Creating HDR (High Dynamic Range) Images

You can create images with a wide dynamic range where clipping in highlights and shadows has been reduced, and images that appear like paintings. This is suited for scenes such as still-lifes and landscapes. This function is most effective when using three images with different exposures of the same scene (negative exposure, standard exposure, positive exposure) to create an HDR image. However, you can also create an HDR image from two images, or even only one. Since an HDR image is saved as a separate image, the original images remain as they are.
* HDR stands for High Dynamic Range.

1. Select an image in the main window.

2. Select the [Tools] menu → [Start HDR tool].

   • The [Select Images] window appears.

   • You can also display the [Select Images] window from the edit window and edit image window.

3. Specify the required settings, then click the [Start HDR] button.

   • To change the selected image, or add another image, click the [Browse] button and in the [Open] dialog box that appears, select the image file and click the [Open] button.

   • If you select two images of the same size, you can checkmark the [Auto Align] checkbox for auto image alignment. However, auto image alignment may not work properly with repetitive patterns (lattice, stripes, etc.) or flat, single-tone images.

   • By clicking the [Start HDR] button, the [Adjust Image] window appears.

4. Make required selections to adjust the image.

   • Sliders in [Adjust Image]
     
     [Tone/Color]
     
     [Brightness]: Adjusts the overall brightness of the image. Move the slider to the right to brighten the image, and to the left to darken the image.
     
     [Saturation]: Adjusts the overall color saturation of the image. Move the slider to the right to make the color deeper, and to the left to make the color weaker.
     
     [Contrast]: Adjusts the overall contrast of the image. Move the slider to the right to make contrast stronger and to the left to make contrast weaker.
     
     [Detail Enhancement]
     
     [Strength]: Adjusts the overall contrast and contrast of details together. Move the slider to the right for a stronger effect.
     
     [Smoothness]: Adjusts the overall smoothness of the image. Move the slider to the right for a smooth and natural impression.
     
     [Fineness]: Adjusts the clearness of details. Move the slider to the right for a sharper outline.

     
     
     

   • [Presets] and finishing effects
     
     With [Presets], you can select from the five preset finishing effects below from a pulldown menu ([Natural] is selected by default), instead of operating the sliders individually. By selecting a finishing effect, each slider moves according to the setting. You can also operate and adjust the sliders after selecting an effect.
     
     [Natural]: In high-contrast scenes, rendering in areas where highlights or shadows are usually clipped is corrected, for a finish with reduced highlight and shadow clipping.
     
     [Art standard]: Gives a finish with painting-like tonality for an impressive image.
     
     [Art vivid]: For a more vivid look than with [Art standard].
     
     [Art bold]: For a more vivid look than with [Art standard], that makes the subject pop out.
     
     [Art embossed]: Tones down sharpness more than [Art standard], for an old-fashioned feel.

5. Click the [Save As] button.

   • By clicking the [Save As] button, the [Convert and save] window appears. Specify the required settings, and then click the [Save] button.