Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software
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The HDR Efex Pro Software from Nik Software is a software plug-in for use with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and Apple Aperture. It allows you to create stunning High Dynamic Range (HDR) images by blending multiple exposures of the same scene. The software is optimized for use with multi-core CPUs.
HDR blends an underexposed image, a properly exposed image, and an overexposed image together in order to create a stunning image that preserves shadow and highlight detail. This software gives you many options for creating HDR images, including one-click visual presets, advanced tone mapping algorithms, detailed HDR controls, and U Point technology for fine-tuning colors and tonality.
- Pure, Unlimited HDR
- HDR imaging allows multiple exposures to be merged into a single image with a full range of brightness and color. HDR Efex Pro now lets you create stunning images that range from realistic to artistic.
- Intuitive User Interface
- Work faster using the revolutionary, powerful all-in-one interface of HDR Efex Pro.
- Simple Editing Workflow
- Professionally finish your images using U Point technology for precise selective editing and fine-tuning, or stylize your HDR image with complete global control of exposure, contrast, saturation, structure, and more.
- Easy, Intelligent Presets
- Start with dozens of one-click visual presets and then hone your image with intuitive, real-time edits.
- U Point Selections in 32-bit
- Patented U Point technology gives you precise selective fine-tuning of colors and tonality in your images.
- Superior Ghost Reduction
- Automatically eliminates subject motion artifacts known as "ghosts", saving time spent on elaborate editing.
- Advanced HDR Methods
- Get amazing HDR looks and develop your own HDR presets using powerful, proprietary tone mapping and adjustment controls. Furthermore, switch between many of the native algorithms for a variety of unique looks.
| System Requirements |
Computer: AMD or Intel CPU; Intel Mac Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7; Mac OS 10.5.8, 10.6 Memory: 2GB (4GB recommended) Compatible Host Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS4, CS5; Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.3, 3.1; Apple Aperture 2.1, 3.1 Compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems and host applications |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 36 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
89%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to navigate (23)
- Versatile (21)
- Easy to customize (19)
- Accurate colors (15)
- Easy to collaborate across programs (14)
Cons
- Freezes or crashes (3)
Best Uses
- Professional quality (21)
- Presentations (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (27)
- Primary use:
- Personal (23), Business (10)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Easy to Use Incredible Control
I am new to Nik Software. I have the complete collection that I purchased just before HDR Efex pro came out, so I had it included in the collection when it was released. I...Read complete review
I am new to Nik Software. I have the complete collection that I purchased just before HDR Efex pro came out, so I had it included in the collection when it was released. I find this program far more intuitive than PhotoMatix which I've used for a couple of years.
Often HDR can look over processed and get a lot of fringing. Not seeing that with this product. I feel like I've fallen in love with HDR all over again because its easy to have it look natural or have it look outlandish.
It's very easy to use.You have an interface that works like the rest of Nik products so you have sliders that offer a lot of control on exposure, contrast, saturation, structure, blacks, whites, vignettes. They have presets or you can create and customize your own. Easy to create presets and save what you're working on as a preset then do further alterations. You have your saved version to go back to any time if you don't like what changes you've made. I find it flexible and easy to alter.
Control point technology blows me away and enhances how I can customize the look and treat specific areas. Really really impressed.
If you have the dollars, buy the collection and get this included. Viveza,Silver Efex and Color Efex with this make the bundle worth the dollars.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
HDR Efex Pro v1.0000 Disappointing
HDR Efex Pro user interface looks great and has some amazing features like being able to add control points while applying tone mapping enhancements in a very localized and effective way; however, its performance ...Read complete review
HDR Efex Pro user interface looks great and has some amazing features like being able to add control points while applying tone mapping enhancements in a very localized and effective way; however, its performance will need to be significantly improved for it to be of better use, especially for panoramic photographers.In my tests using HDR Efex Pro (HEP), I also tested and compared HEP to Photomatix and PhotoEngine. Both Photomatrix and PhotoEngine performed markedly better, not just in the elimination of ghosting, but in other areas of performance as well.The speed trials I conducted placed PhotoEngine fastest of the three when performing the initial merge. If you're interested, you can read more about the tests here: [@] summary, HDR Efex Pro is pretty, but not practical for panoramic photography, is overpriced and was a huge disappointment. Its maiden debut will hopefully not turn people away from this product, but instead compel the folks at Nik Software to significantly improve what looks like could be a real winner.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 36 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Customize
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
This software puts back into digital images what used to be in film/print images.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy to get good results
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Pro or amateur needs
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
Pretty much all the Nik products are terrific. This one is no exception. Check out "The HDR Book" by Rafael "RC" Concepcion from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. While he lists all HDR software including Photoshop to be even-handed, he says he prefers HDR Efex Pro. I use it strictly as an amateur at play, but I find it easier to use while still giving predictable results.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscapes
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
This software is a game changer for photographers who are looking to get more dynamic range out of their photographs than a single exposure will allow for. It is easy and intuitive to use and the preset adjustment profiles provide a lot of options for just about every look. I performed a back to back evaluation between this and Photomatix and found that I prefered the HDR Efex software. In my opinion, Efex does a better job at processesing the photographs. I also prefer the plug in as opposed to the standalone nature. The only con I could find was Apple Aperture crashing several times when I tried to launch Efex Pro. I don't know if this is attributable to Efex Pro or Aperature, but it happened on two occassions. I have not experienced crashing when running it through Lightroom however. At [$] it is not a cheap piece of software, especially considering Photomatix is $30 cheaper. To me, it was worth the extra money.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I am retired guy who loves landscape photography. Just started shooting HDR, and HDR Efex Pro is very easy to use (once you watch a few of their videos explaining what each slider if for). It works seamlessly with Lightroom 3.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
great product. Makes photos stand out from the rest..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I am an advanced amateur, and my plan was to use this program strictly on HDR images where I have merged shots that were under and over exposed. I have found it also works exceptionally well on Single images that were not taken as multiple exposures. The program also has a number of filters that will turn a blah photo into a artistic presentation.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good price value
- Great Results
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Can't Turn GPU Use Off
Best Uses
- Amateur Photography
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
- Professional Photography
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
First things first, there is a software update (at least for the PC version) available to you once you register your purchased plug-in on Nik's Web site. This update will stop the bug of the plug-in crashing sometimes, so be sure to download and install it instead of returning the software!
