HDR software: Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank. Thanks...

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HDR software

Sep 14, 2012 23:57:16 #

rlcarney5195

Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank.

Thanks

Sep 15, 2012 00:18:49 #

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I use a free program called "FDRTools Advanced". Read about it here, and find the link to download website:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonian72/sets/72157625593019921

Sep 15, 2012 02:08:06 #

rebride

Sneaky, very sly.

I think you have over-done the HDR processing!

<Bazinga!>

Sep 15, 2012 05:31:13 #

BorderlineUK Loc: Nuneaton UK

If you want to apply a HDR effect on a single shot then you can't beat Topaz Adjust. It's a very versatile program that can also be used to correct exposure, put "pop" into your photos, sharpen, and denoise. It includes dozen of presets to give you a one-click effect but also allows you to adjust manually.

I have been using it for years and rate it as brilliant. It integrates well within Photoshop and Elements.

Sep 15, 2012 07:54:36 #

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

This will give you a wide variety of options at various price points.

http://captainkimo.com/hdr-software-review-comparison/

Sep 15, 2012 08:25:36 #

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

photocat wrote:

This will give you a wide variety of options at various price points.

http://captainkimo.com/hdr-software-review-comparison/

Photocat, thanks for sharing the link.

Sep 15, 2012 09:51:18 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rlcarney5195 wrote:

Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank.

Thanks

This is what I use.

http://photomatix-pro.en.softonic.com/

Sep 15, 2012 10:41:38 #

GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.

Gimp, Picturenaut, or Luminance HDR.
All free downloads. I have and do use all three, depending on the mood I am in at the time, though I seldom use Gimp as it is more complicated to me.

Sep 15, 2012 16:58:03 #

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

jerryc41 wrote:

rlcarney5195 wrote:

Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank. Thanks

This is what I use. http://photomatix-pro.en.softonic.com/

I agree with Jerry - you can use Photomatix in trial mode (embeds a watermark) -
after you purchase a code - no more watermarks.

Sep 15, 2012 17:22:38 #

Ziza Loc: USA

rlcarney5195 wrote:

Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank.

Thanks

I use Photomatix Pro (standalone) and Dynamic Photo HDR (standalone).

http://www.hdrsoft.com/
http://www.mediachance.com/hdri/

And if you just want to create a pseudo-HDR (from a single image), you could check ReDynamix (plug-in). It does a pretty good job.

http://www.mediachance.com/plugins/redynamix.html

Sep 15, 2012 19:32:18 #

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Photomatrix Pro is relatively inexpensive. ($99 full price but look for coupons on the internet). It is also one of the best and easiest to use. There are several good freeware programs as well. Just google "free HDR software".

Sep 16, 2012 11:27:51 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lionsgate wrote:

What I like about Photomatix is that after it does the processing, it gives you twelve choices, including B&W. You can then modify any one of those twelve even more.

Sep 17, 2012 02:47:46 #

PhotoNoob Loc: Innisfail, Canada

rlcarney5195 wrote:

Any suggestion for HDR software for an occasional user? That is - one that will not break the bank.

Thanks

I use Photomatix

Sep 24, 2012 11:51:23 #

dgasler

I just have to chime in here...

i have downloaded the trials for both Photomatix & Nik HDR Efex.

on most photos, all I would get is maybe 2 usable options. the rest would be cheesy nasty looking options.

maybe it is me or the pics i am using, but i am not sure i would pay for either one.

Don.

Sep 24, 2012 19:17:06 #

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

dgasler wrote:

i have downloaded the trials for both Photomatix & Nik HDR Efex. on most photos, all I would get is maybe 2 usable options. the rest would be cheesy nasty looking options. maybe it is me or the pics i am using, but i am not sure i would pay for either one. Don.

The current incarnation of Photomatix generates about 20 suggested starting points. Only one or two may serve as a good starting point for the images you feed it. You can then use the sliders to customize further until you are happy with the result.
-
It all depends on the result you are looking for.
-
Follows are a sampling from photo-realistic to 'way out there.'
Description indicates the single-shot exposure problems solved by HDR application.
-

Crystal Fountain - models face was shadowed and shells blown out

Pool House - water was blown out and pool house was dark

Sunrise - After my SECOND cup of Coffee - no problems here - this is the way it was {not}

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