HDR Camera
Welcome!
While there is technically no such thing as an “HDR Camera”, there are certain cameras that are better than others for this process. I have my recommendations below! I am most familiar with Nikon cameras, although these do have comparable versions in the Canon line of products.
For more info on the “Process”, feel free to visit my HDR Tutorial!
Cameras I recommend:
- Entry Level – The Cheapest Way In
- Canon G11 - Approx $449-$479
- See Amazon’s current pricing - Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera
- See B&H’s current pricing - Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera
- Mini Review – This is the bare minimum camera I can just barely recommend! The only reason I have it in here is because of price — it is arguably half the price of the Nikon D90, which is really the direction you should be going. However, if you simply MUST do HDR and you want to get in as cheaply as possible, the Canon G11 will treat you well. This camera shoots in RAW and has auto-bracketing, both of which are good for HDR processing. See my HDR Tutorial for more info there. Now, one big advantage to this camera is that it is very small, so it will be quite handy.
- Canon G11 - Approx $449-$479
- Good
- The Nikon D90 – Approx $700-$900
- See Amazon’s current pricing – Nikon D90 Body Only with No Lens
- See B&H’s current pricing - Nikon D90 Body Only with No Lens
- The Nikon D90 with Excellent Starter Lens - 18-105mm – Approx $1,100
- See Amazon’s current pricing – Nikon D90 with excellent starter lens
- See B&H’s current pricing – Nikon D90 with excellent starter lens
- Mini Review – I recommend this wonderful camera because it does auto-bracketing, can hold a variety of lenses, and is an amazing camera now and for the future. You’ll be able to have this be your main body as you slowly build up a collection of lenses in the future, as you get to better know your camera. It’s solid, shoots 12 megapixels, which is plenty big, and it even does video too! My first camera was a D70, which no longer exists. If I had the d90 first, I would have been in hog heaven!
- The Nikon D90 – Approx $700-$900
- Better
- The Nikon D700 - Approx $2,400-$2,600
- See Amazon’s current pricing - Nikon D700 Body
- See B&H’s current pricing – Nikon D700 Body
- Mini Review – Now we are getting more serious! This is definitely a professional-grade camera. It’s big and tough and ready for battle. It’s got an amazing sensor — it’s still 12 megapixels like the d90, but it’s much higher quality in terms of speed and clarity. I know many photographers that have this camera and swear by it. If you already have one of the other Nikons and are looking to upgrade, you’ll be very happy with this thing. If you don’t want to spend over $5,000, then I think the D700 is certainly the best bang for your buck.
- The Nikon D700 - Approx $2,400-$2,600
- Best
- The Nikon D3x - Approx $7,500 and up
- See Amazon’s current pricing – Nikon D3X Body
- See B&H’s current pricing – Nikon D3X Body
- Mini Review -See my Nikon D3X review for the full review! It is my 24-megapixel love and it is the ultimate. I use it. It completes me. However, being realistic, I can tell you that it is only 10-20% (depending on the features you dig) better than the D700. That extra 10-20% will cost you a pretty penny, so my advice is to only do it if you have the extra cash, or this is a love where you have little willpower.
- The Nikon D3x - Approx $7,500 and up
- Best Backup Camera
- The Nikon D3S - Approx $5,200 and up
- See Amazon’s current pricing - Nikon D3S Body
- See B&H’s current pricing – Nikon D3S Body
- Mini Review -See my Nikon D3S review for the full review! Once you get ultra serious, you don’t want to go on a big trip and only have one camera. Anything could happen. I hate to relegate the D3S to a backup camera, but that should not take anything away from this beautiful machine. The D3S is better than the D3X in low light and in high-speed situations. Another very nice thing is that it does high-def video.
- The Nikon D3S - Approx $5,200 and up
Me with my Nikon D3X near Nikko Japan
First Three Lenses
If you are just getting started and want recommendations on your first three lenses, here they are. Note that, often times, your camera may come with a “kit lens”. That lens is usually pretty versatile and can get you a long way. But, the beauty of DSLRs is that there are many lenses that are better for more specialized situations.
