HDR

[Saknika]

Right, so there are programs out there specifically for HDR, and I know Photoshop has some sort of feature for it. Any specific recommendations though, and an idea on what each program might cost? I've always thought about trying HDR, but if I'm going to invest in a program for it I want to make a decision I'll be happy with, so I want to know what you guys like to use. Or, if you think Photoshop is a good tool too, since I have CS3.

[ScottWood]

I use Photomatix Pro, which is considered one of the gold standard programs. There is a stand alone version, and a Photoshop plug in. I bought the package that has both, but honestly, I should have just bought the stand alone one.

You can download a demo and try it out.

[Saknika]

Ohhhh, I like demos. C: But if I'm demoing, I'll keep it in mind and not download it until I have photos I've done specifically for HDR, so I have maximum time.

[ScottWood]

Good idea.

I find very little value in the Photoshop plugin. The stand alone comes with a lightroom export plug in that sends the images out to Photomatix, does it's magic, and automatically imports the image back. From there you can open it in Photoshop and do touchups.

I have tried the tool native to Photoshop, and it does a pretty terrible job.

[Saknika]

That's definitely good information. I'm a LR exporter for my final pieces that are internet-ready, so being a LR compatible version like that is pretty high up on my list of priorities.

[ScottWood]

I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, I wanted to double check what I thought, and just had a chance. The Photomatix Pro demo never expires. What it does do is watermark all the images that are processed though it. I realize that is annoying, and makes it tough to actually share/publish anything that comes out of it, but it does give you all the time to give it a good shake down.

[Saknika]

Hey, that means I'll just do some crappy-ish test shots, get an idea for it, and make a decision. That way I don't have to be uber-sad if they come out good and I can't use them. LOL But, I'll have ideas I can refine and improve on!

[MarianMurdoch]

I use Photomatix Pro, also. I have used the Photoshop tool in CS2 and found it very clunky.

[Saknika]

Clunky is definitely not good. D:

[rust]

I also use Photomatix Pro for HDR, the Photoshop HDR is terrible, as it puts a neon, chromatic aberration on many of the merged images. I use Photoshop after tone mapping with the Photomatix program, however.