Nik HDR Efex Pro for $159

[wookiee2cu]

Was just looking at their site and they seem to have a little more info, $159 and it will be available in October. It does look pretty interesting but the price seems to be on the high side for HDR software. I do like being able to drop control points and use the u-point technology; I guess I’ll have to try out the demo when/if it becomes available and see if I prefer it over Photomatix Pro. Just curious as of to what you guys thought about the software and the price. If you haven't watched the video here is a link: http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/video/video.html The interface is laid out pretty nice and I like that they have presets for you to choose from and then you can customize those presets by going to work on the sliders.

[Bynx]

Having visual presets is a nice feature new to Photomatix 4. They give a place to start.

[_Provo_]

Trey Ratcliff commented in the video. Gonna have to check this out for sure.

[wolfden]

I dunno, I been exploring various software lately and it seems no matter which one I try, the end results come very close to the same with them all. Nik Software isn't known to be cheap and have good products. A demo of it will be nice to try, so it's hard to say, but it will have to be something pretty drastic to make me want to change my current process.

[wolfden]

For purchase
Nik Software, Inc. | Purchase

Don't see a downloadable trial yet tho, the email they sent out has a link for downloadable trial tho

[Roger Rex]

Originally Posted by wolfden

I dunno, I been exploring various software lately and it seems no matter which one I try, the end results come very close to the same with them all. Nik Software isn't known to be cheap and have good products. A demo of it will be nice to try, so it's hard to say, but it will have to be something pretty drastic to make me want to change my current process.

I agree; I think with practice you can probably even get Photoshop results to come close to Photomatix, for example. BTW, Photomatix has indicated that update is coming with improved anti-ghosting and other features. For me, user interface and customer service (e.g., quick response to installation or other problems is important, free or low cost upgrades, etc. is very important) and Photomatix has been first rate in this regard. Lastly, since I rely on tutorials and examples presented by others to learn HDR, Photomatix is presently the "standard" and most folks relate to it readily. Nik does provide good tutorials on its site for all its products, something this computer challenged person needs to use to get up and running more quickly.

I'll wait for some of you to make the Nik purchase and report on it here. Thanks for helping.