- Nikon 14-24 Review (Lens) – A great wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture that I use for about 60% of my landscapes
- Nikon 24-70 Review (Lens) – Perfect for mid-range stuff like landscapes, birthdays, families, close-up sports, events, holiday cheer, swinger parties
- Nikon 50mm Review (Lens) – Ideal for cute children, close-up objects where you like a blurry background, friends, interventions
All Lens Reviews
I only write reviews for lenses that I used and I recommend. Below is the full list.
- Want to try out a lens? See my Lens Rental review of BorrowLenses.com – Netflix for lenses!
- Nikon 18-200 – A great all-around lens for wide-angle and zoom. Just getting started? This is what you need! (Review coming soon)
- Nikon 24-70 Review (Lens) – Perfect for mid-range stuff like landscapes, birthdays, families, close-up sports, events, holiday cheer, swinger parties
- Nikon 14-24 Review (Lens) – A great wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture that I use for about 60% of my landscapes
- Nikon 85mm Review (Lens) – Incredible for people shots. Just. Incredible.
- Nikon 50mm Review (Lens) – Ideal for cute children, close-up objects where you like a blurry background, friends, interventions
- Nikon 70-200 Review (Lens) – A great lens for things that are kinda far away, like animals or sports or that girl you are stalking
- Nikon 200-400 Review (Lens) – A super-zoom lens, perfect for wildlife and other shots from a distance.
Tripod and Head (Optional):
My best advice for tripods is to visit your local camera store and try them out! Find one that you find easy to use… I’ve tried many, and my recommendations are below.
A tripod is composed of two parts – the Legs and the Head. The head simply attaches to the legs, and these have universal connections.
- Tripod Legs (entry level) - Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod
- An excellent set of legs for most small to medium-sized cameras such as the Nikon D90 mentioned above. It supports 11 pounds, so you have room to grow.
- Tripod Legs (professional) - TVC-33 from Really Right Stuff Legs
- I recently switched from the high-end Gitzo tripod legs to some from Really Right Stuff. These are awesome. They are lighter and stronger than the comparable Gitzo.
- Tripod Head (entry level) - Giottos MH-1000 Large Ball Head w/ Built-in Quick Release
- A simple and easy to use quick-release head that you will enjoy
- Tripod Head (professional) - Really Right Stuff
- This company makes remarkable products… When you go to the site, you can choose the best setup for your camera. This is what I use on my professional cameras.
A Video of Everything in my Photo Bag
- What’s in Trey’s Photo Bag? – A video that shows all the stuff in my bag
Fun Photography-related Gadgets I recommend:
- The Awesome Green Cube Everyone Asks Me About
- HyperMac Review – Great external battery for your support-mac products
- Memory Card Reader – Transcend TS-RDP8W (but any will do)
- Photo Backup Drives on the Road – Toshiba 320 GB USB 2.0
- International Adapters – More than handy, cheap and small – Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug
Shooting in Iceland
Sample HDR Photos
And last, here is a collection of photos I’ve shot with my Nikon equipment over the years. There are many more examples if you’d like to surf around the site!
If you’d like to know more about HDR or HDR Photography, click on those links to discover this new world of photography!
[...] have a full “My Equipment” page here, which is much more organized than the following Hawthornesque [...]
[...] also created a new “My Equipment” page that lists out all my delish toys. Of course, everything links to B&H Photo… and if you [...]
[...] have a full “My Equipment” page here, which is much more organized than the following Hawthornesque [...]
[...] I’m still experimenting with it, but so far, it’s just amazing. I’ve updated the My Equipment page on my site, and I will add more about the lenses next [...]
Hey Trey, love the new stuff to the site. Just saw a typo for ya. Under your suggestion for the D3x, “his is my camera…”
Keep up the awesome work! I check your site every day and I’m constantly motivated to push myself. Thanks for the inspiration.
Just wanted to let you know that your work is an absolute inspiration. I am the creative director for a church in Savannah, GA named Tapestry and I always refer to your work for ideas and generally just to get me in the right headspace for design stuff. I very unfortunately broke my D50 and am in the market for a new camera so hope to pick up at least a D40 soon. If you ever need a tour guide in Savannah (the home of SCAD) feel free to look me up.
God Bless,
Brad Binion
912.659.4808
Haha – hey thanks!
And Matthew I will fix up that typo!
