CS6 HDR or 3rd party

[gregf]

<p>I use Adobe CS6, does anyone have experience with 3rd party software for HDR and is it better than what comes out of the box for CS6 (which seems to be the same as was in CS5)?</p>

[paddler4]

<p>It really depends on what you want.</p>

<p>I used the bundled CS5 only once and was disappointed because of distorted colors. But then again, HDR usually does distort colors, and that seems to be why a lot of people like it. If you want to extend dynamic range while maintaining natural colors, you might try exposure fusion instead. (Google it.) I use LR Enfuse for it, but Photomatix, one of the leading HDR programs, has an exposure fusion option.</p>

<p>If you do like HDR effects, something like Photomatix will give you a lot more options. I think there is a free demo download.</p>

[zensphoto]

<p>Try getting it into HDR with Photoshop then try out <a href="http://www.topazlabs.com/">Topaz Adjust 5</a> and see if you like it. A little <a href="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/16189492-md.jpg">Slayer</a> for ya.</p>

[tom_mann1]

<p>A minor point: I love Topaz Adjust 5 and probably use it at least once every day or two, but it's not HDR, at least in the conventional sense of the term. It only operates on single images.</p>

<p>Tom M</p>

[zensphoto]

<p>It works great with my HDR's after I get then into HDR. I just use the Adjust 5 to enhance the HDR after I am done getting it where I like it. True it does operate on a single image. I use photogshop to make the HDR then adjust 5 to tailor it.</p>

[digitaldog]

<blockquote>

<p> I use LR Enfuse for it,</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yup, Enfuse is really awesome inside of Lightroom, very natural looking results which is what I’m after. </p>

[steve_in_tucson]

<p>Niksoftware HDR pro 2 is my favorite choice ,i do alot of hdr and tonemapping not only for the extremes but just to improve contrast levels.HDR pro 2 has so many features to enhance and target your image and excellent interface.I use it in Phototshop CS6.I have tried photomatix and think its quite good too and enfuse is worthwhile as well.But u cant beat the presets and overall ability to tune in on specific areas using pro 2. here's the link http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/index.php?view=intro%2Fmain.shtml .</p><div></div>