HDR Software: Essential HDR Reviewed - 2 copies Giveaway
The program formerly known as "Project Wukong" has been released a few days ago as Essential HDR. I've no idea why they would drop an awesome code name like Wukong, maybe the guys from Imaging Luminary aren't real Ninjas after all...
But they are certainly nice people: You can download the demo version for free (called community version), which is essentially a demo with a bottom frame watermark and 1 megapixel size restriction. Even better, the first 1000 copies are on sale for 30% off ($48.99 instead of $69.99).
Essential HDR is an HDR generator and tonemapper. It has a global and a local tonemapping operator. The local TMO (Detail Revealer) is the big selling point. According to the developers it is a new algorithm that produces less artifacts (halos, over-saturation) and runs at a decent speed (multicore support). I can wholeheartedly agree: this is indeed a very powerful tonemapper. Without much fuzz I got a very natural images, the preview is pretty accurate, and it is super-easy to use. For control freaks there might be too few sliders, but I find it very intuitive.
Update: Due to a bad misunderstanding, I've used Christian Bloch's review on Essential HDR. I did actually use the software, and I did enjoy it. These are my comparisons.
Side-by-side comparison.
The overall interface is kept simple and it blends right in with other Windows Vista applications. There is no Mac version, but it runs fine on Boot Camp or VMWare Fusion.
My test image #1.
My test image #2.
My test image #3.
We have 2 copies to give away, so just leave a comment and we will announce the winner next week.
About author
Hello, everyone! I'm Paulo, a 24 years old designer from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I work as a webdesigner since 2006, but websites and blogs have been a hobbie for me since 1999. At Abduzeedo, I try to bring only the hot stuff for you guys... and hope that all of you enjoy my posts! Cheers!
Sponsored Links:
High Dynamic Range = Highly Detailed Results. Love the end results. I can see myself getting into a new field of photography. Thanks for the inspiration.
This software could be the beginning of a new photo frenzy.
Very interesting. Liked the way the final HDR images still kept a natural feel. Without that supernatural saturation ;)
Hi, Paulo:
Further news? You need to conclude the annoucement.
IMFOTO1990
Are you going to announnce here or just send emails to the winners?
Paulo, when are you going to announce the winner. Cannot wait. :)
Fantastic post
I've tested this against Photomatix and Mediachance's software (can't rmember the name) and I must say that I really liked Essential's results much better than the other 2.
It not only provides better result images but it also has a much better, cleaner and modern UI. And it's very easy to use too :)
Also, the split view is an awesome feature.
I love HDR photographs. I even tried to do myself and they can be seen on my site (http://zooley.extra.hu).
Hello everybody. I am the developer of Essential HDR.
I just want to say the web site is updated with more content. You can feel free to visit us http://www.essentialhdr.com or download a free version to test http://www.imagingluminary.com/Download.aspx
Cheers,
Sweet - I've just been using some freeware stuff to do HDR, but have been thinking about maybe upgrading to something better (i.e. Photomatix) when I get some cash. Maybe this one is better and will get my attention instead. Thanks for the info!
many comparison links, u just google it yourself
http://www.google.com/search?q=wukong+photomatix+comparison
comparison #3
http://www.flickr.com/photos/serrator/2290552088/
here is another one compare against Photomatrix
http://imagingluminary.org/support/index.php/topic,68.0.html
Compare against Photomatix:
http://forums.biorust.com/photography-photo-manipulation/7624-free-hdr-t...
This review was posted on flickr, which has a lot of different users, who use a lot of different software. So don't be surprised that ppl Photomatix or Dynamic Photo users will tear it down too. I guess it's just each to their own.
i am not a developer of Artizen i just like using it. But i guess reading is hard to do for you. I really like Photomatix as well, and no i don't develop for Photomatix either.
Just cause ppl don't like a software doesn't mean you have to be pety.
It will be very usefull.
Can't wait to try it if i win one :P
exekutywa(at)gmail.com
Paulo,
If you copy/paste my blog post word-by-word, I would at least expect a link to the original:
http://www.hdrlabs.com/news/index.php?id=30420901498729720
Getting permission upfront would be even more appropriate.
Christian Bloch
the one who promote Artizen HDR is like the developer of Artizen HDR. Why do you hate the software like that? You both can say for yourselves using your own technoloy
Not really that impressive! I prefer Artizen HDR and Photomatix over this software any day!!!
I have done better using Levels and Curves than this software can do, truly a waste of money. Also Artizen is cheaper than this and i can do a hell of a lot more in it than this software.
wow.....
count me in as well..... ;)
Like others on here, I'd like to know how this stacks up against Photomatix. Perhaps you could do a comparison article as a follow-up?
Flippin' sweet. Looks like it does the job admirably.
Love the images! I use photography as my release after a long day of minutia and droning co-workers. This software could be a great light at the end of the tunnel. Love to be able to use it!
would be great to have his software
cool stuff, finger crossed!!!
Yeah, I want one.
I would appreciate to receive a copy of this, too... Keep up the good work on HDRs ;)
Email: fetu at gmx dot de
Wukong sounds like centipede in chinese
issit?
Count me in please! I also agree Wukong was a way cool name.
Hey Paulo...please, please, please!
