Free HDR Trial Software?

TelePaul

As the title suggests, I'm looking for some free HDR software that wont leave a watermark or something like that. Trial versions are fine, I only wanna mess around with it.

Stephen

Photomatix has a free version that will let you merge/tonemap 2 exposures. The pro version will let you use as many exposures as you like but will leave a watermark unless you register it.

see http://www.hdrsoft.com.

TelePaul

Thanks Stephen. I'm wondering how effective merging two photos is at creating a HDR-esque effect?

leohoju

There's also Qtpfsgui, which is actually a completely free piece of software and will allow you to play around with and create some interesting HDR style effects.

quilmore

http://www.mediachance.com/hdri/index.html
I've got good results with it, better that what I've managed to get with any other sw (probably I didn't know how to use them thou...)

Stephen

leohoju wrote: »

There's also Qtpfsgui, which is actually a completely free piece of software and will allow you to play around with and create some interesting HDR style effects.

Catchy name for the application :pac:

Thanks for the link though, haven't heard of that one

/downloads

Alanstrainor

leohoju wrote: »

There's also Qtpfsgui, which is actually a completely free piece of software and will allow you to play around with and create some interesting HDR style effects.

I love you!:D:D:D:pac: I've been searching for free hdr software for ages and had only come across "free trials". It works really well too, just created my first real hdr, Thanks again!

TelePaul

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I love you!:D:D:D:pac: I've been searching for free hdr software for ages and had only come across "free trials". It works really well too, just created my first real hdr, Thanks again!

Can you post a pic? I can't get anything usable out of it. And it takes a very long time to process.

Alanstrainor

yeah sure, but keep in mind that it's a first attempt and the shots were taken without a tripod so it wasn't exactly ideal, it needs more work but it did provide that HDR look i was looking for.

TelePaul

This is as good as I could get with Qtp and some photoshopping



Photomatix is pretty damn awesome - here's how I managed with that, cloned out the waterpark for the purpose of this comparison:

nilhg

If you have lightroom, or fancy giving it the months trial,

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055249774

gerk86

an HDR related question

I should be recieving my d70 body tomorrow (cant wait). I know it has AEB where my d40 doesn't. Im wondering how exactly it works. It takes 3 pics at different exposures isint it?

This may sound stupid but i presume they're 3 seperate consecutive shutter releases, not just one shutter release then the cam alters pic exposure in cam and outputs 3 diff exposures?

TelePaul

gerk86 wrote: »

an HDR related question

I should be recieving my d70 body tomorrow (cant wait). I know it has AEB where my d40 doesn't. Im wondering how exactly it works. It takes 3 pics at different exposures isint it?

This may sound stupid but i presume they're 3 seperate consecutive shutter releases, not just one shutter release then the cam alters pic exposure in cam and outputs 3 diff exposures?

You are correct sir - different exposures. For HDR, put it in aperture priority.

TelePaul

gerk86 wrote: »

an HDR related question

I should be recieving my d70 body tomorrow (cant wait). I know it has AEB where my d40 doesn't. Im wondering how exactly it works. It takes 3 pics at different exposures isint it?

This may sound stupid but i presume they're 3 seperate consecutive shutter releases, not just one shutter release then the cam alters pic exposure in cam and outputs 3 diff exposures?

Incidentally is this you first DSLR? You seem well-informed if it is. I had to dig out the manual to check up on AEB.

gerk86

nah, ive had a d40 for a year now. Recently had a chance to pick up a d70 for cheap so i jumped on it. I know the two are pretty much on par technology wise but features such as being able to autofocus my 50mm 1.8 and AEB are lacking on the d40.

despite lack of aeb i have dabbled in photomatix. Really fun tool.

stabo

Ok maybe a stupid question (but only learning) what is HDR?

amcinroy

I'm using Photomatix for my cave project. It's not free but it works very well provided you don't leave too big a gap between exposures.

This one is a 7 exposure blend spanning 10 stops.

Stabo, HDR allows you to extend the dynamic range that you can capture into a single image by a special blending process involving multiple exposures. You are therefore able to see into the deepest shadows and brightest highlights in the tonemapped image. It's especially useful in high contrast scenes (e.g interiors, caves or shooting into the sun)

My own personal view is that HDR is an advanced technique and beginners who use it tend to become ensnared by it. Its use can certainly lead to bad habits and I would urge beginners to stick with the basics until they understand what contrast actually is and how it's not always a bad thing to have in a photograph.

stabo

OK cheers.

amcinroy

Here's a demonstration of what HDR can do. Without it this image would not have been possible as you can see from the individual exposures. I haven't shown the intermediate exposures.

It's interesting that this thread has come up after the now infamous "hatred of photoshoppery" thread. This is a good example of how post-processing can lead to the development of photography into new and exciting avenues. Not to blow my own trumpet or anything, but my own application of HDR for sea cave photography has never been explored to this level anywhere in the world before. So Ireland is getting a world exclusive in the application.

stabo

Ah i see what you mean. Thanks for your help.:)