The release of Apple’s latest iOS provides the new iPhone 4 with HDR photographic capabilities, and we have covered a method of enabling the older iPhone 3G & 3GS with HDR yesterday.
But if you have a mobile running Android 2.2, you also have the ability to take HDR photos using the new APIs included in the OS update that allow apps to control exposure settings.
Unfortunately, developers have yet to release software that uses these APIs fully at the moment. But don’t worry, there are alternatives for the short term that go some way to creating HDR photo features.
Photo Enhance Pro: A Viable Alternative
1. The Photo Enhance Pro app uses HDR tone-mapping techniques to add detail to your images. The results are very natural and the closest (so far) you can get to the iPhone results. This isn’t real HDR, but software simulating HDR edit using a single image.
Photo Enhance Pro is £3, around $4.60. Its smaller brother Photo Enhance is free, but lacks the hi-res features.
Photo Enhance Pro is particularly useful for those who want to improve their photography without investing in expensive equipment. The app’s tone-mapping techniques can bring out details in shadows and highlights, making your photos look more dynamic and visually appealing. While it may not offer true HDR, it provides a significant improvement over standard photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Camera 360 Pro: A Comprehensive Camera Replacement
2. The Camera 360 Pro app is a total camera replacement app for Android. Among its myriad of features (including tap-to-zoom) is an HDR setting that, like Photo Enhance, uses tone-mapping to fake the HDR look.
Camera 360 Pro is $4. The non-Pro version is free, but lacks some extra effects.
Camera 360 Pro stands out not just for its HDR capabilities but also for its extensive range of features. The app includes various shooting modes, filters, and editing tools that can transform your mobile photography experience. The HDR setting, while not true HDR, does a commendable job of enhancing photos by balancing exposure and adding depth. This makes it a versatile tool for both amateur and professional photographers.
In addition to these apps, there are other emerging solutions in the Android ecosystem that aim to bring HDR capabilities to older devices. As developers continue to explore the potential of the new APIs, we can expect more sophisticated HDR apps to become available. For now, Photo Enhance Pro and Camera 360 Pro offer practical alternatives for those eager to experiment with HDR photography on their Android devices.
It’s worth noting that while these apps provide a semblance of HDR, they do not replace the quality and precision of true HDR photography. True HDR involves capturing multiple exposures and combining them to create a single image with a high dynamic range. However, for casual photographers and those looking to enhance their photos quickly, these apps offer a convenient and effective solution.
As mobile photography continues to evolve, the line between professional and amateur photography tools is becoming increasingly blurred. With the right apps, even older devices can produce stunning images that rival those taken with more advanced equipment. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, the world of HDR photography is more accessible than ever.
Via Wired
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