How to make HDR Photos using the Sony DSC-H50

I don't want to dabble with what HDR means. I let the power of wiki enlighten you all. My main purpose here is to show users of the Sony DSC-H50 how to assemble or make an HDR image.

See that image above? Now that is one cool example of an HDR image. No photographer in his right mind would not want to create one. So... first, I really need you people to know what HDR photography means.

Here is the Wiki Link: High dynamic range imaging

We will need the following:

• A Sony DSC-H50
• Sony DSC-H50 user's manual
• A tripod (optional)
• Photomatix software (install this on your computer)
• Laptop or computer
• time...

Yep, that's all we need. Oh., a little creativity, patience you know the rest. One more thing, please do read the Sony DSC-H50 manual. It was inlcuded in that box for a purpose.

As I said before, you should have read the manual.

1. Set your Camera into manual mode
2. Set the bracketing option to plus/minus 1 EV (exposure value)
3. Set you camera to shoot in brackets.
4. Adjust ISO to 80 if your intended scene bright or ISO200-ISO400 for low light shooting.
5. Adjust the aperture and shutter speed so that the recored exposure value in your display is 0 EV.
6. Don't forget to set the camera to the highest resolution.

This is self explanatory right? But I do suggest going for a scene in broad daylight with a bright blus sky with patches of white and dark clouds. Well its common but, you do get great and noticeable effects.

1. If you have a tripod, then by all means use it.
2. Attache your Sony DSC-H50 into the tripod
3. Frame you scene.  Try getting the clouds and blue sky against your subject 

Like I said you may or may not use the tripod.

But if you do use the tripod, utilize the remote control included with the Sony DSC-H50. It really is a very handy tool and can get you the best result because there is less movement to the camera.

This means a steady shot. Get at least 4 sets. That means 12 shots because each shot consists of three images. More sets more images to choose from.

Now if you do it by hand, try leaning on a tree, the side of your car or the sde of a building. This is to help you take your shot as steady as possible. Click the shutter gently to minimize movement. Again, take at least 4 sets so you can get to more options.

Take a look at the shots I took without a tripod. The scene is outside our office. And yes I was Hubbing around because I can't solve the programming problem I was assigned. :-) I though I could get inspiration from the sky.

Your shots should look similar. Notice the different exposure levels. Remember to pick the best set.

Words of advice:

• Don't do it while it's raining
• If you do it underwater... now you are a God and should start your own religion
• Browse my other hubs. I think you know why. 

Use the usb cable or a card reader to download your files to the computer. Make sure that photomatiz is installed in your computer

Pick the best set. Well if you took only one set because of your excitement... Clean up the images. Remove as much noise and artifacts as you can using your favorite photo editing software. Mine is photoshop. 

This is the fun part. I assume that you have Photomatix installed in your computer.

1. Fire up Photomatix
2. Click the "Generate HDR image" button
3. Click the "Browse" button
4. Select your best set of images. You should select a set consisting of 3 images each.
5. Click the "OK" button
6. A set of option will appear. Make yours look like the first photo on the right.
7. Click the "OK" button
8. Your image will appear. On the left side, click on the "Tone Mapping" button
9. The tone mapping settings will appear on the left side. Fiddle with the controls until your get the combination that suits your taste.
10. Got everythings right? Now click on the "Process" button located below the tone mapping settings.
11. You HDR image will be shown. Click "File" > "Save As..." and save your photo as a JPEG.
12. Not bad eh? Take a look at the HDR image I generated from the set above.