HDR software comparisons?

[buggz]

Are there any detailed comparisons of the available HDR software? So far, I have only performed informal comparisons of using a single jpg image edited in LR 2.x from one RAW file. - Essential Community Edition Version 1.0.603 - FDRTools Basic 2.2 - PhotoMatix Trial Version 3.1 - Dynamic Photo HDR Trial version 4.3 - PictureNaut 2.12 PicturNaut and PhotoMatix both reguire more than one jpg file. They are all a bit of overwhelming, I just don't seem to enjoy the free time it takes to perform pp to the fullest time required. Anywho, so far, I like Dynamic Photo HDR the best, it has a LOT of tools the others don't. Most notably, NR adjustments. I will have to try RAW files next, and then try REAL exposure differing RAW files after that. Anyone else have any thoughts?

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Excellent Question! It would be interesting to take both one set of 3 differently exposed photos and process through different software and also take one image and process through different software. I've been looking for an optimal combination - if necessary - of a couple HDR programs - haven't found it yet but I think FDRTools is one of whatever I endup with. Not so sure about Photomatix.

With respect to software that appears to demand multiple exposures - just rename the photo into three copies and process or change the brighness/exposure in 3 copies and process - you can simply fool that software.

-Ed-

[burntpixel]

I use photomatix but recently a friend told me about photoacute (http://www.photoacute.com/). I've not really had a chance to try it out. The little bit that I did play with it, seems like some neat and usable features.

[timeasterday]

The book I am reading now (Complete Guide to HDR Digital Photography) does a couple of comparisons using FDRTools, Photomatix Pro, Dynamic Photo HDR, Artizen HDR, and Photoshop CS3. FDRTools seemed to give the best results to my eye. And FDRTools doesn't get too carried away with the surreal look, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your taste.

[samueli]

This is what I used to chose Qtpfsgui:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-high-dynamic-range-hdr-software.htm

Considering the nature of the software and it's good fit in the open source community, I don't entertain the ones you have to purchase. But then again, the best ones are the hardest to use. You really pay for convenience and "click here for instant results" type software.

[niall_eidw]

Beggz,

Not sure if you have access to the monthly magazine Digital Photo out of the UK. In the previous edition they did a review of several different HDR packages. Photomatix won.

Here is a link, but it looks as though there are no images for you to reference.

http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Gear/Search-Results/?N=197&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Ntk=site&Ntt=HDR

Regards,

Niall

[buggz]

http://www.ariea.com/downloads/ Was way to slow for me, I can't use it. It seemed nice otherwise though.