HDR PhotoStudio vs Photomatix

Hi Guys,

What does everyone recommend? Im more interested in natural looking HDR's so Photostudio looks the best option. They are both US$99 and im on a mac if it makes a difference.

Thanks
Trav

They both have trials, that would be your best way to find out which one you like. Both can do natural looking HDR, but since both have trials I would give em a work out and than decide.

Here's a link for you.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=h​dr+photostudio+review

In reading reviews, the general (and very brief) gist I get is this:

- For achieving the tonemapped look, use photomatix. If you are targeting the realistic look, HDR PS does a better job than any other app on the market.

- The strongest point of HDR PS is its patented (?) color technology. Apparently, it merges while retaining very accurate color unlike applications such as photomatix that often creates skewed color such as those bright, glowing, neon greens we've all seen photomatix create.

Photomatix Pro has an HDR button and a Fusion button which is a more realistic blend. Try the free trial.

I can't say much for HDR Photostudio because I haven't used it but I've been using Photomatix and I've been very happy with it. It gives you a great range of variance on how you want the output to look.

Apparently, it has a feature that to me is hands-down better than photomatix and addresses what, at least to me, is one of photomatix's greatest shortcomings: halos.

As can be seen near the end of this video, apparently HDR PS has an actual halo reduction feature which can be used to remove halos.

HDR PhotoStudio is, to me, a unique and different approach to image creation than that of Photomatix. It takes the vague idea of 32 bit processing that exists in PSCS3-4 and fundamentally changes the game with the color model and tools to work in full 32bit mode in a natural and intuitive way. This is really different than Photomatix and, as CannedHeat mentioned, with the Noise Reduction and Halo tools simply steps up to the next level of 32 bit data control. Not to knock Photomatix - people love it - I'm just saying that I do not think it will catch on with the "HeyI want to get into HDR" like Photomatix has. But for me, more control over the data in a more predictable and reliable way, with a wider array of 32bit tools, is the way to go.

Kirk

Here is a thread I coincidentally started just before this thread:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=821365

where I will be experimenting with HDR PhotoStudio for Mac and posting the results/review.

kirkt wrote in post #9540636
HDR PhotoStudio is, to me, a unique and different approach to image creation than that of Photomatix. It takes the vague idea of 32 bit processing that exists in PSCS3-4 and fundamentally changes the game with the color model and tools to work in full 32bit mode in a natural and intuitive way. This is really different than Photomatix and, as CannedHeat mentioned, with the Noise Reduction and Halo tools simply steps up to the next level of 32 bit data control. Not to knock Photomatix - people love it - I'm just saying that I do not think it will catch on with the "HeyI want to get into HDR" like Photomatix has. But for me, more control over the data in a more predictable and reliable way, with a wider array of 32bit tools, is the way to go.

Kirk

Here is a thread I coincidentally started just before this thread:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=821365

where I will be experimenting with HDR PhotoStudio for Mac and posting the results/review.

While I already own Photomatix, after reading this I might have to download the trial version for my mac and give it a try. I'm always open to new ideas and software.

Go for it - I think you will find it an interesting alternative. It is processor intensive, so beware.

Kirk

kirkt wrote in post #9540744
Go for it - I think you will find it an interesting alternative. It is processor intensive, so beware.

Kirk

Even more so than Photomatix?

kirkt wrote in post #9540636
Here is a thread I coincidentally started just before this thread:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=821365

where I will be experimenting with HDR PhotoStudio for Mac and posting the results/review.

Please do (post). Will you be posting comparisons between photomatix and HDR PS of the same pic?

I am considering buying HDR PS without the trial. I have a number of pictures that photomatix has not been able to handle, and if HDR PS is all everybody says it is, it will be worth the investment.

P.s., a big thanks to the OP. Never heard of this app before today.

A warning to Windows users. Read this post before installing this bug-infested piece of crap (HDR PhotoStudio).

Link

CH - Sorry to hear that it f'ed your CS2. Did you report your problem to Unified Color? I noticed that, at least on the Mac installer, it gives you options to install plug ins for PSCSX and LR - if this is the case on Windows, maybe during the install one can elect not to have the plug in installed. Did you remove the plug in from your CS2 plug-ins?

The PS pug in gives one the ability to save 32bit files in the HDR PhotoStudio ".BEF" file format as far as I can tell.

CH, your experience must be disappointing and frustrating. Hopefully if you contact them they will make good. Yesterday I purchased the Mac version and the service they use to process the orders was apparently having trouble sending them transaction confirmations. I emailed support and they quickly responded and processed the licenses manually. As a token gesture they increased the number of machines permitted to use the license from 2 to 3 - not necessary but a nice thought. Not trying to make excuses for them, but maybe it will be worth contacting them as it appears they are quick to respond and remedy a situation.

Sorry for your troubles.

Kirk

kirkt wrote in post #9546250
CH - Sorry to hear that it f'ed your CS2. Did you report your problem to Unified Color? I noticed that, at least on the Mac installer, it gives you options to install plug ins for PSCSX and LR - if this is the case on Windows, maybe during the install one can elect not to have the plug in installed. Did you remove the plug in from your CS2 plug-ins?

THat sucks.

Kirk

Yes, I have emailed them. They're west coast, so they're still snoozin'. I will report here what type of folks they are and whether or not they will do what's right to help fix a system their app fried.

Yes, my first thoughts were also the plugin. I noticed on the install screen an option check box to install a beh plugin in PS. I assumed it was ok, so I accepted the default yes to install.

Perhaps it would have left PS alone had I unchecked the option.

Still, tho, the app itself is one of the buggiest apps I have ever installed.

Also, I have since uninstalled the HDR PhotoStudio app hoping that maybe the error was a file allocation error, but no go... PS is still fried.

Well, let's hope the help you out and make good. It's a shame, because my initial impressions are that it is an app worth exploring.

Kirk