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View Full Version : My First Decent HDR Image, Thanks to HDR Efex Pro

Jason Dunn
10-30-2010, 05:00 AM
<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1288410850.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I&rsquo;m reviewing some new software that, for the first time in my opinion, puts quality HDR images within reach for average users. The problem I&rsquo;ve seen with other HDR software is that it either produces awful, garish images, or requires an engineering degree to figure out. I&rsquo;ve never found HDR software that I found both powerful and easy to use until:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/entry.php" target="_blank">HDR Efex Pro</a>&nbsp;really brings the elements together. It&rsquo;s not exactly cheap ($159.95 USD), but it&rsquo;s within the realm of what most photography buffs should be willing to pay for quality software.</p><p>The above image is available as desktop wallpaper for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/images/Cape-Breton-Lighthouse-16-9-HDR.jpg" target="_blank">16:9 monitors</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/images/Cape-Breton-Lighthouse-HDR.jpg" target="_blank">4:3 monitors</a>. It was taken at Lighthouse Cove, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada in early September 2010.</p>
ptyork
10-31-2010, 06:22 PM
Very nice shot, Jason! And thanks for sharing it as a wallpaper image.

Can you compare this to CS5? I mean, if you already have CS5's HDR capabilities, is it enough easier/better to justify something like this on top?
Jason Dunn
11-01-2010, 11:21 PM
Very nice shot, Jason! And thanks for sharing it as a wallpaper image.

You're welcome - glad you liked it.

Can you compare this to CS5? I mean, if you already have CS5's HDR capabilities, is it enough easier/better to justify something like this on top?

Nope, I can't do that - because I don't have CS5, or any version of Photoshop since, oh, maybe 2002. :D I use Photoshop Elements if I need to do any image tweaking. I've never seen the need to shell out $700 for Photoshop.
Lee Yuan Sheng
11-04-2010, 05:09 PM
That does look pretty good. Maybe I should try it out...
Jason Dunn
11-04-2010, 06:26 PM
That does look pretty good. Maybe I should try it out...

I'm really impressed with the speed and ease of use. I've had a couple of weird glitches though where it's given me Lightroom errors about import/export problems. Not sure if it's a Lightroom problem or a plug-in problem...