Amazing to me those images are just out there waiting for someone…to snap. I loved your Christmas and new years eve photos. updated site is great. To the artist, the brush and paint are tools, don’t feel bad about the cost of the tools, feel good about the art you produce. Everything looks great on my new imac!!!! equipment IS important. going to overcome my fear of photoshop now, seems so complicated to a newby. Always used the purist excuse to not learn it, but your pics showed me the light. It’s all part of the creative process.
Thanks for all the great photographs, John
Hi, Amazing stuff. kindly let me know how can i use this technology for shooting weddings.kindly see my web gallery and plz let me know ur reviews.
thanks
Raja jain
Raja, sure you can. It can make the wedding pages more dramatic, but just be sure to mask in the people’s real skin because the HDR process will make them look dirty.
Equipment is great, but you have to know how to use it and know what you are doing. I mean I could certainly get better photos with a nice DSLR, but YOU could get amazing photos with my Sony DSC-H50. I’m still learning and trying to remember what an f-stop is.
Then I can justify the DSLR. (Hard to tell my wife I want to spend that money on a camera when we have other things that need the money, like kids, pets, needing to eat, etc. haha
I’ve tried HDR a little, but haven’t had much luck with just Photoshop. I have also done some fun fake HDR’s with loading the jpg into camera raw. It is fun and cool, takes a photo from just a photo to a photo with emotion.
LOVE your photos! They are really fantastic! Thanks for your tutorials and the photos – and for putting the really big size on Flickr! They make great wallpapers for my computers.
Do you use a strap or bag to haul your tripod when you’re out wandering? I’d be interested to hear your gear setup when you’re exploring cities and jungles, complete w/ bags and such.
Hey there, Trey! Like Chip, I’d love to hear more about how you actually travel with your gear, and what you generally pack in your camera bag and how/what you carry around on-site once you hit the photo destination. I seem to recall seeing a picture on some website from an interview I think you did where you had a picture of the Kata backpack you carried (still using the same one?) and wondered if you actually carried the 70-200 in there routinely, or if you preferred to leave it at home because of the weight. Reason I ask is that I find myself traveling a fair bit as well and, almost always, find myself leaving that lens at home because of the extra weight. Instead, I end up carrying (these days) the Nikkor 14-24 2.8 (love this lens), the Nikkor 24-70 2.8 and a Tamron 90mm just in case I want to shoot close-up or want a bit more reach than the 24-70 gives me, though not by much. That said, I sometimes find myself taking the 70-200 in my Kata backpack (the sweet R-103 GDC) and then, if I do not anticipate needing it for the day, leaving it in my hotel room (like I did on a recent trip to Germany). Tripod wise, I have been traveling with a Gitzo Traveler (love it, ’cause it’s rock solid, small and super light weight) and using a RRS BH 40 ballhead (super sweet gear). Tripod mounts very nicely on the R-103 (just gotta watch myself when turning around in tight spaces with it on my back, lest I whack some unsuspecting potential photo subject in the forehead).
Another thing, my friend. I think a sweet, comfy workspace is super inportant, and I wondered if you would mind posting a shot of your current set up. Again, I recall seeing a long time ago a shot of what I think was yours on that same interview I mentioned above. It was a white wooden desk, white wooden chair, a mac, etc. I could never find that link again, but recalled I really liked the desk setup because it had plenty of room for the computer, a printer, a wacom tablet, etc. and was still uncluttered. I think it was L-shaped. I have been scouring the net for good workstations because I plan to have one custom made here in Indonesia before I leave so I can take it with me.
Love all the changes to your website and all the great tutorials, tips and inspiration you put out!
Warmest Regards from Java;
Jacques
My wife is a floral designer of 20 years and I’m a newbie at photography. I am very interested in photographing her work and presenting it creatively. Thanks for your advice on software, equipment, and tutorials.
I have but one question. Which lense is best suited for this situation to use with a Nikon D90 body.
Jeff
Can you talk about which filters you reccommend or use?
Thanks,
PJ
Jacques and Chip – I will have to write a bit about how I travel with stuff and what I do on location – good idea!
Jeffrey – I can’t give you specific advice… It’s always fun to go to your local camera store and try out different lenses…
PJ – I just use a basic UV filter. Nothing special…
Hey there, Trey. Came across your site few weeks back and was an instant fan. Taking photos is one thing I like to do and one that I’d like to pursue at least as a committed hobby, if not professionally.