Secondly, be sure your computer's video card is capable of using the GPU in Photoshop (the "Preferences" menu will let you know if your video card is capable or not) as this plug-in uses the GPU. If your card isn't capable, some images you try in this plug-in may have the preview in the plug-in only partially show (either black boxes or crazy-colored-dots boxes for the rest of it). The plug-in will work in making your actual image the HDR look you choose, but it will be hard/impossible to tell what it will completely look like and impossible to use the selective U-Points on it. If Photoshop has the GPU option greyed out, try upgrading your video card driver to see if that will fix it.
The plug-in is great and makes fantastic HDR photos - realistic, artistic, and surreal. I really love it! Definitely go beyond the presets by picking a preset and then exploring all the options you can change, including the methods and strength and many other options. You can definitely make the photos look unique! (Note: There are additional free presets on the Nik Software Web site you can download to add to your plug-in - check the site from time to time for new ones!)
I recommend this software to anyone who is serious about HDR photography or even just wanting to try it out. I'm a big fan of the Nik plug-ins (I also have Viveza and Color Efex Pro 3) and this is a winner just like their other plug-ins.
This software makes HDR easy, fun, and looking good! It has good algorithms for the HDR and the align and ghosting features are good. You'll want to use this plug-in on a fast computer with lots of RAM and a good-sized scratch drive, especially if you're working with large files (i.e. 21 MegaPixels at 250-300 dpi). The time it takes to compute large files is worth the wait, though!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powrefull control
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
Great phoduct if you have Photoshop. If you don't have Photoshop then Photomatix is the next best thing. If there is a program out there which is as powerfull and easy to use I don't know about it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- None
Cons
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I haven't been able to successfully use HDR Efex Pro. Thus far, "HDR Efex Pro failed to merge the files"--or something to that effect--is as far as I've gotten. Most likely, I'm doing something incorrectly (or not doing something I should be doing), but I've been unable to find information from Nik to allow me to overcome the problem. I've reverted to using the HDR function in CS5, and plan to purchase Photomatix in the near future. Nik's product is useless to me, and this is from a devoted user of Dfine 2.0 and Silver Efex Pro.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Navigate
- Turns novice to expert
Cons
- A bit slow
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
U-point technology helps me to tweak parts of the picture far better than what I could do on CS-5.
The de-ghosting and alignment is excellent.
Far more items are at your control with this HDR software.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I like the way my photos look using this software. Thanks
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
You can use it to give your photos a different look to them as maybe what you would visualize and couldn't take a picture like that
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
The Best HDR software !!!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I'm still learning, but the curve isn't steep.
I foresee a significant number of "pseudo" HDR images because many of the images are of wildlife. Getting a single shot of a bird in which the pupil of his eye is tack sharp is difficult. Bracketing is almost impossible. I take the RAW image, make 3 copies using the exposure slider to mimic bracketing and, because I have a Mac, I'm able to import them into the standalone version of HDR Efex Pro. It works.
Just ordered a new cable release for landscapes. My Bogen and Benbo will get used whenever possible.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Customize
- Versatile
Cons
- Number crunching slow
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
This new software is amazing. It can create either realistic or over-the-top artistic photos working with either multiple exposures or a single image. The program creates many candidates to use or use as a starting point for your own settings. Very cool!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
This is a great tool for processing photos, for adding a subtle or dramatic effect. I compared it on several HDR tests with Photomatix and preferred the Nik Software. I also bounced them off a photographer friend without labels and he chose the Nik version hands down. I used it as a Lightroom plug-in.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Customize
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
For me, Nik Software's selling point is its U point technology which let's me get the adjustments that I am looking for. Like Silver EFex Pro, there are a lot of presets that are very useful as starting points if you're not sure where to begin. That, plus the ability to view before and after adjustments side by side make this software worth the money.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
- Freezes or Crashes
Best Uses
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
I have essentially all of the other NIK products which loaded and performed with no issues, EVER! I tried to load this HDR several times, even after rebooting, always the same, an error message to close "Bridge.exe"
Couldn't view the intructional video at all- constant stops/ starts, and skips. They must have used a cheap blank CD. Others have had the same issues, per comments posted, but I thought there would never be an issue with NIK products.
I'm returning it ASAP and will have to try Photomatrix!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
It do what it says! I love the built-in presets where you can select a start-up look then go from there to further enhance to your heart's content.I love it. Its not even come close to the Merge to HDR Pro of PS CS5.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Colors and Controls
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy To Customize
- Easy To Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Quality
Comments about Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Software:
easy to usesee the results[@]
- Primary use:
- Personal
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