True HDR adds a third exposure and fine tuning of your photos
True HDR (U.S. $1.99) has always been one of the best third party HDR (High Dynamic Range) apps for iOS. Apple includes an HDR feature with the built-in Camera app, but it really doesn't measure up to dedicated apps.
The new version 3 of True HDR takes and analyzes three exposures rather than two for better dynamic range. Thanks to changes made in iOS 8, you can now control focus and exposure independently, and the actual photo capture speed is much improved. You just hear one click when you take your picture, but three photos -- all at slightly different exposures -- are taken. The increased capture speed will be great for any objects that might be moving, but this is not an app for sports photography with fast moving subjects.
When you are taking your photo, you can superimpose a grid on the scene to help you keep the camera level and as an aid to composition. True HDR has added a bracket slider so you can control the exposure range manually, and there is also a color histogram to help you set the center exposure.
There are sliders to fine tune the image after you take it, offering control of vibrance, highlights, shadows, contrast and brightness. In addition, there are filters that can change the look of your image. I thought the black and white pre-set was particularly effective.
The photos I captured with the app looked good. HDR photography works best when there are deep shadows and bright areas as well. I tested the app both outside and shooting from a darkened room into a bright window, focused on the scene outside. That's a tough test for any photo system. The image looked good, and it was far superior to Apple's own solution.
Apple has made HDR quite popular among casual photographers. It's not for every photo, but when the conditions are right HDR can make the difference between having a photo you keep or one you toss. True HDR gives you some control over how your photo will look, or you can leave everything to be done automatically. The post photo settings are good, and the filters -- although limited in number -- are of good quality.
If you already have True HDR, the update is free. If you are looking for a good HDR app, True HDR will do a nice job for you.
True HDR requires iOS 8 and it's a universal app. It is optimized for the iPhone 5, 6 and 6 Plus.
