P#18 Q2A: What Type of Camera, Lenses and Accessories Do I Need for HDR High Dynamic Range Photography?
In this portion of his 7 Photography Questions interview, Tony Sweet outlines your HDR high dynamic range equipment shopping list
Everyone knows that photography isn't a cheap hobby or profession, and HDR high dynamic range photography is no exception to that rule. We asked Tony Sweet what equipment is essential for doing HDR. The shopping list he provided wasn't as long as you might think.
The Basics of HDR High Dynamic Range Photography Equipment
Tony Sweet: You need a camera that can bracket, or at least have there be a manual capability to bracket, to at least plus two and minus two.
Any lens will work. Most people that shoot HDR a whole lot just carry two or three lenses. I, for example, carry a 14-24mm full frame with the Nikon D3 and 24-70mm and 70-200mm. I also carry a fisheye, depending on the situation that I'm shooting in. Those four lenses are all that I really need.
Audri Lanford: Are there any accessories that you need?
Tony Sweet: Software. I consider that an accessory or tool of the trade in HDR high dynamic range photography.
Photomatix is the software of choice. There are others, but the main two are Photomatix and a program called FDR Tools.
The tone mapping capability that gives you the look you see in HDR images is much better in Photomatix. Every pro I know uses Photomatix.
In Closing
Fortunately, it seems that HDR photography doesn't have to break the bank. Many people think HDR must be very expensive. Tony Sweet's answer was pleasantly surprising. A camera with proper bracketing abilities, two or three good lenses and Photomatix software are all you really need to do HDR high dynamic range photography.
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