HDR software?

[Matt Green]

Recently been experimenting with taking HDR shots with a trial from photomatix pro, just wondering if there are any more options downloadable from the web?

Quite like the photomatix pro but it's quite pricey and not sure my current set up is worthy!

Can anyone tell me if adobe photoshop elements can process HDR sets?

Matt

[yelvertoft]

Don't think Elements can, but Photoshop CS2 onwards can.

[JAKE4]

Try Dynamic Photo HDR by www. Mediachance,com. It's about £35.I've used it for 2 months now, it needs controlling because the results can be a bit over the top but it is good value.

[JAKE4]

Just thought PaintShop Pro 12 does HDR. I use it on my laptop but find it causes a lot of conflict on my main computer, it tries to take over everything.

[Trevor]

I use GIMP which is a free download, there is a fake HDR effect plugin for that. Not sure if its any good, I've only played with one image so far and it looked garish to say the least, maybe I chose the wrong image

Plenty of setting options with it though, so it might work out OK, it is only an effect though, not true HDR software

There is also something called Qtfsgui which is again a free download at http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net

This claims to be a true HDR software and is a stand alone installation which doesn't require any other software to work

[yelvertoft]

Originally Posted by JAKE4

Just thought PaintShop Pro 12 does HDR. I use it on my laptop but find it causes a lot of conflict on my main computer, it tries to take over everything.

Agree about PSP trying to take over. If you do a default install, it associates itself with just about any image related file type "use ME, use ME to view EVERYTHING". It is a bit of a pain for this and requires a carefully controlled custom installation to stop this happening. Even worse, if you uninstall, it leaves a lot of stuff behind - orphan associations.

[andy153]

Hi Matt, I use Photomatix Pro. I agree it is quite pricey, but if you do a lot of HDR it is probably worth it. There are many plugins for Photoshop and others that do a pseudo HDR effect and with some you may not be able to tell the difference.

[Matt Green]

Originally Posted by andy153

Hi Matt, I use Photomatix Pro. I agree it is quite pricey, but if you do a lot of HDR it is probably worth it. There are many plugins for Photoshop and others that do a pseudo HDR effect and with some you may not be able to tell the difference.

May I ask if you downloadad it from the website or aquired it on disc form, reason I ask is I could only find the pricing for the download option in dollers and I tend not to buy much online!!

I've looked around on the net but can't find this software offered on disc in the UK anywhere.

Matt

[andy153]

Hi Matt, I bought the download, I do a lot of buying online.

[graham harcombe]

Hi Matt, I have been assessing HDR options for some time. A few thoughts...

EasyHDR on this site is worth a try. It has nice editing options and only costs 30 Euros ish. (Guessing - I think it's in that region). For my purposes it loses out with poor alignment. If you're using a tripod this will not be an issue however.

FDR Tools on this site is a nice package, but they do not allow free testing of the Professional version, which is the one that allows much greater scope for manipulation of the images. I couldn't get 'exciting' results from the basic version. They were nicely aligned and very competent however.

Photomatix wins by having good alignment and good manipulation - but it is a little dearer.
r
Autopano - which is built for panorama creation. Does a really fine job of HDR images. If you save the finished product as an HDR 32 bit file, then do your manipulation work on PS. This is an excellent combo as the alignment capabilities of Autopano (assuming Smartblend has been selected) is second to none. And it's reasonably priced.

Hope this helps.

Graham