Photoshop CS5 HDR Pro Review by Captain Kimo
Adobe Photoshop CS5 was released yesterday! As soon as I heard the news from Scott Kelby, I downloaded a trial copy for a review of the new HDR Pro feature.
I did a post a few days back about the new CS5 HDR Pro Tool. After seeing a video on YouTube, I posted unfavorably against it, but I spoke to soon. Now that I’ve taken it for a test drive, I am very impressed! (Video Coming Soon!)
As you all know I’m a big HDR buff, and when it comes to HDR software, I’m very critical to the results and how it applies to my workflow. For the past couple of years I’ve been a loyal user of Photomatix. Basically because there wasn’t any other HDR program that even compared to the tone mapping features that Photomatix had to offer, not even from Adobe.
In the previous versions of Photoshop, creating an HDR photo with the merge to HDR tool wasn’t even worth using, because there was nothing to use. Those who have used the previous version of Photoshop for createing HDR photos would agree, results from Photoshop weren’t comparable to Photomatix or even Picturenaut, a free HDR program.
Photoshop has finally evolve in the field of high dynamic range photography and it’s about time! With the new Photoshop CS5, the Merge to HDR feature has been given a complete overhaul. Now I won’t cringe anytime someone says they use Photoshop to create their HDR image.
Below is a side by side HDR comparison of the tone mapped HDR images. The first image on the left is the Photomatix version and the second image on the right is the Photoshop CS5 version. Note this is not the final processed image.
Below is the final processed HDR image from the photos above. Photomatix version on the left and Photoshop version on the right. Look closely and notice how the Photoshop version looks less processed. Captain Kimo likes that!
I’m not giving CS5 two thumbs yet but I will give it one thumb for an excellent job revamping the merge to HDR tool. Plan on seeing a final review in the months following as I allow this new HDR program to integrate itself into my workflow. If I like it you’ll probably see a big difference in the results of my work following since Photoshop does produce a very different look than that of Photomatix.
Photomatix Version:
Awsome Shot…yeah your right about previous Merge to HDR on Cs4 wasnt that good. Anyhow Great image as always Kimo makes me want to pick up cs5 but ill doubt that will be anytime soon!
Wow.. very nice results..guess I will be upgrading to CS5 soon. Thanks for the info. Beautiful shot btw.
Fantastic image, will have to try out CS5. Love your light and composition.
I have started a new group and would love to have you join and add your image to the group.
You are invited to post your wonderful Photograph in "Only Good Photographs".
Please award 2 photos for every one you post!
"Only Good Photographs Invitation"
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₪ Spectacular ₪
Post-processing
Seen in the group:
₪ HDR & PS PP ₪
(Post 1 – Award 2)
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Seen in the group"₪ HDR & PS Post-Processing ₪ (Add 1 ~ Award 2) " (?)
Very beautiful image!!!!
Awesome to see that Photoshop is finally stepping up to the plate with HDR! Now if only it didn’t cost half a zillion dollars.
I know what you mean Dave!
[...] Read updated review for Photoshop CS5 HDR Pro here. [...]
Have you done any more testing of Photoshop CS5′s HDR features? Any tutorials/advice for how to use the feature?
Dave,
I’ve did a couple processing since I got back but I haven’t done anything spectacular with it yet. As far as I can tell the HDR options for CS5 is better but still limited. I also notice that it tends to create a sort of color banding around certain areas. I think Photomatix is still a better bet even for realistic photos. It seams to merge the image a little better. I’ll experiment with both a little more after I’m done with my ebook/video.
Kimo
Perhaps the CS5 controls were just easier for me to understand than the myriad of sliders on Photomatix. And I did become a bit “addicted” to the great HDR curves chart in CS5, which gives very fine control of which individual areas of the photo you want brighter or darker.
Will have to read some more in-depth tutorials on the Photomatix controls.
love this man like all of your work
photoshop tutorials on the web that let you achieve amazing effects using various photoshop techniques.
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