![]() ![]() There's never going to be one HDR software to rule them all and maybe these full 'pro' HDR suites are a little outdated anyway. Whether they release another version or not, the present offering still excels at what it does and if one finds it unsuitable, you state the case very well that there are other options available. At the very least it is an indicator that the state of things is no more dire now than it was then. It offers a different perspective in that long periods between releases in the case of HDRsoft may have more to do with not fixing it if it isn't broken rather than giving up the ghost. Consider that the time between the releases of version 4 and 5 was a little over 3 years. There is still a strong demand for the product and support remains good. ![]() If you look at articles, reviews and general recommendations for HDR software you'll still find that in 2016, Photomatix features quite prominently among the 'best of/recommended' lists. That's one way to look at things I guess. And from a product management point of view, I can't say I would not make the same decision. HDRsoft appears to be slowing down development and perhaps giving up the ghost on Photomatix. The only thing left is creation of that particular tonemapped look which also can be done with plugins and other editing FX. On the other, other imaging apps add and improve their HDR options. One one the technology of sensors continues improving to widen dynamic ranges. Photomatix is getting hit from both ends. Adding new cameras and adapting OS'es just ensures they continue to sell a stale product and maximize their profits as long as possible. But true product development is found in improving functions and adding features, none of which has been done to Photomatix in over three years. But I don't think it addresses the suspicion that HDRsoft may be abandoning their product. I thought I saw someone around the forum mention an update for OsX Sierra as well but I may be wrong about that one. At time of writing there’s no free trial, only a 30 day money back guarantee, which makes Aurora HDR harder to recommend.They have a beta build that includes support for the 5D4 so it looks like they are still developing the software. ![]() The presets are pretty dramatic and spectacular, but can look over-processed. Other settings to tweak are: a creative LUT mapping option polarizing filter slider color toning dodge & burn and details enhancer. ![]() HDR Clarity works by adding localised midtone contrast to the specific areas in a shot, leaving other sections alone that don’t require a boost in clarity. It enhances the texture within an image without introducing noise or halos to the image. HDR Smart Structure works similarly and is powered by Artificial Intelligence. HDR Denoise will automatically recognise noise in a photograph and eliminate it without impacting the essential facets of the main subject. Fortunately, Aurora HDR addresses this through the use of HDR Denoise. One issue that is brought about by the use of HDR processing is excessive noise in shadows or midtones. The added benefit of using a plugin is that your workflow isn’t interrupted or changed and the organisation of libraries are faithfully maintained. But this simplicity is also a blessing in disguise for those less concerned with twiddling sliders. While plugins can contain the same complexity as standalone when it comes to control over settings, some are a little lacking. Those that work as plugins work by running through an existing software, such as Photoshop. As such, they commonly comprise multiple presets and plenty of settings to customise. Standalone HDR editors run irrespective of other image editing software installed on the device and often their only task is to process HDR images. Typically, they come in two flavours: standalone and as a plugin. The best HDR software will also give the user control to make adjustments so that the HDR effect can be as subtle or drastic as one likes. The software will typically align, blend, and add other imaging effects to provide the user with the best HDR option with the information it has. The next stage is to bring these bracketed images into editing software for processing. The technique involves keeping the camera steady while taking two or more photographs at differing exposure values in a bid to make up for this loss of dynamic range on the sensor this step is known as bracketing. That’s where High Dynamic Range, (HDR) photography comes in.
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