Saw some of the equipments you use and while I can’t afford any of them as of yet, and since I’m not doing it professionally, I bought myself a very beginner’s digital camera, if you must, which isn’t the SLR type (Nikon S16). But I thought it be a good place to start with, getting basic practices on picture compositions and what-nots.
Just to let you know that your work have become an inspiration…=D
oh..and I’ve linked you in my blog, if that’s ok with you..my friends have got to see what an inspiration your work is..thanks..
[...] yourself a DSLR (I have suggestions on my page that aren’t very expensive for people just starting out). For those of you who don’t know, [...]
[...] yourself a DSLR (I have suggestions on my page that aren’t very expensive for people just starting out). For those of you who don’t know, a [...]
The name of Nikons lenses is not nikon as you write in your posts, but it is “Nikkor”, maybe you should correct this so that it will be more easy to find them?
[...] yourself a DSLR (I have suggestions on my page that aren’t very expensive for people just starting out). For those of you who don’t know, a [...]
Hey Trey, thanks again for giving your presentation the other night and looking over my flickr for me. I see you have the D3X listed as your primary camera but I’ve noticed that you seem to still use a D2x quite a bit(thanks for not hiding your camera info). I’ve been contemplating upgrading my camera and I’d like to get a full frame sensor, too much noise on my small olympus sensor. I’d been thinking about the canon 5d until I saw a used d2x body for $1100. Seemed like the best bang for the buck. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks!
Well, I sold my D2X, but I have a lot of back-catalog stuff that I never processed…
I don’t know much about the Canon products — sorry about that!
Colin: D2X isn’t full-frame. For Nikon, only the D700/D3/D3X are.
As a PC guy who has often contemplated the move to Mac, I’d love to know more about your recommendations of an appropriate Mac setup for Photoshop work. Appreciate it!
Not bad, not bad.. definitely))
I have just a simple point and shoot digital and am beginning the process of researching for a ‘good’ camera …. I see you go with Nikon. My father has a portrait and wide lens (no idea the technical names) from the 70s … i’m wondering if those lenses will fit on the new nikon digital cameras?
Also, I’m wondering why you prefer Nikon over Canon …
I know you’re busy but even a totally brief answer to these questions would be so helpful as I begin my journey into better photography. =)
Thanks — I just got started with Nikon and have collected many lenses for it.. now that I am Nikon, I will likely stay Nikon!
It’s sort of a momentum thing because of the lenses.
Hello Trey, thanks for such good information. Like some of the other readers have mentioned I too would be very interested in how you travel with your gear…. bags / rucksacks etc
From my experience very few bags house a large pro camera like the D3X properly sould very keen to hear what you use???
Regards
David
Scotland UK
That is a good idea….I should post about my bags and stuff… in short, I take a BIG BAG with me on the trip and leave it in the room… then I take a SMALL BAG out shooting with me.
What, no mention of filters? I’m curious as to what filters you prefer, the brands, and why you chose those particular models.
Great site. Lovely images.
On your list there is no remote camera shutter release. So you do the timer?
Ta.
Trey I’d almost wanna say that a D90 is entry, and a D300 is mid. Almost for the bracketing features alone. IMO…..guess that’s what it always comes down too. Although if anyone is considering a D300 best to just wait till the upgrade hits. Shouldn’t be too much longer. At this point a D90 is practically a D300 with out the tougher casing and such. Noise levels and sensor is the same size so yea. Maybe my rambling just ran me in a circle lol.
[...] still experimenting with it, but so far, it’s just amazing. I’ve updated the “My SLR Camera Recommendations” page on my site, and I will add more about the lenses next [...]
[...] also created a new “My SLR Camera Recommendations” that lists out all my delish toys. Of course, everything links to B&H [...]
[...] I recently updated my SLR Camera recommendations as well on the site… in case you were lookin’ for [...]
I agree with your reviews, and Once I can justify/afford the cost, I will be moving from the D40 to the D700.
Just in case anyone cares, you CAN do HDR with the D40, I do, you just have to be SUPER careful not to move the camera when you change shutter speed….and do it fast. Clouds move faster than you think!
