HDRMerge vs MergeHDR

HDRMerge combines exposure-bracketed raw files, or bracketed frames within one raw file, to create raw images with extended dynamic range. It outputs DNG 1.4 images with floating-point data, drawing on less noisy input pixels to retain shadow detail. In its graphical interface, users can adjust the merge mask to address ghosts from objects that moved between exposures. The command-line interface supports batch processing of raw image sets. HDRMerge can align small translations and crop the output to the area shared by the inputs. Input images must match in size, orientation, Bayer pattern, and black and white levels; the manual says this usually means using images made with the same camera. Tone mapping can happen later in another program that supports high-dynamic-range raw DNG images. The maker identifies RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products as supporting the floating-point DNG output. HDRMerge is free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or later, and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The maker describes it as a way to bring merged HDR images into a standard raw development workflow.

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.