Has anyone played with/analyzed/evaluated this product? If so, what do you think? I did a forum search before posting, and the program has been mentioned a couple of times but no examples shown. The software appears to be tailored to macro and micro photography, but landscape photography is also mentioned on the website. The software was referenced briefly in an article in the latest Outdoor Photographer, and it's free to try for 30 days.
I attempted to test it on some flower shots this weekend, but it's been too windy. So, I did an indoor test and have linked to the resulting images. Both examples are with a Canon Rebel XT and 17-40L, tripod, and remote shutter release. The first pic is stopped down all the way at F22, and the second pic is a combination of two shots at F11 combined with Helicon Focus. There are two variables that may be adjusted in the program, and I tried several combinations before settling on the example used. There is some ghosting and blurring around the foreground edges, but the overall result is promising. I was hoping this program might save me from having to buy a T/S lens, but I don't think so.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 11, 2007 at 6:46 PM
George Lepp shows an example in his column in the OP that just arrived in my mailbox today. Sounds like a very interesting capability, and yet another possibility to keep in mind when out in the field. Judging by your two examples, Chad, this looks pretty darn cool.
Posted by Clif Moore on August 12, 2007 at 9:03 AM
Hey Chad. I have been using Helicon Focus for the past few months. The RAW converter in Helicon oversaturated the images. I have found that I get much better results if I develop my RAW files first with ACR, save them as photoshop files, then import them to Helicon for stacking. I have been really happy with the results. You are right about the wind. It can render any stacking software useless. For macro, I really like the control over and extention of DOF. For landscapes, it gives me the DOF of a field camera. It's a keeper IMO. Above is an example using 10 images combined using the process I described.
Posted by Rick Dunn on August 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
This is the first I've heard of it - thanks for the tip and the samples, Chad.
I'll second that - very cool shot, Clif.
You've got some very nice bear and flower shots on your site!
I'm anxious to try it out with some landscape shots, but it's too darn hot to get out right now.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 12, 2007 at 11:26 PM
I've read about it and I've been interested to try it but haven't gotten to it. HDR for focus - interesting. Anyone else using it?
Posted by Paul Wegemann on August 19, 2007 at 9:47 AM
I was seriously considering purchasing Helicon Focus until I found CombineZM. It's free. Much steeper learning curve though. Neither package works well if there is any movement in the scene, but I've been really impressed otherwise. Check out -
http://www.hadleyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/CZM/combinezm.htm
Discussion
6 repliesHas anyone played with/analyzed/evaluated this product? If so, what do you think? I did a forum search before posting, and the program has been mentioned a couple of times but no examples shown. The software appears to be tailored to macro and micro photography, but landscape photography is also mentioned on the website. The software was referenced briefly in an article in the latest Outdoor Photographer, and it's free to try for 30 days.
I attempted to test it on some flower shots this weekend, but it's been too windy. So, I did an indoor test and have linked to the resulting images. Both examples are with a Canon Rebel XT and 17-40L, tripod, and remote shutter release. The first pic is stopped down all the way at F22, and the second pic is a combination of two shots at F11 combined with Helicon Focus. There are two variables that may be adjusted in the program, and I tried several combinations before settling on the example used. There is some ghosting and blurring around the foreground edges, but the overall result is promising. I was hoping this program might save me from having to buy a T/S lens, but I don't think so.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/pokefan/IMG_7433-web.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/pokefan/07-08-11-141534--R6-S4.jpg
Cool shot, Clif!
I'll second that - very cool shot, Clif.
You've got some very nice bear and flower shots on your site!
I'm anxious to try it out with some landscape shots, but it's too darn hot to get out right now.
http://www.hadleyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/CZM/combinezm.htm