Abstract In this work we analyze the results produced by high dynamic range (HDR) multi-exposure merging algorithms that handle motion artefacts. Within this analysis, we introduce the criteria for the evaluation of these algorithms. In order to perform a comprehensive evaluation we propose a dataset categorized into different types of scenes,each posing a challenge for the evaluated algorithm. For the analysis, we select and customize a tone-mapping operator (TMO), which minimizes a chance for TMO artefacts and allows us to inspect resulting HDR images on a conventional sRGB display. We show the results of five state-of-the-art algorithms evaluated based on the proposed criteria by performing expert evaluation analysis and draw a conclusion for each of these algorithms.