MergeHDR vs Photomatix Essentials

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.

Photomatix Essentials has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.