App Update: TrueHDR

A few days ago TrueHDR received a major update with two new capturing modes, as well as some other tweaks.

So what's new and improved?

• New rapid Autocapture mode - fully automatic and fast (with support for front facing camera!)
• New SemiAuto mode - more control, drag the exposure points around to get them just how you want
• Improved UI with easier access to Facebook, Twitter, email sharing
• Full support for front facing camera in all three modes (Auto, SemiAuto, and Manual)

Following on from my review of TrueHDR, I decided to give this update a quick test, to see if the app has improved.

The App

TrueHDR's home screen has now changed.  Set preferences and tips can now be accessed by tapping the gear or i icons found at the very bottom of the screen, with the new Autocapture and SemiAuto modes accessible from the main menu.

In Autocapture mode you are prompted to simply hold the camera steady, then tap the camera icon and let TrueHDR analyze the scene before taking the photos that will be use to create the final HDR photo.  When the photos have been taken, and the thumbnails displayed, simply tap merge and wait.  Sadly the wait time has not been improved by this update, so just as in my previous review, patience is needed with this app.

Opt for SemiAuto and you are prompted to tap the screen twice, once to pinpoint the light area of the scene, and once to pinpoint the dark area, but don't worry if you highlight the wrong areas, as you can easily drag the markers around the screen and reposition.  When done, simply tap the camera button, and just as with the other shooting modes, the app takes the photos, presents the thumbnails, leaving you to merge and save.

The other two modes have been renamed to "Manual Capture" and "Choose Pictures", but other than that, they remain unchanged.

Of the two new capture modes, it is SemiAuto mode that I prefer, allowing for more precise selection of the dark and light areas of the scene.

Above: Test shot taken using TrueHDR's SemiAuto mode. This sample shot does appear to be suffering from a slight halo effect, but for me does does offer a more pleasing exposure range compared to Apple's HDR Photography version below.Above: This shot was taken just seconds after the TrueHDR version, and whilst it offers good exposure range, I prefer the TrueHDR version compared to this one.

So what do I think of TrueHDR version 2.0?

The introduction of the Autocapture and SemiAuto modes has really boosted this apps appeal, making it a serious contender to Apple's own HDR Photography app, especially if you don't like the over done look that Pro HDR gives.

In addition to the above, TrueHDR will fully work on the new iPod Touch 4G, and whilst the results are low-res, it is the only HDR camera solution currently available, as Apple's own HDR Photography solution does not feature on the iPod Touch 4G!

The only downside I still have with this app, is the time it takes to merge the photos to create the end result.  That said, with these improvements I would now rate the app at 4.5 stars.

App Store Link: TrueHDR; Price: £1.19/$1.99/€1.59

Comments

[Zheka]

For me the only shortage in these apps is a lack of focus.

[Nicolas]

Thanks for this review, I will test TrueHDR, it seems to be a good-value for money.