Topaz and all their confusing options or Photomatix
Dec 18, 2016 12:21:49 #
NIK Software is free. One of their modules is NIK HDR. It's extremely easy to use. Go to https://www.google.com/nikcollection/? and click the download button.
Dec 18, 2016 12:42:35 #
lsimpkins wrote:
Exactly! LR does a good job. There is an amazing amount of info available in the shadows that can be brought out minus the noise that would have been present in the original non-HDR image.
However as soon as you have movement and need to deghost, Photomatix is the only way to go. As far as noise in the shadows goes: properly processed you will get MUCH less shadow noise from a HDR as opposed to simply raising the shadows on a single frame, even with a more-or-less ISO invariant camera like the Nikon D810.
That being said, LR and PS are not bad as HDR tonemappers, but they lack the flexibility of Photomatix. And saving in 16 bit TIFF gives you pretty much the same amount of info as a combined .dng. And saving as a 32 bit .hdr of floating point TIFF gives you loads more.
Dec 18, 2016 12:43:23 #
I am very comfortable with "Photomatix" - I have tried others, however, "Photomatix" works for me well.
Every photographer should try all that is available to them - choose the one that You are comfortable with.
Every photographer should try all that is available to them - choose the one that You are comfortable with.
Dec 18, 2016 13:57:06 #
I beg to disagree with the assumption that LR does tonemaping in addition to HDR.i don't about PSE.but LR only does HDR and panoramic images.to do tonemaping,you have to resort to either photomatix or Aurora
Dec 18, 2016 14:57:02 #
I own several of the Topaz plugins, but use one; Adjust. The others are loaded and waiting for me to use. Adjust is a lot of program, but in my opinion not much for HDR. I too agree that NIK HDR Efex Pro is likely all you need, and it's free. I like the NIK Silver Efex Pro for my B-W conversions.
Dec 18, 2016 15:04:36 #
Its Photomatrix for me. I rarely use the presets, because I'm not trying to create art. Instead, I'm just trying to make a more enjoyable photograph. The "remove ghosts" feature is especially helpful when some parts of the image are moving, like leaves in the wind or people walking.
Dec 18, 2016 16:09:39 #
As others have pointed out Topaz Adjust does not do true HDR. It does incorporate tone mapping, which Topaz calls adaptive exposure. Tone mapping can bring out details from dark and bright areas that are difficult to reveal otherwise, short of true multi exposure HDR, but there is a price to pay: increased noise, and sometimes odd looking artifacts.
Dec 18, 2016 17:20:40 #
Oldspice668
Loc: Somerset UK
Lightroom 6 to expand on my previous
By adjusting the shadows and highlights sliders and setting the black and white points using the black and white sliders in the Basics tab of the develop module you are tone mapping you image, whether it be a single image or an HDR image generated from bracketed images via photomerge. For me this produces a more natural looking image, more like what I observed and wanted to capture. I find that Photomatix tends to give more graphic style images
It is of course all very subjective and down to personal choice. As I said before, it works for me
By adjusting the shadows and highlights sliders and setting the black and white points using the black and white sliders in the Basics tab of the develop module you are tone mapping you image, whether it be a single image or an HDR image generated from bracketed images via photomerge. For me this produces a more natural looking image, more like what I observed and wanted to capture. I find that Photomatix tends to give more graphic style images
It is of course all very subjective and down to personal choice. As I said before, it works for me
Dec 18, 2016 17:37:12 #
Miamisburg Jim
Loc: Miamisburg, Ohio, USA
I have used Photomatix since it came out some years back. I an also testing, with good results, Aurora HDR from Luminar. I like what I see so far from it as well.
I only use it to correct where the f-stops are greater than my camera can capture, then I use it to bring out what would otherwise be dark background.
I only use it to correct where the f-stops are greater than my camera can capture, then I use it to bring out what would otherwise be dark background.
Dec 18, 2016 17:45:51 #
kymarto wrote:
However as soon as you have movement and need to d... (show quote)
Thank you for expanding on my comment regarding noise in HDR shadows. I posted my comment based on the OP's statement that he had LR 6, but he gave no indication of having tried its HDR capabilities. I think before spending money on anything else LR 6 should be given a shot. I have no issue with the recommendation of Photomatix.
Dec 18, 2016 19:30:47 #
To my understanding Topaz Adjust requires a host PP program to work within. It is not a standalone program. You need to check with the Topaz web site to see if you have a PP programs that it will work in. I have 6 Topaz plug-ins and use Paint Shop Pro8. Good luck and enjoy the hobby
Dec 18, 2016 19:42:31 #
I use Photomatix and can usually find an image to my liking but would echo other responses here - use the programs with a deft touch. Personally I can't stand the heavy handed and extreme HDR images you quite often see. Unless prices have risen I think the program costs less than $100
Dec 18, 2016 20:32:02 #
I love HDR and use Photomatix Pro. It is so easy to use, not terribly expensive, gives updates whenever they are available and has offered more "less cooked" options after processing. I don't even mind the "overcooked" photo when it is a good choice. (some photos need the pop). Try it and see if it fits your needs. All of these opinions have a good basis because the user has tried the program and it fits their needs. You don't yet know what fits your needs. Jump in and give it a try. Make sure you use 3 or more photos to combine to get the best combination of dynamic range. Two doesn't usually give you much. Use the same photos to try each program so you can compare the final results. Have fun!
Dec 19, 2016 00:42:36 #
royb_36-cox.net
Loc: Phoenix
Not mentioned previously is the PrintShop Pro XX series. I upgraded to X9 during the Black Friday sales and have tried their built in HDR processing on Christmas light night photography with multiple exposure on a Tripod mounted DSRL with remote shutter to minimize shake. That system has a merge/crop function and can use jpeg or raw files. I can see that HDR has a potential for some high contrast situations but I'm not confortable with it yet.
Dec 19, 2016 03:37:54 #
I can't comment on Topaz as I don't use it. I use Photomatix Pro for HDR. It is quite easy to use, has lots of preset effects, but I don't use that many of them as I don't like my HDR that heavily processed. Try Nik HDR Efex Pro 2, as it is free from Google. Here is a youtube link that compares HDR Efex Pro to Aurora HDR, which at the moment is only available for Mac's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_1tvOmOnK8 The next link compares HDR in Lightroom to Photomatix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_1tvOmOnK8 Both videos are by the same photographer. I thought he did one that compared HDR Efex Pro, Photomatix, Lightroom and Aurora, but I can't find it.
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