Which software? Hi...just getting back into photography,and am looking for some new software. I have GIMP,and Lightroom so far.Cannot afford Photoshop. I am especially liking HDR,and...

OutdoorOldie

Hi...just getting back into photography,and am looking for some new software.
I have GIMP,and Lightroom so far.Cannot afford Photoshop.
I am especially liking HDR,and found a software program entitled "Photomatix." Anyone have any thoughts on its usefulness, quality,etc.
TIA!
Annie

LightBender Loc: Paradise, TX

Try Topaz Studio for free.

LightBender Loc: Paradise, TX

Try Topaz Studio for free.

OutdoorOldie

I forgot! I have Topaz already,but thank you for your reply!!
Annie

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

OutdoorOldie wrote:

Hi...just getting back into photography,and am looking for some new software.
I have GIMP,and Lightroom so far.Cannot afford Photoshop.
I am especially liking HDR,and found a software program entitled "Photomatix." Anyone have any thoughts on its usefulness, quality,etc.
TIA!
Annie

Photomatrix was the first HDR program I purchased, and I produced some totally bilious output. It is really easy to overcook images with this application.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I used and still own Photomatrix. However, I prefer Topaz Adjust, also owned.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Photomatix is very nice

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

....just getting back into photography,....have Lightroom ... Cannot afford Photoshop....

It changed a couple years ago. You now rent all of it in a package for $10 a month. And, the current version of Lightroom has HDR built in.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

LR had an HDR function, at least from v5 and upward.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

OutdoorOldie wrote:

Hi...just getting back into photography,and am looking for some new software.
I have GIMP,and Lightroom so far.Cannot afford Photoshop.
I am especially liking HDR,and found a software program entitled "Photomatix." Anyone have any thoughts on its usefulness, quality,etc.
TIA!
Annie

I've been using PS/LR CC since 2014 and found it to be the most complete solution for photo editing compared to every other package out there. It sets the standard for photo editing software, and at $120 a year it is priced very competitively with other software that gets updated regularly and those updates aren't usually free. There are many lower cost or free (public domain/freeware) applications, but they don't offer the features/support/value that PS/LR CC does.

alphonso49uk

I agree with the other comment about photomatix overcooking photos.Personally I like the free nik application for HDR....

JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

Take a look at Affinity Photo. It is currently on sale for 20% off or about $40. It does everything that PS does (I think?) and is far easier to learn because there are a plethora of tutorials available that run between 3 to 7 minutes each and are very clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Good luck.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I use Affinity Photo as my main editor. It requires a learning curve because it could be complicated but it is a great software. I have Photomatix which is also a great software but I do not do HDR photography often.
Topaz Adjust 5 is excellent to improve the quality of my images. I use presets but I usually cut the effect by about 50% to make the images more realistic.

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto.

Gene51 wrote:

I've been using PS/LR CC since 2014 and found it to be the most complete solution for photo editing compared to every other package out there. It sets the standard for photo editing software, and at $120 a year it is priced very competitively with other software that gets updated regularly and those updates aren't usually free. There are many lower cost or free (public domain/freeware) applications, but they don't offer the features/support/value that PS/LR CC does.