Would be the perfect supplement to Photoshop Elements to a poor poor student like me.
I recently started playing with HDR, but only using Phothshop the results are not much better. And photomatix is expensive..! :(
I will try my luck with Essential HDR.
The one I created (Lonely Boy) using Photoshop is available at www.brandpirate.com/portfolio
"I want that one!"
Me, me, me, want! :)
that seem interesting.
I would like to try it with bootCamp !
I used the BETA and tested it along with Dynamic Photo HDR , Photomatrix and Photoshop CS3 Extended.
Over all I found Project Wukong to work very well and in many cases to suppass Photoshop CS3 Extended and Much easier to use than Photomatrix.
The tonemapping seems more realistic than that of Dynamic Photo HDR.
I just downloaded the trial version - this is very nice! And this is from a long time Photomatix user/expert.
Those look great!
nice software.
it looks simple to use
Nice software...
It looks very simple to use...
will give it a try ! thanks in advance
oh my! pick me! i would love to pimp out my vegas signs pics!
This would be an awesome tool to have in any designer's resource.
I'd love a copy!
Nice to see consumer level apps for this sort of thing.
fuck that!!!
who the fuck cares!
photomatix all the way bitches
and btw paulo you post too much blog!
i hope your not gettin any money for all them junks!
Send it over here!
Fingers crossed :)
Wow, this is a great thing, thank you :)
Congratulation for this fantastic blog.
Sorry for my bad english :P
Ale
Wow this would be a great addition to my pursuit of amateur photography.
Ooh, I'd sure like a copy off that software :p
Nice post btw, never heard of it!
Count me in! (papilonoidea {at} gmail {dot} com)
Sweet, I just watched pixel perfect about this tech.
Great pics. I would like to try this.
mmm, looks interesting. I wanna try it! :D
yeaaaahh!!! ñ_ñ
This looks sweet. If I don't win I may just spring for software.
This software looks very interesting. I am now using LucisArt and I really love it. I might try this one out also.
That looks super handy!
Nice, looks great :)
And congrats for the blog, keep up the great work here.
I want it!!!
I tried this software while it was in beta and I really liked it. Best HDR software I've ever tried. Ooohhh wouldn't it be great to win a free copy!
Great app! I would like to see how does it look when you push it a little further, though. I happen to like that "plastic look". ;P
Primeira vez q eu comento, mas o abduzeedo um dos meus blogs favoritos. Parabés ae. =)
Please count me in, too! I'd love to have a program to finally open the door to making decent looking HDR graphics.
Dan
danielsullivan1@gmail.com
It looks great! I want it now :-)
It looks great! I want it now :-)
It looks and sounds like a decent HDR application. Details revealed without the halos!
cool, nice program :)
i love hdr and photography! :D
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I just got my 40D and I want to learn HRD bad.
Very nice program, I'd be interested... :)
your tests look nice. sharper and richer but not cartoonish.
At last, a HDR program!
Excellent program and the examples are quite good, thanks for sharing :o)
I´m taking some hrd pics... it would be nice to have some hdr soft. Tnks for sharing this to all :)
a lot of Hi!!! from Buenos Aires
nice! sign me up...
This is really awsome - I'd love to have one of the giveaway copies :) of course :)
You guys rule!
These are amazing!, #2 is my fav.
Hi!
Would be nice to get one Copie, Software looks Awesome!
Regards
ME ME ME !!!!
cheers from India:)
looks interesting.
Hi,
I would love a full version! This seems a lot better than the other software out there! More normal results.
http://www.christiaanleever.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cleever
Thanks!
Christiaan
Wow! This would be an awesome tool to have. Pick me, Pick me! =D
very nice.
That is a fine piece of professional software. The images are just transformed to an absolutely excellent quality of pictures.
They really should have kept the name as that makes the program sound more modern and realistic to it's uses.
I Seriously want this! Awesome Spot Paulo!
rocket [underscore] daan [at] hotmail [dot] com
Cave Community
Slick. How does it stack up against photomatrix and PS?
I have Photoshop CS3 but have not been impressed with the HDR results I get from it, and am considering purchasing Photomatix. How does this software compare?
Wow this software looks cool !
I love HDR's
Count me in, just starting to explore the capabilities of my digital slr. HDR looks like fun
Owww!! Parece ser muito bom mesmo. =D
matheus@matheuswebber.com
count me in! I am big into HDR!
martin.siles(@)gmail.com
portfolio
http://snackt.deviantart.com/gallery
Just in time to put my new $200 sony a100 to use. Ya that's right $200.
Wow, that looks like a fantastic, easy to use HDR generator!
Email = corne[dot]meerkerk[at]gmail[dot]com
asabbott -at- yahoo -dot- com
very nice software!
jachel.jachel@gmail.com
just in time to prove my new Canon. sweetp@libero.it (just in case)
That's really cool. Plus, I use a Mac, just like you.
How would you compare Essential HDR to Photoshop's HDR techniques?
OW, Great!
caio_designcardoso@hotmail.com
Maybe this program will give me the HDR photos i always wanted! Not HDR photos that look like plastic.
chris_halderman@hotmail.com
that looks awesome!Please count me in.Email is starlight2605(@)gmail.com
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