HDR Software

[Terry Charnock]

I am thinking of purchasing some HDR software but not sure which to buy. At the moment seem to be favouring Oloneo but not sure about Nik HDR Efex Pro. Anybody have any opinions which might help me decide?

[JamesFarley]

Just to confuse things more, don't overlook Photomatix Pro which is also a very good bit of software.

Sure someone much more skilled in all things HDR will be along shortly to give some advice / comparison between applications

[Andy Sharp]

There is Merge to HDR Pro included as part of CS5, which is OK but others find other programs better.

Photomatix Pro is pretty good (Industry standard) but maybe a bit pricey.

Oloneo PhotoEngine can be downloaded free, or could a few weeks ago. Not sure if the Nik software one was tested but we were shown Oloneo as a relatively easy program to use with good results.

It seems to be a matter of personal preference. Usually you can download a free 30 day trial and see which one you like the best.

I don't do that much HDR stuff myself, I tried it but I think that everyone will have different preferences. Unless there is one that is streets ahead of the rest, which I am pretty sure will be reflected in the price.

[Paul Smith]

Oloneo was free whilst in development (beta) it's now a fully launched product.

I'd try the trial of Oloneo, Photomatix and Nik if available and see which you prefer. Eighteen months ago the standard answer was Photomatix but a lot of development has happened since then and they're no longer the default answer.

Personally I find Oloneo the easiest to get a natural look with and that is the one I have gone with.

[IanOwen]

Nik Software is amazing, its just so easy to use. Join their Twitter feed and wait for a discount offer. I got the full Nik software suite as a plugin for Photoshop for not much more than a £100 in March / April time. You'll get HDR, Silver EFEX Pro (for B&W), sharperner Pro (simply amazing!), Colour EFEX Pro and more that I've not even used yet. Once you try it you'll never look back it's so much better quicker than any Adobe product.