Create REAL HDR photos with PureShot version 2.0

Recently updated to version 2.0, my number 1 camera replacement app PureShot, now supports exposure bracketing. Whilst this update includes much more than just the 3-shot exposure bracket option (see full list below), it is this option, and this option alone that has exited me. Why? Well, this new feature opens up the world of real HDR to the iPhoneographer. Whilst there are other apps out there that create HDR images directly on the iPhone, these are generally created from just 2 images, whereas, PureShot captures 3. Now I know PureShot can't create its own HDR images, but with the aid of plugins like Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro 2 for Aperture or LightRoom, and a tripod like the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand, you can create impressive and more controllable HDR images on your computer, as my samples below show.

Above: Both photos were taken with PureShot and with the aid of a JOBY GripTight Micro Stand, before being processed by Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro 2 plugin for Aperture.

If you don't have access to the above applications, then you could try Mobile HDR. Mobile HDR is a universal app for your iDevice that lets you create HDR images from 3 photos, using the apps multilevel HDR processing engine. One thing you should note about Mobile HDR, and that is, the results can be a bit hit and miss with the alignment of the 3 frames.

Mobile HDR is available from the App Store, priced at £2.49/$3.99/€3.19, and features…

• three (3) frames multilevel HDR processing engine
• automatic and manual ghosts removal
• composition filters (Natural, Vignette, Dynamic, Vibrant, Sky Map™)
• anisotropic alignment for handheld HDR shooting
• HDR enhancement (tone mapping)
• post-processing color adjustment
• adjustable parameters
• automatic reference image detection
• 16 Mpx (and more) compatible

So, back to PureShot, and here is what's new and improved in version 2.0.

• The menu system has been redesigned for greater speed
• New background saving hugely extends the shot buffer
• New 3-shot burst and 3-shot exposure bracket options
• Maximize viewfinder for iPhone and iPod touch with 3.5-inch screens
• Loads of performance and efficiency tweaks
• Much, much more...

PureShot is available from the App Store priced at £1.49/$1.99/€1.59

One to watch: Tiny Collective's David Ingraham & Katarina Gavrilica

In the 5th and 6th instalment, Tiny Collective showcases two more of its "AROUND THE WORLD IN 9 DAYS" contributors, David Ingraham & Katarina Gavrilica.

Backup your photos with the i-FlashDrive from Photojojo

A few weeks ago the good folks over at Photojojo sent me a 16GB i-FlashDrive from PhotoFast to test out, and so having played around with the device, it's time to review.

Whilst there are larger capacity versions available (up to 64GB), Photojojo currently only sale the more popular 8GB 30 pin connector and the 16GB combo 30 pin/Lightning connector versions of the i-FlashDrive. These capacities should be more than enough for most iPhoneographers.

Nicely packaged, the i-FlashDrive is a breeze to set up. Simply connect the drive to your iOS device, and you will be prompted to go to the App Store and download/install the universal i-FlashDrive app. Having installed the app, simply launch to use. The i-FlashDrive app offers a simple menu that allows you to backup your contacts, view and manage the apps internal (iOS device) storage, the devices storage itself (8/16GB external storage), or, and this is a nice one, you can pair the i-FlashDrive with your Dropbox account, for easy moving of files and data between your iDevices and this cloud storage.

Moving, accessing and backing up your data. Whilst the i-FlashDrive can be used for storing and moving any type of data file, for me, and I'm sure many of you reading this post, it is the app and devices ability to move/backup photos and videos that are of key interest, and this task is so easy to do. Simply connect the i-FlashDrive, launch the app and tap on External Storage. The app will browse and list the files currently held on the i-FlashDrive, where you can…

1. Add new photos or videos from your iDevice. To do this, simply tap the + icon, select the source (library), select the photos/videos you want to copy/backup and copy them.
2. View/save photos, videos or any other file from the i-FlashDrive. Simply tap a photo/video to view, and then either tap the photo album icon (little flower) to save to your iDevice, or the export icon (arrow) to share via email, Twitter, Facebook or any of the other supported apps in the list.
3. Delete files. To delete, move or copy a file, simply tap the edit button, then the file, and select the action you wish to carry out on that file.

Using the i-FlashDrive with your computer. The i-FlashDrive is essentially a USB mass storage device with an Apple iDevice connector on the other end, and so is used like any standard USB pen drive.

So what do I think of the i-FlashDrive? Although some may consider the device a little pricey, it is small, very easy to use, and perfect for backing up your photos whilst away from home/your computer for long periods of time. For me, the i-FlashDrive is the perfect device to take on your travels and use to backup all your photos and videos. A couple of years ago I went to Egypt and sailed down the Nile, exclusively using my iPhone to capture the sights and sounds around me. For that trip I took and used my iPad to back up all my photos and videos. Now I had no need for my iPad, as I had no internet access for the whole of the trip, and so an i-FlashDrive would have been the perfect companion.

The i-FlashDrive is available from Photojojo priced at $99 USD for the 8GB drive and $149 USD for the 16GB drive.

As mentioned, the i-FlashDrive is available from Photojojo in two capacities, 8GB and 16GB. Both drives by default have a USB connector at one end, and Apples 30 pin connector at the other, with the 16GB device having the addition of a Lightning adaptor. So, if you like the idea of the i-FlashDrive, and have a newer model iPhone or iPad, and the 16GB drive seems a little too expensive, then you could opt for the cheaper 8GB drive and buy a cheap Lightning adaptor from eBay to make the 8GB drive compatible.

Coming soon: Analog Camera for iPhone from Realmac Software

Following the success of their to-do list app Clear, UK developers Realmac Software are bringing the same, simple, clean and intuitive interface to the photography category, in the form of Analog Camera for iPhone, and here is a taster of what's to come.

Clap to Snap with KLYPAPP from Manfrotto

KLYPAPP from Manfrotto has been developed to complement the companies KLYP case and support accessories (although it can be used independent of any of these accessories), and allows you to take pictures and videos by simply clapping your hands.

This FREE app features...

• Settings menu to control the App’s main functions (e.g. background noise level, delay time, number of snapshots to take, delay time between shots)
• Night mode to increase light sensitivity at night
• Virtual horizon button to help you stabilise your iPhone
• Editing menu that allows you to: crop the picture; enhance the colours; flip the image horizontally and vertically; adjust the saturation / contrast / exposure; regulate sharpness level
• Immediate sharing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and your email.

App Store Link: KLYPAPP; Price: FREE