HDR with Nikon D90
If you enjoy taking HDR images, then you know that the more exposure reference you have, the better HDR image result will be as transition is smoother and more realistic looking.
So how many exposure reference is needed? Between 3 and 9 is optimal depending on image scenario.
With Nikon D90 (or D80), bracketing has 3 options: 3F, +2F, and -2F. For better HDR work, always set +/-2EV for F.
So by default, D90 can achieve 0EV, -2EV, and +2EV in one setting (3F). This is my default option when doing casual HDR images. But for serious or really extreme scenario, I usually employ 9 exposures. Here's my step:
1) Use a tripod to minimize post-processing alignment.
2) Turn OFF Auto ISO and set a fix White Balance value (or shoot in RAW to fix WB later).
3) Use aperture-priority mode. For landscape work, f8 and above (smaller aperture opening) is recommended.
4) Make sure exposure compensation is set at 0EV. See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
5) Make your composition. Focus and then disable autofocus, if necessary.
6) Set bracketing to 3F 2.0. Or 3F 1.0, it's all up to you. See page 92 of Nikon manual.
7) Press shutter button 3 times to take your 1st 0EV, -2EV, and +2EV images. To minimize camera vibration, use ML-L3 remote control or use burst-mode to take 3 shots with one continued button press. See page 64 of Nikon D90 manual on release mode.
8) Change exposure compensation to -5EV (or -3EV for 3F 1.0 bracket mode). See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
9) Repeat step 7. This results to -5EV, -3EV, and -7EV images. Tripod is generally needed on this low-shutter speed region.
10) Change exposure compensation to +5EV (or +3EV for 3F 1.0 bracket mode). See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
11) Repeat step 7. This results to +5EV, +3EV, and +7EV images.
12) Merge images in your favorite HDR software (e.g. Photoshop, Photomatix, Picturenaut, etc.)
Notes:
1) It's best to work fast from steps 7 to 11 to minimize movements in the image like clouds, shadows, changing ambient light levels, etc.
2) Nikon D200, D300 and other high-end models can do 2-9 frames with just one setting but maximum EV is 1.0 only. So for D300 to take 4-stop range (-2EV, 0EV, +2EV), it has to take 5 exposures.
For any comments or suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!
So how many exposure reference is needed? Between 3 and 9 is optimal depending on image scenario.
With Nikon D90 (or D80), bracketing has 3 options: 3F, +2F, and -2F. For better HDR work, always set +/-2EV for F.
So by default, D90 can achieve 0EV, -2EV, and +2EV in one setting (3F). This is my default option when doing casual HDR images. But for serious or really extreme scenario, I usually employ 9 exposures. Here's my step:
1) Use a tripod to minimize post-processing alignment.
2) Turn OFF Auto ISO and set a fix White Balance value (or shoot in RAW to fix WB later).
3) Use aperture-priority mode. For landscape work, f8 and above (smaller aperture opening) is recommended.
4) Make sure exposure compensation is set at 0EV. See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
5) Make your composition. Focus and then disable autofocus, if necessary.
6) Set bracketing to 3F 2.0. Or 3F 1.0, it's all up to you. See page 92 of Nikon manual.
7) Press shutter button 3 times to take your 1st 0EV, -2EV, and +2EV images. To minimize camera vibration, use ML-L3 remote control or use burst-mode to take 3 shots with one continued button press. See page 64 of Nikon D90 manual on release mode.
8) Change exposure compensation to -5EV (or -3EV for 3F 1.0 bracket mode). See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
9) Repeat step 7. This results to -5EV, -3EV, and -7EV images. Tripod is generally needed on this low-shutter speed region.
10) Change exposure compensation to +5EV (or +3EV for 3F 1.0 bracket mode). See page 90 of Nikon D90 manual.
11) Repeat step 7. This results to +5EV, +3EV, and +7EV images.
12) Merge images in your favorite HDR software (e.g. Photoshop, Photomatix, Picturenaut, etc.)
Notes:
1) It's best to work fast from steps 7 to 11 to minimize movements in the image like clouds, shadows, changing ambient light levels, etc.
2) Nikon D200, D300 and other high-end models can do 2-9 frames with just one setting but maximum EV is 1.0 only. So for D300 to take 4-stop range (-2EV, 0EV, +2EV), it has to take 5 exposures.
For any comments or suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!
Comments
I do use the self timer on single shots (and a support like a rock or fencepost, etc. to minimize camera shake, but you are right about hdr.
Thanks a lot, I have one question though:
>>> "5) ... Focus and then disable autofocus ..."
How can I disable autofocus between shots, other than holding pressed AE-L/AF-L ?
AE-L/AF-L also works perfectly!
When you say: "disable AF first", do you mean:
- the camera focus-mode selector (AF / M) on M ?
- and the lens focus-mode switch ('A / M) on M ?
Your tutorial is really great, it is really helpfull, Thank you so much.
how many pictures should i merge?
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Loybuckz
1. select Menu...
2. select the pencil
3. select bracketing/flash
4. select auto bracketing set
5. select WB bracketing
When finished, hold bracket button down (left side of camera) and use both command dials to select 3F and how much + and - you desire.
If you can not see bracketing setting with the button held down while in WB bracketing (this happened to me)
then push the +/- and the AF button down at the same time for 3 seconds (these buttons are located at the top of your camera) After that you should be able to see it.
Oh and while in WB bracketing, continuous mode does not work. However, you only have to click once and you get your 3 exposures.
If you want to shoot raw, then you can not do it this way. Instead select AE bracket, Raw and continuous.
Per Nikon, something to consider is you don't get the best quality when shooting continuous.
mostly because they’re dull. You have written an
article that I find fascinating and I am glad I read it.
I hope you have plans to continue.
Keep it up.
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Great blog on taking HDR pictures with Nikon D90 camera and very informative for me as now I can use my Nikon D90 for HDR pictures also.
Really appreciate this post, extremely helpful and easy to comprehend.
Thanks!