How to Make a HDR with a Nikon D80

A tripod balances your Nikon for the exposures you'll need.

High dynamic range, or HDR, requires three different exposures melded together to create the HDR image. To create the HDR, take one underexposed image, one overexposed image and one image that is correctly exposed.The Nikon D80 makes it possible to take shots using the bracket feature set to different exposures. Using this method, you create a true HDR with your Nikon camera.

Things You'll Need

• Tripod
• HDR software

Instructions

1. Set the camera securely on a tripod to ensure that the three images are identical.

2. Put your camera in "P" or Program Exposure mode on your dial.

3. Press the Bracket button on the left of your camera and change your exposures to

   -2. This will bracket the next three shots at exposures of -2, 0 and 2.

4. Set your camera to Auto Focus and point and focus on the object you are going to use to create your HDR. Once the object is focused, switch your camera to Manual so the camera won't try to re-focus after the first shot.

5. Press and hold your shutter-release button until you hear three shots have been taken.

6. Upload the three shots. Use software to map the shots together. Both HDRSoft and CNET offer downloads of HDR software to map the exposures together.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the object is focused switch your camera to Manual so the camera won't try to re-focus after the first shot.

References

• Digital Photo Experience; Bracketing for HDR with Nikon DSLRs; Rob Knight

Resources

• HDRSoft: Photomatix
• CNET: HDR PhotoStudio