HDR Gear of the Year 2009

Even though we saw the unique implementation of in camera HDR capture by both Pentax and Sony models, I have to tip my hat to the Promote Control as the “HDR Gear of the Year” award.  It allows even entry level DSLRs become HDR capture machines that exceed the capabilities of even the highest end Nikons and Canons.

Promote Control

I first touched on the Promote Control last summer and then followed up with another post about it and created a couple of video tutorials showing the product and its features.  My last post about it and what it does is linked here:
http://hdriblog.com/promote-control-turns-ordinary-dslrs-into-hdr-capture-machines/

The device’s unique benefit (besides the HDR and Timelapse modes themselves) is how you can sell off your current Nikon or Canon body and flip to the other system and still be able to use the Promote Control on that supported camera body (see their site for list of compatible models).  Another interesting fact is you can buy say a Nikon D40 which has NO in camera AEB support at all and simply attaching the promote control changes all that.  Suddenly cameras which were crippled with no AEB or only 3 AEB are able to capture wider ranges and with more control over the settings.

That said, it is important to understand you are still limited by your camera’s mechanical capabilities. If your camera’s shutter speed can’t go faster than say 1/2000 or 1/4000 of a second for example, then you obviously can’t take as wide of a capture as a camera that can go to 1/8000 of a second.  It’s just common sense and only becomes a real issue if shooting in very brite sun and/or wide open.

What I neglected to cover in the post this summer was the Promote Control also sports a Timelapse Mode (separate from HDR mode).  Some folks who bought on my recommendation later emailed me with thanks for getting them to buy the Promote Control simply because they were loving the timelapse feature that their cameras don’t provide.  As a side note, even though the older Canon 5D (original) is not supported for HDR Capture using the promote control, that 5D can however use the Promote Control’s “Timelapse” mode.  Just an FYI worth noting ( I used to have a 5D and loved it ).

A feature the developer is aware of that I and others have requested is HDR Timelapse.  Currently you can do Timelapse or you can do HDR Capture, but not both.  The workaround is to daisy chain two Promote Controls together in order to get HDR Timelapse, but that is of course expensive.  Basically one Promote Control has settings for Timelapse, the second HDR.  The developer has addressed the demand for this feature and has committed to taking a serious look at implementing it in a future firmware update (maybe… as in maybe they can or maybe they can’t pull it off), but they are aware of the desire for it from current customers and potential customers.  If that is a deal breaker for you, then email them saying you’d buy it if it was available and maybe they’ll act faster!

Personally I am spoiled by the fact that the D3 can do HDR Timelapse natively, but it would be nice if I could use the Promote Control instead because the D3 is limited to 9 AEB +/-1EV for HDR Capture (which is the equivalent of 5 AEB +/-2EV).  Now that may sound like a lot of range, but for shooting real estate interiors on the beach, it isn’t enough for shots with windows in frame combined with dungeon dark living space.  Each range by itself without the other is generally a full 5-9AEB +/-1EV.  So if the Promote Control can get a firmware update to HDR Timelapse, I’ll be a happy camper.

A great device for HDR Capture Mode and Timelapse Mode as is though.  Highly recommended for HDR captures.