Using Canon's In-Camera HDR Feature And How It Works

On this video James Peterson from Digital Camera World looks at using in-camera HDR on some of the new Canon DSLR.

On this video Peterson asks two questions – the first is how to best take advantage of the (relatively) new Canon in-camera HDR mode and is it actually worth using.

Peterson starts with how to actually use this mode. The HDR mode takes 3 different images (each with a different exposure). Once done it takes about 10 seconds for the camera to create the finished JPEG image. Inside the HDR menu you have 2 main options you can consider:

Adjust dynamic range – auto/ 1 stop/2stops/3stops.
Effects – natural, art standard, art vivid, art bold, art embossed (each has several levels).

According to Peterson the auto mode seems to work fine for most situations.

There is a build in align feature which will helps you to shoot hand held (but make sure your subject aren’t moving and that you are as stable as possible). Otherwise try and use a tripod.

Although you get a JPEG image you do have an option to save the original RAW images (if you choose to post process them later on.

The open question remains – how does all of this compare to a dedicated HDR post processing. Obviously you don’t have the same flexibility as a full blown software but Peterson, who claims he was initially sceptic, admits that he loved the ease of use and the ability to let go of the tripod and shutter release cable and just shoot HDR in camera.

What is your experience with Canon’s new in camera HDR feature – let us know in the comments blow.

You can find many more helpful photography tips on our Photography tips section here on and LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.