Thanks for the great work and great tutorials Trey!
question: got a D60 i know it doesn’t have autobraketing…
but u think it’s possible to make an HDR as well by using a tripod and changing the shutter speed manually for each picture???
THX…!
Thanks all.
Mike – Yes you can do that if you wish… you saw my HDR Tutorial? You can also make an HDR out of a single RAW too
Yes I saw your HDR tutorial, it was great, and even though I feel my photos are improving, it is always a great reference to have, so thanks again for writing it! Signed up for the newsletter too :O)
Hi Trey!
I aspire to shoot as well as you. Quick question;
Some of your photos you have people walking… how did you HDR them with out moving the camera but still keeping the people in focus.
ie the last picture above…
Thanks so much.
George – yes that mentioned in the HDR tutorial – you can see it there on the right. There is a later step that involves masking.
Hey Trey, i am really in love with your photography.
I just want some guidence from you. i want to learn photography. what is the best thing to start with? Which are the things that should be kept in mind before getting into photography?
Thanks Bhagwati – I appreciate it. I have another article you might enjoy over there on the right – 10 principles of beautiful photography
Trey, I love your pictures and your articles. The articles, because they make me a better photographer, and the pictures, cause they make me jealous and try to do better! Anyway, I spent all weekend climbing over rocks and such, and quickly realized a traditional camera bag is impractical for such activities. What kind of bag do you use to carry your camera/lenses/tripod around? I’m sure we’d all love to know!
Thanks a ton!
I have a lot of bags… I will review some in the future I think! But, my best advice is just to go to your local camera store and try a lot on!
[...] non-threatening and almost friendly. If you haven’t experienced it, have a friend point a big SLR camera with a big lens (complete with cavernous lenshood) at you: it’s not a hugely cuddly [...]
[...] the entire Amazon bestseller list or look at Trey’s SLR camera recommendations if you’re looking for something more [...]
Love your work!
I am TOTALLY new to DSLR and trying to make my 1st purchase. I’ve been reading about the D90 and D5000. Help me understand the difference between the two, since I will be keeping the camera forever (even if I change bodies later on down the line). The girl at the local camera shop said they are “basicly” the same, but one is newer and the other costs more. ???-kinda confusing. THANKS
oh, your page is at the top of my Favorites setting!
Hehe thanks
Well – sorry I can’t help with that. I have not used both cameras enough to give a solid recommendation one way or the other, I’m afraid.
…also, any thoughts on used and/or factory demo items from Nikon or just stick to new?
[...] SLR Camera [...]
Uggh. Martin, I’m with you. I was all set to get the D90, now this D5000 is popping up here and there. Trey, I noticed you changed your recommendation from the D90 to the D5000….any insight as to why? Anyone else have any input? Thanks so much!!
Im hovering with Martin and Sara between the D90 an D5000. Read somewhere that the main diff. lies in the focusmotor but cant find the article again. Anybody knows about this?
Fantastic work and site u have Trey…my mom wants a DSLR, consider that an achievement:-)
Hello, your HDR works are so inspirational!!!
I have one question. In your HDR images which contain moving subject like people and animals, are you done it with done single RAW shot? If taken in Auto Exposure Bracketing mode, for example if I take 3 different exposures for people walking in city, I will definitely end up with “ghost” problem. Yes, the cleaning can be done in Photoshop, and I did but it always look unreal. But yours, just perfectly align and seamless photo realistic! Please, any advice? Thanks in advance!
Thanks!
Ariefocus – yes there are a few things you can do… I have them outlined in the upcoming book — had not put them here in the website yet. But I know EXACTLY what you mean!
Hi there Trey, just recently started to take HDR shots and your site has been super useful – thanks for all of the great tips and pics.
I have one quick question. When watching your Walk Around with Trey video it looked like you cable release clicks/fits onto your flash mount. Can I ask what type of cable release you use that has this ability as its a useful way to transport it around the place.
Thanks again!
Trey – great site, great work.
Question – what type of bags/cases do you use for travel? I assume you check your equipment for flights? What about when you are out shooting abroad? Any recommendations would be awesome.
Thank you.
Greetings,
I have been researching HDR photography for a while now and, without a doubt, your images are head and shoulders above any others that I have seen. They are truly in a class by themselves. I will strive and hope to one day achieve your level of excellence.
