32 bit HDR processing with Photomatix Pro

If you have spent anytime experimenting with HDR you have probably heard about Photoshop's Merge to HDR Pro. It allows for 32 bit tone mapping using the absolute power of ACR (in Photoshop CC). This is a very common method for making realistic HDR images that do not leave you with that dirty Grungy tone mapped look from Photomatix.

As HDR advances this method has been gaining much more popularity, especially with the newer RAW files a s a base that provide a stellar amount of dynamic range. While the Merge To HDR Pro in Photoshop method is great, there is a healthy alternative. Why would I reinvent the wheel here?

Well, I did a case study on this method. I compared and contrasted several Photomatix Pro 32 bit images with Photoshop's Merge to HDR Pro. The results were striking. Here were some of the blatant advantages:

1. Photomatix's Algorithm for correcting ghosting is far superior to Photoshop and grants the user more control.

2. The Photomatix versions appeared to have less blown highlights in tricky areas. This is highlighted in the video tutorial below.

3. The overall finished product seemed more refined than the Photoshop Merge to HDR Pro. Especially in highlight detail areas.

I encourage you to experiment with this method and see what you think. Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

[laranitasantana]

Exactly is what I always do. Process the bracketed images in Photomatix and then do the final adjustments in Photoshop

[rmnrmn]

I could swear i've seen one of your videos with probably this image and you showed keyboard modifier key to move all sliders inside Adobe Camera Raw - Basic tab at same time. Meaning hold key and all sliders move from already adjusted position towards default position when you drag only one slider. Could you remind the hotkey please?

[itamakatz]

Hi. Thanks for the video! Its really awesome.
One question. Im pretty new to all this HDR merge. Can you process the 32 bit picrute after the Photomatixin merge in Lightroom or its a specific advantage of Photoshop that it can open .HDR files?
Thanks.

[kirillartykov]

Hi. Thanks for the tutorial. It really helps to save some money (much cheaper way then buying set of Lee grads :-). ). But will it work with really long exposures, like stacking up to 5 images with shutter speed around let's say 60 seconds.
Thank you

[antaresting]

Does this technique run on PCs? I tried it on my Windows 10 system and it stalled after the Photomatix .hdr file was handed off to Bridge. The file opened in Photoshop but could not light up the Camera Raw Filter. I'm running the latest version of PS CC and Photomatix Pro 5.1.3. Makes me wonder whether there is a missing step for PCs in the process. Files also would not drop directly from Bridge folder onto Photomatix Icon in the task bar. Anybody have similar experience? Still and all, looks like an excellent process.

[wonkywaterpipe]

when i merge the HDR image in photomatix i can't properly open it into PS afterwards, it is just a black image. any help?