HDR Best software?

[Crtm]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for the following question.

Hi,

I have just started taking photographs for HDR and I use the programme Paintshop Pro X5 to put them together.

I would like to know is there a better programme you could recommend instead of the one mentioned above or should I stick to it. I don't want to spend a load of money as someone recommended Photomatix but it is $100 which is about say £65 ish and that is a little too much.

Any feedback would be most welcome.

Carol

 

[LongLensPhotography]

I strongly recommend to save your money here.

Photomatix should have free trial version if you must convince yourself that the technique gives fake and unpleasant looking images

 

[Crtm]

Ok Daugirdas thanks, I am not entirely head over heels about HDR and I only use it minimally, I don't really like the cartoon effect photographs that can be produced to be honest. I did try the free trial of Photomatix but it has "Photomatix" splashed all over the finished photograph, I was not impressed as you can imagine!!

Carol

 

[gramps]

Photomatix is excellent if used properly.
Luminance HDR is a pretty good freebie.
Dynamic Photo HDR is cheaper at $59.
Topaz Adjust is cheaper still at $49.99 and comes with much more than HDR - good value.
Nik HDR Efex Pro is good but can only be bought as part of a full Nik collection (excellent) at around $149
CS5 has it available but it is very limited.

 

[stupar]

All HDR software can give an non fake gimmicky finish, it's just some are more intuitive than others.
I swear by Nik HDR efex.
It gives a good balance of dynamic range and realism.