Photomatix Pro vs PhotomatixCL
Photomatix Pro
photomatix.comPhotomatixCL
hdrsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Photomatix Pro | PhotomatixCL |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $19/mo | $19/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · HDR Software | 7.8 (#7) | 7.7 (#13) |
| Batch processing | Photomatix Pro includes batch processing with previews. | PhotomatixCL processes one bracketed set per run; its bundled PhotomatixCL-Driver can batch process folders of sets. |
| Integrations | Photomatix Pro includes plugins for Lightroom and Capture One, which let users process photos and return the HDR image to those applications. | The CLI is designed to be run from automated workflows on cloud or local servers and requires no API integration code. |
| Purpose | Photomatix merges bracketed photos into an HDR image that captures detail in both the darkest and brightest areas. | PhotomatixCL is a command-line interface for integrating HDR merge into an automated imaging solution. |
| Support | 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. | HDRsoft lists email and a technical support form, with replies expected within 24 hours for licensing or ordering issues and within two business days for other queries. |
Plans
Photomatix Pro
- Photomatix API & CLI$19 a month
- Photomatix Pro 7$99, paid once
- Photomatix Pro Plus Bundle$129, paid once
PhotomatixCL
- Lite$19 a month
- Growth$29 a month
- FreePrice not published
- Pay-As-You-GoPrice not published
In their own words
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.
PhotomatixCL
PhotomatixCL is a command-line interface for adding HDR image processing to automated imaging workflows on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It merges exposure-bracketed photos into HDR images and processes them with tone mapping or exposure fusion. Image alignment, ghost removal, HDR presets, and JPG, TIFF, or EXR output are included. Inputs can come from a computer or local network, or be downloaded from a web server. Each run handles one bracketed set; the bundled PhotomatixCL-Driver can process folders of sets in batches. The CLI is designed for automated workflows on cloud or local servers and does not require API integration code. Linux downloads include Ubuntu, a statically linked universal build, and an ARM build for Debian; the universal build omits lens correction. Free-plan tracking requires internet access, and the CLI fails during outages unless used in trial mode. Trial runs do not use credits but add a Photomatix watermark to output images. The listed plans include free use and paid options; paid pricing is listed from $39 one-time.