Merge to HDR/Available Memory Query

G
Posted By
GarethGlynn
Jan 13, 2007
Views
306
Replies
4
Status
Closed
Any one else running into this: In Photoshop, when you go File/Automate/Merge to HDR, after selecting the files, there’s an option to let HDR try to automatically align images. Photoshop huffs and puffs for a minute or two, and then I get a "not enough available memory" error message. I’ve boosted Photoshop’s available memory to 100%, the cache is at 8, I’m not running *anything* else, so I should have just shy of 2GB RAM available. In addition, I have 200+ GB of scratch disk space available, so at this point I am clueless. Any ideas?

2 GHz Intel Core Duo iMac, 2GB RAM, OSX 10.4.8

TIA,

Gareth
Related Tags
hdr memory merge

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OO
Omke_Oudeman
Jan 13, 2007
First try to set available memory from 100 to 70 %, your system needs also RAM.

Second, I don’t know the automatic alignment option in HDR merge but it is always better to use a steady tripod and cable release for the shutter. Set AF to manual and use shutter speed for going from +3 to -3 stops. In this case you don’t need the automatic alignment option at all.
G
GarethGlynn
Jan 14, 2007
Already tried that, Omke. I started at 70% and it wasn’t working, which is why I tried 100. And yes, I was using all the recommended options/settings for taking the photos in the first place, but even a steady tripod tends to move when you’re out on top of a twelve story roof in Chicago when the wind is gusting at 40mph. 😉

Any other thoughts, Omke? Anyone???
R
Ram
Jan 14, 2007
Gareth,

100% will NEVER work with only 2GB of RAM. You’d have to be at around 6GB of installed RAM in order to do that.

Try 60%, and set your cache levels to 4.
OO
Omke_Oudeman
Jan 14, 2007
Gareth

I support the advise from Ramón but beside that,

I only use HDR for inside capture with a great contrast between the shadows inside and the highlights trough the windows from outside.

Assuming you did use RAW you can achieve good result with using just 1 RAW file and develop this with a light and dark version and merge both files (they obviously fit perfect because it is the same file) together to one image. I do have an action for this, if you are interested I can share it with you.

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