First try with in camera HDR

[eccs19]

I've never tried in camera HDR. I've only ever really tried HDR a couple of times. I know there are a couple of things with it. I wasn't thinking when I did this, and shot it wide open, and the lighting wasn't that great either. I think when the sun gets lower in the sky, I'll try it again, as I think the scene makes a good subject if the lighting will cooperate. Sometimes out that way, I get a nice red sky.

 

[Heck]

In camera HDR sounds like a gimmick and by looking at this shot tells me that it is not very good. HDR can look great but I feel it has to be done by hand and every photo has to be treated differently. Granted I am no expert and only played with HDR myself a few times but that is just my view on it.

 

[Overread]

I've seen a lot worse done by auto software and many of the colours almost look a little dull as opposed to highly strong, often a result of auto software HDR programs.

However you can see some of the limits of the auto software - a light halo of light around the trees (more clearly visible on the large main tree against the sky). The problem (as I understand it, correct me if I am wrong) is that the in camera HDR will only give you a single photo as a result - far more limiting since correcting a halo is far easier if you have the individual shots and can manually fix the halo.
I would say its fine for a quick shot, but for more serious work I would take the shots manually and then at least use in computer HDR software where you have more direct control or take full control and work it manually.

 

[eccs19]

The problem (as I understand it, correct me if I am wrong) is that the in camera HDR will only give you a single photo as a result...

That is correct, I did only get one photo, but the shutter did fire 3 times, so I know it did actually take 3 exposures and blend them. Next time I'll try doing it by software.

 

[robitussin217]

Was the range so dynamic to merit HDR? In-camera HDR may do well when, like you said, the sun is lower.