DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Photomatix or Topaz?
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 17 of 17, (reverse)
AuthorThread
09/09/2009 12:49:55 PM · #1
For HDR processing which is the best?
09/09/2009 12:51:51 PM · #2
Photomatix is the only one of the two that is actually an HDR application, capable of merging several exposures. Topaz can give a similar tonemapped appearance, but it is not really HDR.
09/09/2009 12:53:49 PM · #3
I prefer topaz for the very reason YO_SPIFF said it is not actually HDR but I think it works better for my personal needs
09/09/2009 01:03:21 PM · #4
As far as the HDR challenge goes, I will likely use both. I have the free version of Photomatix to actually do the HDR merge (PaintShop Pro can do it, but it's not as good) and then Topaz to crank up the appearance.
09/09/2009 01:22:05 PM · #5
Do you think a single shot brought into Photomatix and tonemapped, and then adjusted w/ Topaz will produce a worthy challenge entry (as opposed to multiple exposures)??
09/09/2009 01:27:06 PM · #6
Originally posted by Tammster:

Do you think a single shot brought into Photomatix and tonemapped, and then adjusted w/ Topaz will produce a worthy challenge entry (as opposed to multiple exposures)??

Yes and no. I think voting will be strictly according to the image. I have to wonder if an entry can get DQ'd for only using one exposure? I don't see any special rule requiring multiple exposures.

Might want to ask that in the discussion thread for the challenge.
09/09/2009 01:32:46 PM · #7
Dont forget also THIS SOFTWARE if I used windows then I'd jump all over it. I have a fully legal version for windows if anyone is interested.
09/09/2009 01:33:15 PM · #8
Does anyone know if PS Lightroom can process HDR?
09/09/2009 01:36:12 PM · #9
Lightroom cannot be used to combine images but I'm sure you can work the controls to make an image look like an HDR image.
09/09/2009 01:42:11 PM · #10
Fill light used with clarify in LR can get some pretty good effects similar to HDR
09/09/2009 01:49:26 PM · #11
Thank you guys... I just found few tips doing a google...

Here's one of them, very simple, which I'll try later - I quote:

"I just slid the recovery and fill light sliders to 100. I then adjusted contrast, blacks, saturation, sharpening, and exposure just a little bit. To me they look like real HDRs/Tonemapped images with a hint of Lucisart even. This is very easy to do if you have Lightroom and I think the results are pretty good. "

Thought some might benefit and/or want to try too... Cheers.

Message edited by author 2009-09-09 14:22:08.
09/09/2009 05:16:16 PM · #12
Originally posted by gg3rd:

Thank you guys... I just found few tips doing a google...

Here's one of them, very simple, which I'll try later - I quote:

"I just slid the recovery and fill light sliders to 100. I then adjusted contrast, blacks, saturation, sharpening, and exposure just a little bit. To me they look like real HDRs/Tonemapped images with a hint of Lucisart even. This is very easy to do if you have Lightroom and I think the results are pretty good. "

Thought some might benefit and/or want to try too... Cheers.


Yup this does work. Lightroom also works pretty seamlessly with Phtomatix which does it's thing and then sends the processed image right back into Lightroom for further adjustment.
09/09/2009 05:54:20 PM · #13
Photomatix is better for HDR, Topaz is just easier....less exposures, less headaches I guess.
09/10/2009 11:37:09 AM · #14
Photomatix can easily be had for free ;)

Obviously I won't say anything else on that issue!

I've used Photomatix for my submission.
09/10/2009 05:29:22 PM · #15
Dynamic-Photo HDR by MediaChance is a really cool alternative to Photomatix. I've used it since the early days, but the new stuff they put in version 4 makes it really worth giving it a look. I love the light sphere (tuner) for changing/enhancing lighting. Lots of Filters to put on top of your tone mapped image. Even has a post editor that has some cool PS type filters like Liquify and the likes.

Message edited by author 2009-09-10 17:33:42.
09/10/2009 06:17:24 PM · #16
i like to use both photomatrix and topaz adjust, merge 3 exposures and tonemap with photomatrix then gently pop with topaz
09/12/2009 08:28:22 PM · #17
Originally posted by jbsmithana:

Originally posted by gg3rd:

Thank you guys... I just found few tips doing a google...

Here's one of them, very simple, which I'll try later - I quote:

"I just slid the recovery and fill light sliders to 100. I then adjusted contrast, blacks, saturation, sharpening, and exposure just a little bit. To me they look like real HDRs/Tonemapped images with a hint of Lucisart even. This is very easy to do if you have Lightroom and I think the results are pretty good. "

Thought some might benefit and/or want to try too... Cheers.


Yup this does work. Lightroom also works pretty seamlessly with Phtomatix which does it's thing and then sends the processed image right back into Lightroom for further adjustment.

Yes, it works nicely. I also found that setting Clarity on 100% helps the effect. See a sample:
Before - After -
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 07:38:37 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 07:38:37 AM EDT.