Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) v15 just added one of the most exciting features since the creation of RAW processing itself: High Dynamic Range Output (“HDR” or “HDRO”). This name might be confusing because we’ve used the term “HDR” for years, but now that same name is being used for a completely different display technology. This involves hardware, it requires a monitor capable of a minimum brightness of at least 400 nits. And when you see it, it is nothing short of spectacular. It’s the most significant improvement in image display I’ve seen in decades.
HDR editing and display results in:
- Vastly greater dynamic range. Pixels are up to 4 stops brighter than anything before.
- Glowing city lights.
- Boosted brightness without losing saturation for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.
- Intricate details in the highlights for white clouds and flowing rivers.
See the video below for details on how to enable and use HDR in ACR 15.
If you’re on ACR 15.x, go to PS Prefs / File Handling / Camera RAW Preferences / Tech Previews, check “HDR output” and restart Photoshop. The latest versions of ACR do not require this for HDR support.
ACR also is a critical tool for opening HDR AVIF or “gain map” JPG images in Photoshop (PS). If you open direct into PS, the gain map will just render as an 8-bit SDR image. To open these images as HDR via ACR, go to PS Prefs / File Handling / Camera RAW Preferences / File Handling and set the JPEG/HEIC support to “automatically open all supported JPEGS and HEICS“.
Be sure to see the comprehensive resources at gregbenzphotography.com/hdr (including sample images, HDR screen tests, a free e-book, and much more).
