Question on Photomatix versions

[HuskyKMA]

I get an academic discount on the Photomatix software. I can either get Photomatix Pro for $39.60, or I can get Pro with the Photoshop plug-in for $47.60.

I know the price difference is small (I'm on a college student budget though), but what value does the plug-in serve when you have the full software? Is it worth it to get the version with the plug-in?

Thank you.

Kevin

[007]

If your not running lightroom.. then no.. if you are running lightroom.. then yes it streamlines the flow.. worth the difference.

[MikeFairbanks]

Just get the stand-alone, but if you're a photography student isn't it free?

[HuskyKMA]

Just get the stand-alone, but if you're a photography student isn't it free?

Not a photography student, I'm an engineer. Anyways photography students get 75% off, while everyone else gets 60%.

I think I'll just skip the plug-in and get the standalone. Thanks guys.

[MikeFairbanks]

I probably shouldn't tell you to just get the stand alone since I don't have any experience with the plug in.

What I can recommend is Topaz Adjust. I absolutely love that program (got it at a discount too).

I used to do all kinds of tweaking in Photomatix, but now I try to process images as naturally as I can, and then I open Photoshop Elements, go to the Adjust plugin and work with it there. You can do amazing stuff with it, especially if (unlike me) you are a patient person and take your time.