Sony HX5 - HDR mode

2010-5-27 23.28

When I took these 3 shots to see how good HDR would work out, I noticed that the HDR mode takes brilliance and contrast away.
I love that blue sky in HDR mode but the little stone wall on the left, what happened to the contrast?

If you want to get the most range out of your HDR shot, aim to the brightest area and lock the exposure (half press the shutter and hold) and then frame what you want to capture.

IAuto


P mode


HDR


If you do a little enhancement with gamma, saturation, contrast and sharpness it can look like that and this are the vibrant colors I saw.



In this shot, except for a little bit of texture outside on the roof I fail to see much improvement of the HDR mode.

IAuto


P mode


HDR



In this shot the table cloth looks better but I hoped for more recovery of the dark areas.

IAuto


P mode


HDR


I noticed similar behavior in other comparison shots but I have a certain place I will test in a few days what is really a pickle to expose right and then I shall make my final verdict. For now I rater stay with IAuto what just switches to backlight and enhances the shadows a bit.

... a few days later
OK here we go

AI

P

HDR

HDR center measured towards the brightest area

AI

P

HDR

AI

P

HDR

HDR center measured towards the brightest area

P -2 exposure

 

For my eyes the -2 exposure has the better dynamic and is more true to the real colors. So the in camera HDR from the HX5 is not so my thing.
For best results, take a shot in AI, P with -2 exposure and a HDR measured towards the brightest spot.

I am underwhelmed with the HDR performance of the HX5
BAD SONY, no cracker for you.
-------------
After my little encounter with LightBox I wondered if that program could do a better job than the HX5 in camera HDR.
I took the picture from above  with -2 exposure, and you be the judge.

I for myself will not use the HDR any more and use instead a - 2 exposure and do the rest at home, looks so much better to my eyes.