HDR + in Nexus 5 camera: what does the tool bring?

In the "HDR +" mode of the Nexus 5 camera app, Google uses a process that automatically improves the exposure of the photo subject. In the following article, we explain whether the tool can convince and what features it still contains. In our picture gallery you will also find photo examples with and without HDR +.

"HDR +" mode: the advantages

• If you have enough time to capture a subject perfectly, you should use the HDR + mode, because your pictures will be much better.
• This is mainly due to higher contrasts, sharper contours and more vibrant colors, which are optimally balanced by the different photos. You can see exactly what this looks like in our picture gallery.
• In order to achieve the best possible results, the camera app takes several pictures in different lighting settings.
• These images are later put together by an algorithm to form an image. The image is optimally re-exposed.
• Attention: Since the camera takes several pictures, an HDR photo takes approx. 2 seconds. As a result, the technology is not suitable for objects that move quickly.

How to take "HDR +" photos on the Nexus 5

• Open the camera app.
• Now either click on the circle at the bottom right or somewhere on the preview image.
• In the window that opens, select the "HDR +" button on the far left.
• Now the "HDR +" mode is activated.

You can find a direct picture comparison in our picture gallery. With the Nexus 5, you can also display the battery level in percent. You can find the details in this article.

Latest videos

In comparison: left without HDR +, right with HDR +.

Outdoor shot without HDR +.

Same motif with HDR +. The more natural colors are particularly striking.

Headphones without HDR +, the noise in the upper left corner is striking.

Same motif with HDR +, the image noise at the top left has disappeared, the whole image looks more natural.