Considering trying HDR: I am considering venturing into the HDR realm. I have been studying about technique, and think I have enough understanding to get started. My question is with...

jsimp3 Loc: Tennessee

I am considering venturing into the HDR realm. I have been studying about technique, and think I have enough understanding to get started. My question is with HDR software. I purchased a book which compared various applications, among them was the Photoshop CS3 version which was rated at the lower end of the scale. How does the CS5 version (which I have) compare to some of the leading HDR applications. Has the HDR in CS5 improved since the CS3 version?

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have used it without any problems but NIK Efex HDR is 5times better check it out, there is a 15 day trial
http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/entry.php

jsimp3 Loc: Tennessee

Thanks mborn I'll check it out

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

jsimp3 wrote:

I am considering venturing into the HDR realm. I have been studying about technique, and think I have enough understanding to get started. My question is with HDR software. I purchased a book which compared various applications, among them was the Photoshop CS3 version which was rated at the lower end of the scale. How does the CS5 version (which I have) compare to some of the leading HDR applications. Has the HDR in CS5 improved since the CS3 version?

Official CS6 will be released tomorrow,

http://www.adobe.com/special/cs6/launch-event-desktop.html

I totally agree with NIK software......great products and recommend their entire bundle. But for HDR I still prefer Photomatrix for it's ability to isolate ghosting and fix.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jsimp3 wrote:

I am considering venturing into the HDR realm. I have been studying about technique, and think I have enough understanding to get started. My question is with HDR software. I purchased a book which compared various applications, among them was the Photoshop CS3 version which was rated at the lower end of the scale. How does the CS5 version (which I have) compare to some of the leading HDR applications. Has the HDR in CS5 improved since the CS3 version?

I use Photomatix Pro, and I like it - very easy to use and very adjustable. After it processes the images, it gives me 12 to choose from, and I can modify those any way I like.

jsimp3 Loc: Tennessee

Thanks guys it seems Photomatix pro is very popular, does it actually integrate with Lightroom and Photoshop in their user faces, or does it open independently?

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

NIK HDR also has many presets that allow you to process as you please

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

jsimp3 wrote:

Thanks guys it seems Photomatix pro is very popular, does it actually integrate with Lightroom and Photoshop in their user faces, or does it open independently?

It works as a plug in and it operates independently.

wowbmw Loc: Grant, Colorado

Just yesterday I had an HDR composit that I started with the Nik application. The ghosting was not dealt with well at all. Ran the same images through photo matrix and it was very well rendered. Still like the Nik suite overall but just saying.

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Photomatix is a very easy HDR program to download and use (very user friendly and intuitive), and it also processes RAW files. I bought Photomatix Essentials ($39) and found it was all I needed for my limited use and experimenting. If you need more options, you can upgrade to Photomatix Pro for only the additional $60 cost difference later. Or, you can buy Photomatix Pro for $99.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jsimp3 wrote:

I am considering venturing into the HDR realm. I have been studying about technique, and think I have enough understanding to get started. My question is with HDR software. I purchased a book which compared various applications, among them was the Photoshop CS3 version which was rated at the lower end of the scale. How does the CS5 version (which I have) compare to some of the leading HDR applications. Has the HDR in CS5 improved since the CS3 version?

Go to stuckincustoms.com He specializes in HDR.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

nikonshooter wrote:

jsimp3 wrote:

Thanks guys it seems Photomatix pro is very popular, does it actually integrate with Lightroom and Photoshop in their user faces, or does it open independently?

It works as a plug in and it operates independently.

I'm using it as a stand-alone. How would I use it as plug-in for CS5?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DavidT wrote:

Photomatix is a very easy HDR program to download and use (very user friendly and intuitive), and it also processes RAW files. I bought Photomatix Essentials ($39) and found it was all I needed for my limited use and experimenting. If you need more options, you can upgrade to Photomatix Pro for only the additional $60 cost difference later. Or, you can buy Photomatix Pro for $99.

Oooh! I'm not sure I knew I could have gotten the Essentials for $39. Somehow I wound up with Pro.

DJ Mills Loc: Idaho

jerryc41 wrote:

quote=DavidT Photomatix is a very easy HDR progra... (show quote)

I have the Essentials version and am 100% happy with my purchase.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

djmills wrote:

I have the Essentials version and am 100% happy with my purchase.

You look very familiar. I remember someone who looked like you when I was growing up.