What HDR program to use.

[tomhansonphotography]

<p>I have been told that I need an HDR program in order to do HDR pictures. Is this true and if it is what program do you people out there like? I would like to do some HDR work but do not know what program to get.<br>

Thanks<br>

Tom</p>

[Bill J Boyd]

<p>Photomatix has an unlimited free trial that you can download and test. During trial a Photomatix watermark will be printed on your output image. Software cost is $99 and it works on Windows or MAC. Google Photomatix and give it a try. </p>

[bill_clark___minnetonka_mi]

<p>Take a peek here:<br>

http://www.topazlabs.com/adjust/</p>

<p>They offer a 30 day trial.</p>

[cabbiinc]

<p>http://www.fdrtools.com/front_e.php<br>

It has a plugin for Photoshop (as does Photomatix) if you're interested in that as well as a standalone program. I've found that FDRtools.exe works better with RAW files than Photomatix.</p>

[bill_mussett1]

<p>Tom, I've used both Photomatix and FDR Tools and they work well. Photomatix may be a bit easier to use if you've never created HDR before. Since you're apparently just starting to experiment with HDR, my 2 cents of advise is to not take the easy-way of inputing images by simply changing the exposure two stops (+2 and -2) on one image. I'd encourage you to start with 5-7 separate images for best results. That means varying only the shutter speed of 5-7 otherwise identical images using a solid tripod. Then load the 5-7 images into whichever program you decide to use. Have fun, the results can be well worth the effort.</p>

[jacopo_brembati]

<p>PhotoResampling, for a natural HDR.</p>

[rob_martin7]

<p>I recommend Photomatix - it just seems easier for me to use.<br>

Here is a review and a coupon code should you decide to get Photomatix http://www.stuckincustoms.com/photomatix-review/ <br /> <br /> jacopo thanks for suggesting PhotoResampling http://www.photoresampling.com/hdr_eng.php<br /> I have not heard of that one before! ( checking it out now )<br>

Rob</p>

[dbcooper]

<p>More toward the realistic-looking HDRI: http://www.hdrlabs.com/picturenaut/</p>

<p>I use Picturenaut and Photomatix Pro, depending on the look I want. Do be aware that Photomatix themselves recommend not using their RAW converter if you're using RAW image files.</p>

[rob_martin7]

<p>Yes! Picturenaut is very good too. And its freeware / donationware.</p>

[tomhansonphotography]

<p>Thanks so much all of you! Hey Rob your work looks great I looked at your link. Way to go man! :) D.B. Cooper...I dont shoot with RAW yet however I have been thinking of going with it in the future. Bill thanks for the fast reply. It looks like you had the scoop from the start.</p>

<p>Thanks for all your help. I will post some pix when I get it going. Photo.net is so cool for this very reason....people helping people! I love it.</p>