>HDR

Hi /p/ I am curious about HDR and getting the best results

Is it better to merge RAW files or jpgs?

Raw files are obviously more flexible than jpgs but they are also flat and pretty lifeless

On the other hand.. jpgs are not as flexible and processing them can be destructive but they are also are more contrasty with punchier colors (I also shoot Fuji and the film simulations are fantastic)

HOWEVER, when you merge to HDR the resulting file can be up to a 32bit tiff that I am assuming holds all the information of all the files merged BUT ALSO the file created depends directly on the files merged (for example, RAW files merged will still create a more dull looking image)

What I have also noticed is, the merged photos seem to average the flexbility between the file across all the files merged, by this I mean... Even if you merge a highly under exposed image (that retains highlights) it does not mean that you will retain ALL the highlight detail in the HDR file..

Curious to know how others approach this, thanks.