I'm looking at picking up the Photomatix HDR and Tone Mapping application. However, I've tried the application and a finding that it is creating some huge halos around trees and the horizon. I'm sure that it is possible that I haven't learned everything I need to know to work with the images, but I'm wondering if anyone else is using the app and what your findings are. If I'm going to end up with these strange artifacts, I'd be better off just using the proper GNDs.
You may also want to try AutoPano Pro. It's a great program for stitching image mosaics and has a pretty good HDR function as well. You can try the free download and make sure it works for you before spending any money on it.
Well, after some more work with Photomatix, I think I found a solution to the problem. The default settings are just way to much. There were really 2 things going on with this tool. 1st, the "strength" setting of the tone mapping tool is defaulted at 80%. This is very high. I've brought it back to ~10%. Second the saturation is set at cartoon like levels for nature photography. 46% is the default. I've brought it back to 20-30% and this is resulting is some more reasonable colors. I'm still in trial mode, but I'm a bit happier with the results.
Another solution to the "HDR halo" problem? www.farrarfocus.com/ffdd
I use it for every one of my images and have never seen a halo. Also, the results are completely natural looking... whereas sometimes traditionally "HDR"-ed images are not. Just another option for you to explore. Cheers!
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3 repliesYou can find an example of this here:
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Guy
I use it for every one of my images and have never seen a halo. Also, the results are completely natural looking... whereas sometimes traditionally "HDR"-ed images are not. Just another option for you to explore. Cheers!