Color Mode

The Color Mode setting controls how the color image is computed. Color Mode setting has the following possible values:

ToneMapping
Automatic

ToneMapping uses all the acquisitions to create one merged and normalized color image. For multi-acquisition HDR captures the dynamic range of the captured images is usually higher than the 8-bit color image range. Tone mapping will map the HDR color data to the 8-bit color output range by applying a scaling factor. Tone mapping can also be used for single-acquisition captures to normalize the captured color image to the full 8-bit output. When using ToneMapping the color values can be inconsistent over repeated captures if you move, add or remove objects in the scene.

Automatic is the default option.
Automatic is identical to ToneMapping for multi-acquisition HDR captures with differing acquisition settings.

For single-acquisition captures, tone mapping can be used to brighten dark images.

Single acquisition capture with Color Mode set to Automatic (no tone mapping)

Single acquisition capture with Color Mode set to ToneMapping

For multi-acquisition HDR tone mapping can be used to map high-dynamic-range colors to the more limited dynamic output range.

Single acquisition capture of the first of three HDR acquisitions with Color Mode set to Automatic (no tone mapping)

Single acquisition capture of the second of three HDR acquisitions with Color Mode set to Automatic (no tone mapping)