Anyone use Essential HDR by Imaging Luminary?

This looks like a good alternative to the costlier Photomatix Pro, and possibly even easier to use. I'm curious to hear if anyone has used it and if so, are you happy with it?

Thanks!

I looked at their sample images, and noticed they're real halo-heavy. Does Photomatix do that? At the very least, their sample gallery images need some work.

I'm not seeing the halos, Todd. From what I've read halos are one of the artifacts of HDR done improperly using just about any tool, including Photomatix. I've got the HDRI Handbook by Martin Bloch on the way and am just now getting interested in HDR images. Late bloomer, I guess.

Funny, I was an early adopter of HDR and have migrated back to manual blending. I guess I just like having more control over the final image, even if it often means more work. Of course, I keep upgrading my Photomatix software to the latest version and will occasionally take it for a spin. The Essential HDR software looks like it has a much simpler interface than Photomatix from looking at the screenshots. That could be good or bad, I guess. I'd just try out the free "Community" version and see how you like it. I may do that myself over the weekend. I'm always curious when new software like this comes out.

Actually, I just looked a little deeper into their site and went to the support forums. I really looks like this software is not ready for prime time yet. It appears to have major noise issues, doesn't recognize color spaces (other than sRGB I assume) and can't handle large file sizes at his point in it's development. The software appears to be worth keeping an eye on, but its not too usable right now. Definitely try before you buy!!

Thanks for the info, Guy! Photomatix is sounding more and more like the right way to go for those who don't know anything about manual blending.

Manual blending is real simple in PS, Bret.
Check out this tutorial titled 'Two RAWs Make A Right' to see how easy it can be.

Thanks for the link, John. I bookmarked it and will give it a shot soon. I'm also going to try John Shaw's manual blending method described in his latest Photoshop e-book.