One of the biggest disadvantages of owning a non-Nexus device is the fact that OEMs have been having a difficult time keeping with Google's OS updates for Android. As always, the vast Android developer community had stepped up to the plate, releasing custom ROMs based on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, one of the most popular of which is CyanogenMod 10.1.

Already boasting an amazing set of features, CyanogenMod developers have now added an HDR mode to the stock CM camera app, which (to some extent) mimics the HDR camera functionality of the Nexus 4. HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode allows for higher quality images by following the process of taking three pictures with different exposures (minimum, neutral, maximum) and rendering them together to form the “perfect” image.

Since a lot of devices are supported by CM 10.1, some users may find some issues with the functionality of HDR mode, depending on the quality of the camera you're phone has. Here's a list of guidelines you should be aware of before jumping in to using this mode:

• The images are extremely sensitive to movement or vibration, and so the use of a tripod or stand whenever possible is recommended. 
• Action shots and moving objects will render poorly on lesser camera hardware, especially those with slow shutters.
• Since three images and rendered into one, the longer it takes to take those three pictures, the worse the render will be.

Of course, if you're worried about wasting space taking three images at a time, the three “intermediate” pictures are deleted, with only the final render being saved. HDR mode is ideal for anyone with a mid-range to high-end device, and is particularly suited for smartphone cameras which feature zero shutter lag.

If you run CyanogenMod 10.1 on your device, and have tried out the latest HDR camera functionality, do share your experiences in the comments section below!