Sincerely,
Kim Eakin
[...] talk about my Digital SLR equipment stuff here on the site, which is much more organized than the following Hawthornesque [...]
Trey,
How does the Nikon D3000 stack up against your entry level choice, the D40? Love your work, thanks.
Chad
Trey, I worked in commercial photography for 7 years awhile back and used lots of different tripods while assisting other photographers. Some were slightly better than others (at least in that league of equipment) and I remember using a Gitzo perhaps once and how smooth the leg slid and clamps worked. The real test of a tripod in the end was how well it did its job given the conditions in which it was used.
I agree that entry-level tripod you had was something you needed to trade up from but to pay over $700 for just the legs is way too much for the masses out there while having our fun with HDR. I would suggest you throw in there something mid-level so the step up is not so obscene! Around the $300 price point perhaps? People could well put the remainder in better lenses or a body upgrade (not the surgical kind, at least for that price!).
I have seen many, many people who were photo equipment ‘investors’ thinking that better and more expensive equipment will make them better photographers. (Don’t fear, I’m not counting you as one as you’ll see). These people swallow camera advertising hook, line and sinker. Only the newest and most expensive equipment will do and you can spot them in the office by how much more time they spend talking with each other about their equipment and all the functions included (they’ll never use) than the time they take shooting photos with it. (I mean, you use it a LOT!)
I always felt that everyone should view photographic prints, in person, produced by the greats such as Avedon, Adams and so many others who did so over 50 years ago. When you see the quality and beautiful imagery of those prints and contemplate the technology they used to achieve it, you realize that our magical mega-pixel digital machines are so far beyond what they could have imagined. Its all the proof you need to bust the myth that better equipment makes you a better photographer.
Practice, practice, practice is the only road to improvement for my money.
Thanks!
Chat – I am not sure mate… I’m not fully versed on that camera.
Michael – great points! You made them well.
Thank you for the inspiration… GREAT JOB!!!
LOVE your photos! They are really fantastic! Thanks for your tutorials and the photos – and for putting the really big size on Flickr! They make great wallpapers for my computers
How AWSOME are you pics??? I mean… they are REALLY cool
Have been reading your tutorial all afternoon… whilst i should have been working really… but thats no problem!
Am gonna head home and get my camera straight out and try to master this awsome trick…
Thank you sooooo much.
Safe travels!
Kelvin
[...] Digital SLR recommendations [...]
I like your choices for lenses. Must say that I have found the 105mm perfect for the macro and close-up work that I like to do. The D700 has proven to be an extraordinary camera for me; I still like my D300 for a backup. With the D700, my only reason for flash is fill-flash.
I found your blog about a week or so before Christmas and it helped me pick software and a camera. I was on a budget so I got the new Canon Powershot G11, rather than the Nikon D40, because it has autobracketing and shoots RAW and jpegs. I also picked up Photomatix Pro and am using it along with Photoshop CS4 and the still-image version of Magic Bullet Looks 1.2 (video color grading software). I’m really happy with my choices and am enjoying getting back into still photography again. The G11 makes it so easy to fire off 3 bracketed shots, and I can’t wait to get home and “cook up” an HDR! I’m going to check out your book also. I’d love to have a hard copy of those amazing images!
Amazing photography! Envy you.
This blog I find really interesting and will let others know about this
[...] Digital SLR recommendations [...]
An interesting addition to this would be a brief couple of paragraphs saying what you carry in different scenarios. When you did your Yellowstone shots and accompanying video, what was in your bag? When you go on a business trip and bring along your camera, what is in your bag. This is a tough thing for me. I am carrying my laptop and related things for work, but want to carry my camera as well. Just picked up the 14-24 yesterday and along with the D700, thats a lot of weight. Add a laptop and more and we are hitting back-breaking levels. Seeing what you are able to carry for different types of trips would be very interesting.
Hi Trey,
Have you ever done any lightening strike shots? If you have, have you ever heard of or used a lightening trigger? What is your opinion? Are they worth the $300?
Thanks for being a great source of inspiration for us all..
Michael..
Love the photos from Iceland, being Icelandic and used to the scenery, this really puts a new twist on it. Great work!
