Photoshop CS5 Plug - In for Photomatix Pro

Photomatix Pro, the popular and versatile HDR imaging software from HDRsoft, avails the user of a Photoshop Tone-Mapping Plug-in. The plug-in will function with versions of Photoshop dating from CS2 to CS5. In order to do the work it does, Photomatix requires 32-bit images. Photoshop CS2-CS5 are the only versions that can support this. The plug-in, however, will work with 48-bit images. Earlier versions of Photoshop Elements and Photoshop can support work with 48-bit files and are compatible with the Photomatix Tone-Mapping Plug-in (on Windows machines only). Mac users are only able to use the plug-in with Photoshop CS2-CS5.

Although it’s not widely reported as something done often, the Tone-Mapping Plug-in can be purchased alone, and used strictly in its function within Photoshop. Photomatix Pro merges multiple exposures and allows for tone-mapping and finessing a HDR image. When the user works with the plug-in, that is the only function available. The 32 and/or 48-bit images need to be processed with another program. The software can be used to create the HDR image to then be adjusted in Photoshop afterwards, using the plug-in. There is also a “Merge to HDR” function in Photoshop CS5 which can precede using the plug-in to handle the final tone-mapping.

Most often what seems to fit artists’ preferences is to acquire Photomatix Pro for its broad functionality, as it can take care of HDR processing and all the plug-in offers. A step further is to get the Photomatix Pro Plus Bundle. Included therein are Photomatix Pro, the Photoshop Tone-Mapping Plug-in, and the Aperture Plug-in (this last one is for Mac users only). For the beginning HDR enthusiast, Photomatix Light can be the place to start. It really is a very limited program, but it is a good introduction to all that Photomatix can offer.

The pricing for all of these options are as follows:

Photomatix Light- $39
Photomatix Pro- $99
Photomatix Tone-Mapping Plug-in (alone)- $79
Photomatix Aperture Plug-in for Mac (alone)- $79
Photomatix Pro Plus Bundle- $119

All of these products are available as trial downloads. They are fully functional, and they never expire.

In closing, the best that can be offered here is to encourage you to check out a comprehensive Photomatix tutorial which includes a 15% discount coupon code.