HDR photo programs

[smallfooties]

Hi there,
Anybody know what is a good program for doing HDR images?
I was looking at photomatix... but not sure if it is any good? Thanks.

[farmmax]

I think most people use Photomatix. There is a free version you can download. It does watermark some of the images.

A couple of other programs I've played with are Dynamic-Photo HDR and Qtpfsgui. The first one can be used for free with limitations and a watermark, and the last one is free open source from memory.

Photoshop can produce HDR, but I've never managed to get results I like out of it.

Perhaps someone else can suggest some more programs.

[Avalon]

Another vote for Photomatix,
As mentioned, you can try it out for free before you buy, so nothing to lose really.

[Philr]

Photomatix hands down for me!

[bigbikes]

#1 program for HDR.......Photomatix.......the only way to go

[Tricky]

Photomatix is the best and easiest to use... however, on some occasions (maybe 20%) I get better results using Dynamic HDR, so I often try both to see which works best.

I think Dynamic HDR works better if you're doing a pseudo-HDR (ie tone mapping using just one single RAW file rather than proper bracketed RAW exposures).

[smallfooties]

Photomatix is the best and easiest to use... however, on some occasions (maybe 20%) I get better results using Dynamic HDR, so I often try both to see which works best.

I think Dynamic HDR works better if you're doing a pseudo-HDR (ie tone mapping using just one single RAW file rather than proper bracketed RAW exposures).

Can i get dynamic HDR for free?
Thanks guys... I have already dl photomatix and i have found it really easy to use!!!

[Analog6]

Picturenaut is a free program. And the book on HDR they sell at the same site is terrific, covers all the popular programs including Photoshop, photomatix and a couple of others.

[aycee]

There are many programs out there for this sort of thing...and they all probably have their little wonderful traits to get the image how you would like it....Photomatix relies on more colour...Dynamic HDR gets more of the shadows and easyHDR has a more mellow look to it..many many more but the one thing they all do in common is to boost some runrealistic colours so need to be used in conjunction with a whole raft of other methods to take the best out of all..hope this helps and i wouldnt like to recommend any as they all do their job..Alan!

[nlewis]

another Photomatix user. Have not been able to get results out of any other program I tried (including photoshop).

[arnica]

I use photomatix whenever I create hdr's ... simple to use.

[edgewing]

Just to be different, I use a program called Artizen which works rather well.

[Bax]

I used to use Photomatix, will get it again shortly.

Photoshop is terrible for its merge to HDR function.

[Avalon]

I've heard that the new Photoshop CS5 has a much improved HDR function.
A friend who has it swears by it, but haven't used it myself.
Worth checking if you are planning a Photoshop upgrade.

[nexeh]

Photomatix for me, have tried some others but photomatix has better results.

[beaco]

+1 photomatix

[baldrick]

I suppose it`s horses for courses, I`ve trialled Photomatix,Dynamic Photo, Artizen and Photoshop. For my money Dynamic Photo wins hands down. It`s not free but it`s cheaper than the others. As "tricky" mentions the pseudo function is handy when you have a moving subject, it`s hard to get a racing car or aeroplane to sit still long enough to take 3 or 5 exposures.