Leifur
Trey,
I’m just getting into photography and wanted to know in what order I should purchase to the software? I just bought a macbook pro and a dslr camera. What programs are a must have and which ones can I purchase down the road? Love your work!
Thanks,
Jeff
hello,
I was wondering what do you guys think about Olympus E-420?I have recently got a credit and I am in doubt whether to buy a Nikon D3000 or an Olympus e-420 with 2 sets of lenses or the third option would be a sony alpha 200.They all cost the same so what do you think?
Thank you
Thanks everyone.
I’ve recently updated this page with new info, and it should be better organized!
Jeff – It’s best to see my hdr tutorial for software suggestions at http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial
Ciub – sorry I don;t know much about the olympus or sony cameras!
[...] HDR Camera Recommendations [...]
I still think that the d300s deserves a spot here.
Hi Trey,
THanks for updating the recommendations page. I’m constantly agonising about which body and lens to get. I’m also interested in the 18-200mm lens. look forward to your review!
Those pictures are amazing! Thanks for the useful tips too. I have recently purchased the D90 and hope to click some good pictures soon.http://www.abt.com/product/37141/Nikon-D90OUTFIT.html
yep, new Nikon D90 user here to ! thanks for sharing your Nikon and HDR experiences !
Feels good to see you’ve got the Norwegian flag on your arm
Great article and beautiful work! For some reason, at least ever since you moved servers, all the links that follow the form http://www.stuckincustoms.com/links/... seem to go nowhere though. =[
Thanks! Yes we are getting that fixed right up !
Hey, just wanted to let you know that the link to Green Cube does not work
Yes yes – having many link problems since the move – working on that now
By the way, I have found another entry-level camera that is more compact, in case that “Good” option above is too expensive – the p6000 – http://www.stuckincustoms.com/links/Nikon-P6000-Amazon
I can’t totally recommend it though, because it does not have the flexibility in terms of lenses that the D90 does, which is not THAT much more expensive…
Trey,
A camera that does not come to mind for HDR but works awfully well is the new Leica M9. Dear yes, but the bracketing function combined with the mostly manual operation makes it ideal for out of hand HDR shooting at high speeds, and excellent from a tripod. Combined with the – yes also very dear – Tr-Elmar 16-18-21 mm or any 35mm it makes a super and easy to handle HDR package. Here is a picture I made during David Duchemin’s first “Italy Within the Frame” : http://sanderva.zenfolio.com/p1061140759/h3c0bdb11#h3c0bdb11
Photamatix used of course.
You might consider the Canon S90, which has the same (larger) sensor and many of the same features of the G11, but is way more pocketable (plus lower priced). It has auto-bracketing, full manual, and lots more.
Hi Trey,
Just wanna say thanks for bringing photography back to me. I started to get into photography a few years ago but got discouraged cause the photos i took never came out how i saw them. I read your tutorial and picked up my camera right away, went outside and shot some pics. I was really happy with how the photos turned out. Everywhere i go, my camera comes with me!
One thing i don’t like is the bracketing on a D80. You have to hold the shutter button to take all three pictures. you can’t set the camera to take all three on a single push, hopefully i am wrong and correct me if I am.
Thanks a million though
Phil
Thank you for sharing your information and techniques. Fascinating.
It has made me think of new possibilites. You work is fantastic. I would like to say though, that I do not think all photos should be HDR. In some cases it makes the photo homogenous with the whole frame being so vivid. In some cases, I belive it is too unrealistic to have the whole scene at its “best” lighting or settings. Sometimes the magic of natural reality lighting is enough. I am so drawn to your Chrismas image…….It hits and emotional chord.
Thank you again for your work.
Sandra Cannon
Thank you for sharing your information and techniques. Fascinating.
It has made me think of new possibilites. You work is fantastic. I would like to say though, that I do not think all photos should be HDR. In some cases it makes the photo homogenous with the whole frame being so vivid. In some cases, I belive it is too unrealistic to have the whole scene at its “best” lighting or settings. Sometimes the magic of natural reality lighting is enough. I am so drawn to your Chrismas image…….It hits and emotional chord.
Thank you again for your work.
Sandra Cannon
The 8th photo while scrolling down India/Temple/people walking…how can you do that in HDR with the movement of the people?
