken and the results are automatically merged in-camera into a single image in which low-lights are boosted and highlights are reigned in. Cameras like the 80D and 6D Mk II give you greater control over the process (see below), although only the single merged image will be saved and you can’t shoot in Raw or RAW+JPEG quality modes. To save three Raws and the merged image, you’d need to step up to a 5D Mk IV.

01 adjust dynamic range

It’s often best to switch to HDR mode via the shooting menu, rather than using the HDR Backlit Control scene mode. You’ll then have full control over what camera settings are used, and can adjust HDR capture parameters.

02 continuous hdr

In ‘1 shot only’ mode, HDR capture is limited to a single burst of three successive shutter operations, during which the bracketed exposures are captured. Select ‘Every shot’ if you wish to carry on capturing HDR images.

03 auto image align

Enable Auto Image Align when handholding the camera and shooting a sequence for HDR processing. If the camera is mounted on a tripod, it’s better to disable the auto alignment feature or images may be cropped.