HDR is a special technique that makes photos look considerably better when used in an appropriate way. Nowadays it is widely introduced to phonecameras in iPhone and Android devices and can also be used while shooting pictures with a help of different HDR apps.
Meaning
The abbreviation HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Dynamic Range is the ratio between the darkest and the lightest values of an image. The filter can, so to say, “play” with lights in order to get the best possible photo. For example, if you are shooting a picture in a room with a lack of light or, on the contrary, with too much light, HDR will moderate all the excess.
The technique is based on merging together several shots and highlighting the best in each of them. As the result pictures become more vivid and look more natural – closer to how a scene is seen by a human eye rather than by a camera lense.
Due to its peculiarities HDR shouldn’t be applied in situations, when something would potentially be moving, portraits in sunlight or pictures with high-contrast scenes. It would rather make them look worse than better. However, landscapes and scenes with heavy shadows or bright lights would become just gorgeous if shot with the help of this technique. Fortunately, HDR apps work in such a way that camera produces two photos – the one with HDR and the one without it.
Well, now you know exactly what does HDR mean. Below you can see some effective apps which are designed to create stunning pictures with the use of HDR.
5 Best apps for Android & iPhone to use HDR:
HDR Camera
HDR Camera is considered to be the best 2016 app for Android. It has a free version and is entirely focused on HDR method. The app offers a range of regulations, such as the intensity of the effect. The user can try out different variants with HDR and find the most suitable mode for any photo. The app has a space for improvement though – sometimes shooting a picture takes quite a lot of time.
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ProCamera + HDR & LowLight
This app is designed only for the iPhone owners. Even though the iPhone itself has a high-quality & well-equipped camera, pictures become even more impressive with this app. HDR effect is created by using 5 shots. A user may choose the best picture among several. ProCamera has a minimalistic design and is quite handy in use. It can edit videos as well.
Camera 360 Ultimate
Camera 360 Ultimate is a widely recognised app, which has lots of other features besides HDR – from standard Retro effect to tapping in order to set focus. So if you want a bunch of other interesting features, this app is for you. The only drawback is a quickly discharged phone battery.
Camera HDR Studio
Camera HDR Studio is another great replacement for a default camera with HDR effect. It has at least 9 HDR modes and is also filled with other useful effects. The app is based on the idea of fusing together two images with different exposures in order to achieve the best final result. Its main advantage of this app is speed.
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vividHDR
vividHDR is another app for iPhone, iPad touch and iPad. It is extremely fast, so it is almost impossible to miss a good shot. Another advantage of the app is simple interface. Even if you’re not a power user, you would easily find appropriate options. One of the most serious drawbacks is that it can’t be used in shooting scenes with moving objects. In some modern apps (even those above) this problem is effectively solved.
