DPP/Photomatix Question and HDR

I have an XTi. On this forum I see DPP alot. Does that stand for Digital Photo Professional Software?

Next question, I have started reading about the HDR applications. Everyone talks about using photoshop to create the HDR. I am somewhat confused. I thought the software photomatix actually created the HDR file, then you used photoshop?

Actually, I think I found the answer. I just wanted to post this to confirm.

Trevor

Yes to question 1 - DPP=Digital Photo Pro.

Question 2 is a yes and no - you can create HDR in photoshop - at times probably with more fine control over the final picture but it can be quite time consuming. Photomatix does it a hell of a lot quicker.

I know not a single thing about Photoshop and not sure if I really want to deal with it. However, I know that it is basically used on every photo that is posted here. I just hate to spend the cash on the software when I know nothing about it.

I photo completely for fun, so it is not like it would be a business decision.

I am interested in the Photomatix though, and if it would be easier that way, I think I will give it a try.

Not sure if its still there but you used to be able to download a trial version of Photoshop that you could use for 30 days and see if you liked it.

There is an OpenSource (FREE) program for HDR that you can download http://qtpfsgui.source​forge.net/

Also, not exactly the same but there are a couple of Photoshop-like programs

GIMP http://www.gimp.org

and

Paint.Net http://www.getpaint.ne​t

that are free that do a lot of the same thing.

Also, Photoshop Elements is a good cheap alternative to the full blown CS3 version of photoshop. However, if you shooot in RAW, DPP will serve you well as a post processsing software. Photoshop will allow you to get ultimate creativity.

tkrobinson wrote in post #5563377
However, I know that it is basically used on every photo that is posted here.

Not for any of mine, it isn't.

That's my way of pointing out that, amazingly, there is a world beyond Adobe!

michaelgreen78 wrote in post #5563346
Yes to question 1 - DPP=Digital Photo Pro.

Question 2 is a yes and no - you can create HDR in photoshop - at times probably with more fine control over the final picture but it can be quite time consuming. Photomatix does it a hell of a lot quicker.

Is DPP a particular software or is it a generic term for photo processing software?

As Mike already pointed out, DPP is an acronym that stands for Digital Photo Professional. The price varies enormously, but Canon always bundles a free DSLR body with it.... (In other words, it was free on a CD with your camera).

well I downloaded the photomatix. Now I am going to have to figure out how to use the tone mapping.