HDR Efex Pro vs. Photomatix Pro
Sep 30, 2011 17:44:00 #
Am looking to experiment in HDR and looking for advice on choosing between Efex Pro or Photomatix Pro. Would appreciate any views. Likes/dislikes; problems? Have looked at luminescentphoto.com's blog, but would prefer anyone's experiences on the subject. Thanks.
Sep 30, 2011 19:09:58 #
HEART wrote:
Am looking to experiment in HDR and looking for advice on choosing between Efex Pro or Photomatix Pro. Would appreciate any views. Likes/dislikes; problems? Have looked at luminescentphoto.com's blog, but would prefer anyone's experiences on the subject. Thanks.
I have HDR Efex Pro, and really like it. I find that the program is very intuitive, and easy to work with. I have not used Photomatix Pro. As was pointed out in a previous discussion, HDR Efex Pro is a Plug-in (I use it in Lightroom), whereas apparently you can get a stand-alone version of Photomatix Pro. I have posted some waterfall images that I processed with HDR Efex Pro here previously. The following is an article in Outdoor Photographer where they compared the top HDR programs, and processed the same images. I hope this helps.
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/more-gear/short-reports/hdr-software-roundup-and-review.html
Oct 1, 2011 06:09:16 #
Photomatix allows you to use a trial version of its software without any expiration date. (The trial version inserts the Photomatix logo onto any pictures you create, though.) I'm presently toying around with the trial version and have pretty much decided to purchase Photomatix because it does everything I want a HDR program to do. Anyway, give the Photomatix trial version a try and see if you're as pleased with the results as I am.
Oct 1, 2011 06:37:52 #
I have both HDR Efex and Photomatix, I prefer Photomatix over HDR Efex only because I get strange anomalies in HDR Efex which I don't get in Photomatix. Otherwise Ilike both but favor Photomatix.
Oct 1, 2011 07:21:40 #
I have both Photomatix and HDR Efex, and prefer using Photomatix. The one feature that Photomatix has that Efex does't is the ability to remove an object that moved in your photograph (like a person who walk into to a frame).
Oct 1, 2011 07:33:19 #
I also have them both. Photomatix is pretty much the standard software for HDR but there are others that can compete and HDR Efex Pro is one of them. There is a steeper learning curve to EP though because there is more to it. It is also CPU intensive, so make sure you have some serious beans in your computer power. But, the ability to place control points for adjustments is great so you don't have to, say, increase the contrast of the entire image versus just the sky where it's needed. One thing that I have noticed using several different HDR programs is that each one seems to result in a slightly different overall HDR look, so post processing the HDR is something to be considered.
Oct 1, 2011 08:59:18 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
I have been testing quite a few HDR programs, each has it's own strengths and as arphot mentioned, each will give a different "look" to the merged image.
Stylizing after the fact is highly recommend after the merge with PS, or paintpro, etc.
Download a few trial versions and run the same set of your images with each, be sure you label in the file name which program did what and then view them and decide which seems to be giving you a personal vision.
There is a program called Photoengine that has great possiblities. (just to muddy up the decision making :))
Stylizing after the fact is highly recommend after the merge with PS, or paintpro, etc.
Download a few trial versions and run the same set of your images with each, be sure you label in the file name which program did what and then view them and decide which seems to be giving you a personal vision.
There is a program called Photoengine that has great possiblities. (just to muddy up the decision making :))
Oct 1, 2011 09:07:26 #
I have got good results from these. Each are less expensive than Efex or Photomatix
http://www.everimaging.com/
http://mediachance.com/hdri/index.html
http://www.everimaging.com/
http://mediachance.com/hdri/index.html
Oct 1, 2011 10:12:38 #
MikeWadd
Loc: Bristol, TN.
I have both Nix and Photomatix. I use the Nix more because I canuse only 1 photo, where in Photomatrix it takes a minimum of 3 bracked photos. Both have free trial downloads. Nix is 30 days and Photomatrix is unlimited, but, all photos are watermarked. Buy the program for $100.00 and the watermarks go away. Try 'em see which one you like
Oct 1, 2011 18:11:10 #
Actually, you can process single images in Photomatix Pro, too. But, that never results in a color rich, high dynamic range image that can match one created from multiple images. No way that software can add details to shadows or highlights if that data is not present (usually not in a single image, ergo why bracketed exposures are used).
Let's further muddy it up and suggest that you look into HDR Express. It creates very realistic HDR images. I use both Photomatix Pro and HDRExpress, like them both. I use HDRExpress when I am in a hurry, I use Photomatix Pro when I really want to control the image.
Let's further muddy it up and suggest that you look into HDR Express. It creates very realistic HDR images. I use both Photomatix Pro and HDRExpress, like them both. I use HDRExpress when I am in a hurry, I use Photomatix Pro when I really want to control the image.
Oct 1, 2011 21:38:01 #
Oct 1, 2011 21:40:09 #
Tippootib - Thanks so much; I think the Photomatrix may be the solid choice. Best of success!! Thank you!!
Oct 1, 2011 21:41:49 #
Thanks for affirming the option for Photomatix, Tippootib! Super tips! Thanks.
Oct 1, 2011 21:43:16 #
Adubin - Another user pointed a similar issue with Efex. Thanks for the advice - and continued happy shooting!
Oct 1, 2011 21:55:50 #
arphot - very helpful, especially re: the learning curve for EP. All of your posts have been extremely helpful; thank you!
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