Using HDR for a Single Image

[mjschocken]

I hate to ask this and really wanted to figure it out on my own but I can't.  So I'm using Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (4) and noticed that if I start HDR for a single image, I get better sharpness than if I use the sharpness in the tool palette.  What I do is crop the image first in the tool palette and then start the HDR and use the sharpness slides in HDR.  However, from what I understand of HDR, it is used for multiple images when each image has a different exposure such as when you take three shots using automatic exposure compensation.  My question is, how does HDR work on a single RAW image? 

[mjschocken]

Thanks for your comment.  That confirms that a single RAW file can be used for HDR.  That was my observation using DPP-4.

[Waddizzle]

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@mjschocken wrote:

Thanks for your comment.  That confirms that a single RAW file can be used for HDR.  That was my observation using DPP-4.

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Using a single file, RAW or JPEG, to create an HDR photo is black magic.  Photo goes in, and VOILA, magic image comes out.

I use the stand alone version of Lightroom, and a stand alone version of Photoshop.  I refuse to rent software.  While full blown Photoshop can no longer be purchased, Photoshop Elements seems like a good companion.  Although, what most people would use PSE for can be easily done with freeware apps like GIMP or PaintDotNet.

Lightroom is an electronic darkroom, like DPP, except it is MUCH more sophisticated and powerful than DPP.

If you buy the standalone Lightroom, DO NOT try a trial subscription to the Creative Cloud on the same machine, NOR use the same Adobe account and password.  If you wish to test drive Creative Cloud, use an entirely different machine and an entirely different Adobe account and password.  Your standalone license will get hijacked by CC, and you will have to do a complete wipe and re-install.

[RobertTheFat]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

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@RobertTheFat wrote:

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

DPP's best feature is, it is free.

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Actually, DPP's best feature is that is saves the image's (reversible) changes in the image file itself, eliminating the need for databases, "sidecar" files, or other clumsy workarounds. Ernie knows that; he just doesn't think it matters. If you don't think it matters either, then by all means take his advice.

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At the expense of compatibility.

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How so? DPP is capable of generating TIFFs and JPEGs, but uses an intermediate representation that nobody else supports. How is that different from PS and LR?

[ebiggs1]

"Actually  Photomatrix Pro allows you to create HDR images from a single RAW file"

Not from LR which is where I start all my editing.  It can't technically be an HDR if it has only one exposure.  I know you can apply the HDR settings to anything.

[Waddizzle]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"Actually  Photomatrix Pro allows you to create HDR images from a single RAW file"

Not from LR which is where I start all my editing.  It can't technically be an HDR if it has only one exposure.  I know you can apply the HDR settings to anything.

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I guess the plug-in is somewhat limited.  Are you running the same version as the ad?

[ebiggs1]

Especially for you Bob from Boston, Massachusetts USA.

When you adjust a raw file in DPP4  the changes are saved as an adjustment recipe in a part of the file known as metadata. It can be readjusted or reset at a later time. It's only when the raw file is converted to JPEG or TIFF format that these adjustments are permanently applied.

DPP treats JPEGs in exactly the same way. Edits you make are saved as code in the metadata of the JPEG file when you use the Save or Save As options. The problem is that this code can only be read by DPP, other software ignores it. To make the changes permanent you need to export the file. 

Lightroom on the other hand uses a catalog or has an option to save a sidecar file.  Once you export the file LR applies the corrections.  The original is never touched or altered.  It is also good to point out that except cropping, PS does not alter the original file either.

None of this is why I don't like DPP.  The main reason is, you can't complete your work in it.  You must go to LR or PS anyway so why not just start there?  I do admit that DPP4 is a whole lot better than previous versions.  Now if Canon tweaks it, and I hope they do, a bit more, I can see using it more.  DPP4 doesn't even support all Canon camera!  Geeze.

[ebiggs1]

"Are you running the same version as the ad?"

I guess, 5.1.3 and the most current version of LR 6.6.1.  CR 9.6

[ebiggs1]

" I refuse to rent software."

Dang straight! 

[mjschocken]

Thanks for the feedback!