HDRMerge vs SNS-HDR

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.

SNS-HDR processes photo sequences into HDR images and can also process single images. It reads JPEG, TIFF, RAW files including DNG, OpenEXR, and Radiance HDR. For sequences, it can align source exposures and reduce ghosting and chromatic aberration. Editing tools include masks, presets, project saving and restoration, and batch processing; the software also supports 360° panorama processing. Its controls and presets are intended to produce natural-looking results. Listed outputs include JPEG, TIFF, TIFF-8, TIFF-16, SNSX, HEIC, and HEIC-10, with HEIC output available on macOS. It runs on Windows and macOS, requiring Windows 10 64-bit or newer, or macOS 14 or newer on Apple Silicon. It integrates with Adobe Lightroom Classic as a plug-in or external editor, but not cloud-based Lightroom. SNS-HDR Lite is freeware with a commercial license. Home costs €30 a month for a non-commercial license; Professional costs €85 a month for a commercial license. The Home Lightroom plug-in handles one series at a time, while Professional adds series splitting and quiet mode; batch processing is a Pro feature. A Pro demo is available to try before purchase.