The A500 arrived in the middle of the week and playing here and there as I still work full time (9AM - 6PM). The built-in HDR is fun as I do 99.99% JPG, it seems it will further cut my PP. I played briefly only with Photomatix when it first surfaced but not my thing as it requires more time in front of the PC. After some playful shots, noticing that brighter HDR shots are much cleaner noise-wise which should be expected as darker tones breeds noise. The question is whether the clean up is at the expense of details. Will see.

Some quick snaps at wide open below for initial look into this HDR mode. The subject was under the shade and overall light condition at mostly cloudy with the sun peeking from time to time. Only problem so far is that slight subject movement creates ghosting in HDR (now on par with Canon 7D :)). Initial look on noise seems ok up to ISO1600 which I seldom use and it seems it can take BIF shots as well. Will play some more for a better feel this weekend (the wife allowed me 3 hrs this Saturday, with 1 hr walk with her and yes, 2 hrs for me :).)

DRO at Auto
http://art4less.smugmug.com/2009-Images/A550-Test-Shots/8x6DRODSC00648/704755185_nPtqJ-O.jpg

In-camera HDR
http://art4less.smugmug.com/2009-Images/A550-Test-Shots/8x6HDRDSC00647/704755199_2UocT-O-1.jpg

Quick PP of the HDR shot
http://art4less.smugmug.com/2009-Images/A550-Test-Shots/8x6DSC00647/704755173_hMkEa-O-1.jpg

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Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
Cheap Lens, JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.