Nik's HDR Efex Pro Plugin for Photoshop: Is it worth it?

[Russell Hunter]

Hi Folks,

I just wanting to see whether anyone has had any experience using Nik's HDR Efex Pro software.

I have downloaded the trial version and I am considering whether it is a worthwhile investment. Obviously my skills using it are fairly limited at this stage.

Does anyone have any constructive advice? Is it better than traditional Photoshop techniques for improving the tonal range of an image?

Cheers,
Russell

[Digital Guy]

I am impressed by the this piece of HDR software. Trey Ratcliff, in his review says that it is the only software to give photomatix a go for it's money. But it only comes as a plug-in whereas Photomatix is stand alone software. I use Photomatix.

[Russell Hunter]

Thanks for the comment Digital Guy. I'm still playing around with the software and I am beginning to like some of the effects that it offers. But I'm still in two minds.

[Digital Guy]

One of the features that I use in Photomatix is the batch processing when compiling HDR timelapse. eg. If you have a 5X bracketed HDR timelapse sequence Photomatix will process that for you. Im nor sure if EFEX Pro can.

I'll try find a tutorial for you.

[Digital Guy]

Here is the guy, Trey Ratcliff who did the review.

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial/

[Russell Hunter]

That's a big help. Many thanks. Cheers, Russell

[walterpike]

That's a big help. Many thanks. Cheers, Russell

Not sure the decision you made - but consider buying the complete suite. It's really really good, I use it on aperture and quite frankly haven't opened photoshop for months.