HDRMerge vs Photomatix Pro
HDRMerge
jcelaya.github.ioPhotomatix Pro
photomatix.comSide by side
| Figure | HDRMerge | Photomatix Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $19/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · HDR Software | 7.7 (#11) | 7.8 (#7) |
| Batch processing | The command-line interface supports batch processing of raw image sets. | Photomatix Pro includes batch processing with previews. |
| Integrations | The maker says RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products support the floating-point DNG formats HDRMerge produces. | Photomatix Pro includes plugins for Lightroom and Capture One, which let users process photos and return the HDR image to those applications. |
| Platforms | The downloads section lists a Windows installer and macOS DMG for the stable release, and a Linux AppImage for development builds. | Photomatix Pro runs on Windows and Mac; Photomatix for Linux is a separate product. |
| Purpose | HDRMerge creates raw images with extended dynamic range by merging exposure-bracketed raw files or multiple exposure-bracketed frames in a single raw file. | Photomatix merges bracketed photos into an HDR image that captures detail in both the darkest and brightest areas. |
| Support | The maker directs users to GitHub to file bugs and feature requests and asks them to include the HDRMerge version, full error messages, and a link to sample raw files. | Support provides FAQs, technical support by email and a contact form, and says ordering or licensing questions receive a reply within 24 hours and other queries within two business days. |
Plans
Photomatix Pro
- Photomatix API & CLI$19 a month
- Photomatix Pro 7$99, paid once
- Photomatix Pro Plus Bundle$129, paid once
In their own words
HDRMerge
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.
Photomatix Pro
Photomatix Pro combines bracketed photos into HDR images, bringing out detail in both dark and bright areas. Version 7 offers six HDR methods, including Tone Mapping and Fusion, with advanced tone-mapping controls. Automatic alignment handles hand-held shots, and ghost-removal tools address movement between frames. Batch processing includes previews; presets and tools are also provided for real estate photography. Lightroom and Capture One plugins let users process photos and return the HDR image to those applications. The trial has no time limit, but trial-mode images carry a watermark. Photomatix Pro 7 costs $99, paid once; its license is a one-time purchase for one user and does not expire. The Pro Plus Bundle costs $129, paid once. PhotomatixCL offers command-line merging, processing, alignment, ghost removal, and JPG, TIFF, or EXR output; its free plan includes 100 credits per month. Photomatix Pro is listed for Windows and macOS, while the CLI runs on Linux and Windows.