How does the Canon 5D Mark III/6D in-camera HDR compare with HDR software on a computer?
Asked 5/16/2013
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I’m considering the in-camera HDR mode on the Canon 5D Mark III or 6D versus shooting bracketed exposures and merging them later in HDR software on a computer. What are the main pros and cons of each approach in terms of image quality, control, flexibility, and ease of use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
5
This is ultimatly a fairly subjective question. I think it does a pretty good job on my 5D Mark iii most of the time. It's also worth noting that you can have the 5DM3 save the individual files used (including in RAW format) so that you can always use software later even if you decide you don't like the JPEG that it produces. There are also multiple styles and multiple levels of EV range that you can use for capturing the images.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In-camera HDR on the 5D Mark III/6D is mainly about speed and convenience. It can produce good results, offers several HDR presets/styles and EV range options, and on the 5D Mark III you can save the individual source files (including RAW) so you can reprocess later if needed. These cameras also make exposure bracketing easy.
HDR software on a computer gives you much more control over the final look. You can fine-tune the merge and tone mapping, aim for a natural result or a more stylized one, and generally get closer to exactly the look you want. Software workflows can also use more exposures and potentially cover a wider dynamic range than typical in-camera HDR modes.
So the trade-off is simple:
- in-camera HDR: faster, easier, good for quick results
- computer HDR: slower, but more adjustable and flexible
Neither is universally “better” because taste matters. If you want convenience and a decent finished JPEG quickly, in-camera HDR is useful. If your priority is maximum control and the best possible final result, shoot bracketed frames and merge them later in software.
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