One Image HDR ???

[scorpio_e]

I really thought I knew this but I am beginning to question what I think I know.

If you have a single image and tone map it in PhotoMatrix, can you consider it HDR?

[kat]

I always thought with one image that one still had to get at least another image with different exposure to do it. Changing the second photos exposure using PS or whatever it is that you use. I may be wrong..haven't done it that way. Hmmm..good question

[scorpio_e]

I understand what you mean. Use one raw file.. vary the exposure and then bring the three images in PS or Photomatrix.

My quest is... ONE single image.. bring the single image into PS or Photomatrix..Next step..tone map..

Would it be HDR or not?



I was REALLY convinced that is it not but now..HMmmmm..I guess I really do not understand what tone mapping does on a single image...

[scorpio_e]

Nice blog Kat

[Richard]

the RAW file contains more a wider dynamic range than can be saved in a Jpg format. The tone mapping in simple terms will compress this dynamic range into a displayable image. A one shot HDR could be considered an expanded range image. If you want a true high dynamic range you need to capture multiple bracketed images. Different camera capture different ranges within a single image, last time I check Pentax wear slightly ahead of Canon and Nikon.

[Mad Aussie]

I think it's called a Faux HDR in the case of a single image being reproduced and exposure changed. I've done it before as a test in Photomatix but I do it more often in Photoshop and use manual techniques, no Photomatix etc.

[scorpio_e]

I think it's called a Faux HDR in the case of a single image being reproduced and exposure changed. I've done it before as a test in Photomatix but I do it more often in Photoshop and use manual techniques, no Photomatix etc.

So what if you do not change the exposure and just tone map? Would you consider it HDR or Faux HDR?

[Mad Aussie]

I think I'd have to try it but I don't think Photomatix lets you do that without adjusting the exposure values.

[Rinkdaddy]

I use HDR Efex Pro by Nik Software as a plugin for Aperture and it allows me to bring in a single raw image and use all the presets and adjustments to fine tune it. Normally I use either 3 or 5 images but have used only one if something isn't lining up right or there happens to be dust or water marks on my lens and then it gets magnified when I use HDR with more than one image. Thank goodness for the retouch tool. I have to get used to checking the lens for dust when I shoot for HDR especially for the sky where it really shows up.

[taffy]

I think they call it pseudo-HDR when you only use a single file. This is cut and paste from the Photomatix manual.

"Photomatix Pro allows you to create a 32-bit HDR image from a single RAW file.To do this, open one RAW file using File >Open, and Photomatix will convert it into a pseudo-HDR image. It is important to note, though, that an image created with a single RAW file cannot really be considered High Dynamic Range. The important characteristic of this pseudo-HDR image is that it is unprocessed. Its dynamic range is not much larger than the range of an already converted file."

I have never got the same effect when I have used a single file compared to using bracketed files.

Taffy