…also just wanted to say thanks for all the great info you provide on your site. i am new to photography and really appreciate the help. i just picked up your book, and look forward to going through it. i was really disappointed to miss your photowalk with the “Windy Pixel” guys when you were here in Chicago. any plans of coming back this way? Thank you.
Chance – Sure thing mate!
For the people-movement problem, see my HDR TUtorial at http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial
Would you consider the Canon S90 as a cheaper, lighter, smaller alternative for “Entry Level HDR” to the Canon G11? I’ve read they have the same sensor, have much of the same capability (esp. manual settings, auto-bracketing). I have the custom grip for mine, plus the RRS (tiny!) quick-release to fit my RRS quick-release base for my tripod. I use it only for RAW, together with the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport (which is hardly larger or heavier than the S90!)
One small typo in the “G11″ section above: will > well.
Thanks for the great content and tips on your site!
Given that I have Photoshop CS5 now (with its much improved HDR, esp. with ghosting help) as well as Photomatix, would you say there’s any compelling reason for me to still use Photomatix?
Thanks for the correction – I will fix that.
Photomatix is still better – especially 4.0 – I am working on a comparison now !
Trey, Any reason you can’t recommend the Nikon d300s? It seems to be a sweet spot price-wise. I’ve been auto-bracketing with my G9, so nice to see its offspring on your recommendation list.
[...] HDR Camera Recommendations [...]
[...] However, these are very expensive cameras and not needed for people just getting into HDR. I have some lower-level recommendations over at my website. [...]
What is your opinion of the Nikon D300s? I currently own a D200 and want to move on. Still trying to decide if a D300s is for me. Also, love the website and your images are fan-tas-tic!
Hi.
I think your pictures are AWESOME and I’ve also started experimenting with this technique.
I have a question and it would be really great if you could answer it.
I was wondering how did you manage to create an HDR picture of the icelandic horse ? Didn’t the horse move between the shots ? The same goes for the people at the Taj.
Sorry if this question might sound stupid for some reason, but I’m really a beginner and a little help would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance !!!
Trey,
Another aspect of doing some HDR on the move….I typically use my Canon 5D Mark II for HDR, but when I am on a bike touring trip, I use the Canon G11 to cut down on the weight on my bike. I use the 11 ounce camera with a flexible Gorilla tripod. This sure beats the 25 to 30 extra pounds of camera and tripod which is not only heavy but really awkward to carry on a bike unless you have panniers. Less weight, better biking. I’m taking it in August on a Bicycling Adventures trip to the San Juan Islands for six days of island hopping on my bike. Thanks for all the great tips and information. Angi
[...] first! Updated Camera Recommendations and Equipment List People commonly ask me how to get an "HDR Camera" (see link for recommendations). Well, I have to tell them that there is no such thing as an [...]
I use a Nikon d300 for shooting my hdr shots, I would highly recommend that it makes the list as well!
I appreciate what folks are doing with HDR and I am experimenting with it myself but I believe there is currently a tendency to over do it. If your intent is to create a SyFy colored world of the imagined based on images you take then I guess then you’re painting with light more than representing something closer to the true image, space and time. I see colors that really do not exist – a lot of day glo kinds of colors – shades I just don’t see in real life. Am I wrong?
[...] on of his HDR shots, and this sort of thing. As far as links we mentioned, you can go to the HDR Camera Recommendations and the free HDR [...]
[...] need a big expensive camera like that to make HDRs. I have good/better/best suggestions on my HDR Camera recommendations page. Chat Room friends who like all the details can click to zoom into the [...]
[...] swtiched to some Really Right Stuff tripod legs. They are awesome! I have them linked up on the HDR Camera Equipment [...]
Hi Trey,
I love your work, and HDR in general. I actually have a Canon PowerShot A560 – an entry-level point-and-shoot, without even a real manual mode – and have taken dozens of decent HDRs with it. It even has auto-bracketing! The key is CHDK, a non-destructive firmware enhancement for Canon cameras. CHDK loads into RAM from the SD card when you turn on your camera, and boom! gives you superpowers.
I just wanted to explain how it *is* possible to make HDRs with even a basic camera. Sure, the sensor and optics certainly don’t compare to a D3X – or a D90 – but it’s hardly impossible.
Cheers,
Derek
Any Canon DSLRs that you can recommend for HDR?