Sony Sky HDR App
Posted: Sat 19 Dec 2015, 08:54
I have just seen this new app from Sony which is intended to make ND graduated filters obsolete. It works by combining two separate exposures, where one is biased for the sky and the other for the rest of the scene. It differs from conventional HDR methods as the photographer has control over where the division between the two exposure occurs, just as happens with a physical filter and there is no processing to compress tones. The exposure set at the taking stage is the one used in the final image, which can be output as JPEG or Raw. Of course, there is nothing to stop the photographer taking two or more exposures and combining them later in post capture processing, which might prove more convenient than Sony's solution. That does assume some knowledge of using Photoshop so might not suit everyone.
My first thought when knowing that it was an app was that everything would be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet, but the accompanying video suggests that everything is controlled within the camera. In other words, the app is installed into the camera's firmware and is only compatible with the Sony models specified. Other manufacturers, mainly Fuji and Olympus although Canon also did it with the first generation 7D, have added new functionality via firmware upgrades, but this is the first time I have seen a new feature offered as a paid for option. This could be the future, with manufacturers supplementing revenues by developing apps to allow greater customisation of cameras. Alternatively, someone might simply integrate more advanced features as standard to gain advantage in a competive market.
https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/ ... _00-000017
My first thought when knowing that it was an app was that everything would be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet, but the accompanying video suggests that everything is controlled within the camera. In other words, the app is installed into the camera's firmware and is only compatible with the Sony models specified. Other manufacturers, mainly Fuji and Olympus although Canon also did it with the first generation 7D, have added new functionality via firmware upgrades, but this is the first time I have seen a new feature offered as a paid for option. This could be the future, with manufacturers supplementing revenues by developing apps to allow greater customisation of cameras. Alternatively, someone might simply integrate more advanced features as standard to gain advantage in a competive market.
https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/ ... _00-000017