Several responders have approached this alternative using the full capabilities of raw image data capture.
If you have determined how much raw-accessible dynamic range your camera has beyond the point at which the jpeg histogram frame indicates clipping (varies camera-to-camera, but usually is between one and three full stops of extra raw-accessible DR (ERADR) you may easily be able to avoid HDR.
Using the sensor's full available raw dynamic range, simply expose for the brightest possible image without clipping highlights, but coming as close to doing so as possible. The thumbnails will appear badly overexposed (as they WOULD be if they were jpegs) but in your raw converter will be easily tonally normalized by moving the Exposure slider to the left. A win:win technique: capture the absolute least possible noise, image data of the highest possible Signal-to-Noise ratio, and capture image data with the greatest potential breadth of creative and artistic interpretation...from high key to low key, and every variation in between. Every brightness level in the scene is captured with the highest number of photons possible...from the brightest highlight detail to the darkest of shadow details, and delivers the maximum tonal and color spectra permitted by the bit depth of image file.
Some call it a "digital negative" but it is much, much more than that. It is analogous to an unlimited collection of unprocessed latent images.
It's a real shame the camera manufacturers don't provide an in camera raw histogram! But there surely would be a prohibitive per-unit cost, given the variation in ERADR that occurs from sensor to sensor. So it's up to you to determine, by test exposures, the actual raw-accessible DR of your camera.
But give it a go: it's well worth the effort!
You'll like it.
Best regards,
Dave