So I got my little hands on the developer gold and master edition of iOS 4.1 this morning (thanks bewareofthephog) and decided to do a quick test of the new feature I was most excited about: HDR photography. I’ve been using photoshop for years to create HDR images and thus was immediately curious how easy and well executed Apple’s solution would be. This was an extremely limited test if you can even call it that. I’m not trying to review the full feature but give my first impressions.

Firstly, the process was ridiculously simple, tap a button in the camera app and done.

Secondly, the only noticeable difference between HDR and taking a standard picture was a small delay (maybe 3 seconds) while it processed the image, which is to be expected.

Lastly, the results we’re astounding. I mean, this isn’t National Geographic quality for sure or even the same quality when an amateur such as myself uses photoshop and my Canon 30D. However, the simple fact that this technology is available in the phone I keep in my pocket all the time is amazing. The iPhone 4 revealed the best camera available on a phone we’ve seen to date, and this has widened the gap even further.

Sample images:

(I don’t think I need to waste time labeling them before and after. Results speak for themselves)