EnfuseGUI vs MergeHDR

EnfuseGUI is a desktop application that creates high dynamic range images by blending photographs made at different exposures. Swipeware describes uses including combining room and window exposures, night photography, and focus stacking. It accepts TIFF and JPEG files plus raw formats such as NEF, CR2, and DNG. Align Image Stack helps line up hand-held shots before blending. Batch processing and multi-processor use support larger sets of images, and EXIF data transfers to the final image. The maker describes EnfuseGUI as a graphical interface exposing all options of the Enfuse engine. It runs on Windows and macOS. A 30-day free trial is available inside the application after downloading and installing it. One license key activates the application on two computers.

MergeHDR detects exposure-bracketed photos in a library and merges them into HDR images after approval. It identifies three-, five- and seven-frame groups using metadata such as capture time and exposure values. Users can select alignment and one of four deghosting levels, then switch tone-mapping presets without repeating the merge. The app reads and writes through Apple Photos; its App Store listing also says it can connect to an FTP server to merge brackets directly from a camera. Listed inputs include Canon CR3, Sony ARW, Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, DNG, Apple ProRAW, HEIC and JPEG. Merged images can be saved at full quality or compressed to HEIC. Merging and previewing are free; the first 10 exports are free, with a limit of five free exports per day. Unlimited saves cost $9.99 a year or 19.99 USD once, with Universal Purchase for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Processing runs locally and offline, according to the maker, and the stated privacy label is Data Not Collected.