Software Comparison: Which HDR Processor is right for you?
Each of the three programs we've looked at has its own charms and quirks. The route that each takes along the journey from HDR Generation to Tonemapped Output follows a different path to arrive at the same point. Is one method far and away superior to the next?
Not better—just different.
We won't call one program the winner and another the loser in this comparison. Instead, you'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of each program, and from the user profiles described, you can pick the program that's best for you.
What if you don't exactly fit one profile, or you fit somewhere between two profiles? Great news! There are fully functioning demos of each program available. Download the program, give it a spin, and it if works for you, purchase a license. If not, try the next one!
Photomatix Pro
Price: $99.00
Download: www.hdrsoft.com
User Profile 1: The HDR beginner. Although the workflow's a little confusing at first, overall it's much less confusing than the other programs. A cleanly designed tonemapping preview window with slider-based adjustments and a large preview offer an easy way to visually learn 32-bit tonemapping.
User Profile 2: The HDR power user. The batch processor allows for background HDR generation and tonemapping of folder upon subfolder of LDR source files. For the hardcore HDR photographer, the program is worth the money simply to automate the HDR generation process.
Photomatix Pro is a free-standing program ...
Get HDR: An Introduction to High Dynamic Range Photography now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
