which program do you use?

mhandy · May 5, 2011

I started out using Photomatix to process HDR, then got Photoshop CS5 an a training video on HDR in CS5 and was using that for a while. I find my computer has a harder time processing photos for Photoshop rather than in Photomatix. It also seems like Photomatix has more adjustment options.

What do you guys use for HDR? Why do you use what you do and have you used other software as well?

Provo · May 5, 2011

This question has been asked so many times here just searching around here you can get all of your answer's
I use Photomatix pro 4.02 90% of the time other 10% is between Dynamic Photo HDR5 and Photoshop CS5 itself but no tonemapping just default then use Nik tools,Topaz,OnOne tools and lucisart at times.

Light Guru · May 5, 2011

HDR Efex Pro from Nik is the best app/plugin I have seen.

Provo seems to think HDR Efex Pro is all presets that's simply not true. Sure there are presets but you can completely control the image manually. Plus it had nodal point adjustments that no other HDR software has.

SlickSalmon · May 5, 2011

See attached poll:

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/hdr-discussions/235190-what-software-do-you-use-hdr.html

480sparky · May 5, 2011

I'm cheap. I use Sharpies and White-out.

I'm truly cheap, though.... Luminance HDR.

Provo · May 5, 2011

Light Guru said:
HDR Efex Pro from Nik is the best app/plugin I have seen.

Provo seems to think HDR Efex Pro is all presets that's simply not true. Sure there are presets but you can completely control the image manually. Plus it had nodal point adjustments that no other HDR software has.

Wait where did you get that from? When did I ever said HDR Efex is preset's? Dude I use Nik Tools Daily I am well aware of how to use them and control points LOL I just don't like HDR Efex I really haven't seen a good solid before & after comparison
of an image between Photomatix Pro vs HDR Efex Pro everything I have seen from HDR Efex Pro I haven't liked it doesn't look right.

Umm Humm for reference before the software was even out bud I had talked about it in this post
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/hdr-discussions/215703-new-software-coming-out-fall.html

It looked very promising then fell right down flat I know the software is being worked on to be more intuitive
among competing with Photomatix, and Unified color HDR Expose but as of right now Nik HDR Efex is
way back on the pack playing catch up.

Double check your info homie I have had people even on here use Nik HDR Efex Pro and they finally had seen the light & ditched it to photomatix pro.

Light Guru · May 5, 2011

Chill out man. Your last post said if you don't need tonemaping then use Efex pro. You can tone map great in Efex pro.

No need to get all offended man it's just you're original description of Efex pro left the impression that it cannot do much.

Provo · May 5, 2011

Light Guru said:
Chill out man. Your last post said if you don't need tonemaping then use Efex pro. You can tone map great in Efex pro.

No need to get all offended man it's just you're original description of Efex pro left the impression that it cannot do much.

I'm not offended I'm just saying you mentioned me and claimed i said that when I didn't also are you sure you read the previous thread you are making reference to we where talking about photomatix 4 having presets but it's a baseline then you make adjustments with the sliders go back and see for yourself somewhere along the lines you thought I was talking about hdr efex having presets and accusing me of saying somehing I didn't say well yeah I have to correct it and clarify it. Ultimately the software choice is left to the users own preference and decision I encourange everyone to try out diffrent software do your own research and test experiment and see what you like to use.

Bynx · May 5, 2011

If I read right Light Guru, you are the only one to mention Nik HDR Effex Pro. I know Provo likes to use Nik tools, as do I. But I keep Nik tools and HDR Effex Pro separate. If Im wrong here then step in Provo and correct me. If I am right then you shouldnt try to speak for someone else. As of this point in time Im torn between Photomatix Pro 4 and HDR Effex Pro. Each have benefits but HDR Effex Pro has a unique way of handling the tonemapping which I honestly havent explored that much. I settle for the many presets and usually just leave it at that. I havent taken any pics that I felt were worth more of an effort than that.