Photomatix vs Photoshop: Which Is NOT Ideal for HDR?

By Eva Williams 17 days ago, Software Reviews

As a novice in photography aiming for striking HDR images, I decided to compare Photomatix vs Photoshop to figure out which program is better for editing my landscape and urban shots.

Based on my experience, I recommend going for Photoshop instead of Photomatix. Though Photomatix has a user-friendly interface and tools specifically for editing HDR images, it still can’t fully compete with the Adobe software.

Photoshop is more feature-rich. It contains multiple tools for creating unique projects and pro-grade materials. Besides, it provides users with full control over the workflow.

Final Verdict:

Although both tools have their unique advantages for receiving professional HDR, I think Photoshop suits my requirements better. My projects frequently call for advanced edits in high resolution and further printing, which Photoshop readily provides.

While Photomatix is advanced and flexible HDR software, I usually use it as an add-on for Lightroom. Thus, I can produce high-quality HDR images with ease.

Head To Head Comparison

Photomatix

photomatix logo

Photoshop

photoshop logo

Rating

★★★★☆ 4/5

★★★★☆ 4.5/5

Best For

Beginner photographers

Photographers and artists of all levels

Free Trial

✔️

✔️

Price

$99

$22.99/mo

Platforms

Windows, Mac, iOS

Web, Mac, Windows, iOS

HDR capabilities

  • Multiple rendering algorithms
  • Support for panoramic photos

  • Merge To HDR Pro command
  • Variety of Blend modes and filters

Photomatix: HDR Features

photomatix hdr features

In the program, you’ll find lots of HDR techniques, presets, and controls to express your creativity and get top-notch results. I tested the free version of Photomatix and feel absolutely amazed by how quickly it blends bracketed exposures, adjusts tones, and removes any ghosting in pictures.

I like that it’s possible to edit images in batches. Besides, users can integrate Photomatix with Lightroom and Capture One to create mesmerizing projects. Honestly, Photomatix has changed the way I enhance dynamic range and boost the visual punch of my photos.

Photoshop: HDR Features

photoshop hdr features

If you want to create attention-grabbing HDR images, Photoshop is your go-to tool. With its Merge to HDR feature, you can blend different exposures to capture a broader range of light and dark, really elevating your visuals.

The Color Picker tool is a total lifesaver too. It streamlines the process of selecting and fine-tuning colors in pictures. Plus, I can simply tone map HDR images in 32-bit mode. Therefore, you’ll be able to apply delicate finishing touches.

All in all, this photo editing software for PC and Mac contains all must-have features and tools to make visually stunning HDR real estate images.

From my own experience, Photoshop stands out as a user-friendly and super-efficient program for sprucing up photos. I believe it is an ideal pick for any photographer striving to take their work up a notch.

Result Comparison

photomatix vs photoshop result

I've tried Photomatix and Photoshop and can say that they are both capable of delivering stunning HDR images. But when it comes to Photomatix, you are likely to be impressed by the features tailor-made for producing specifically HDR content.

Believe it or not, you can make a great image in just 2 minutes. With its tone mapping, exposure fusion, and details enhancer tools, you have the ultimate control over the whole process. Thus, you can be sure final images look absolutely lifelike.

The HDR images from Photoshop are impressive too. What's even better is the possibility to improve them even more with tools like Generative Fill or the Spot Healing Brush.

Other Features

The team behind Photomatix has gone a step ahead in terms of implanting numerous Photomatix presets and custom options in the program to be able to get every style or look you may even think about. You will have a choice of how your nature snaps are going to look like once processed. Plus, very great tone mapping and covered exposure fusion - incredible work done. If I don’t do photography as a job and just take landscape images for fun or stock, Photomatix offers good, reasonable details and color balance.

photoshop other features

If we need basics, Photoshop is the way to go. Here I just do the replacement of the background, image blending, Dodge&Burn for portraits, or adding some text in just a couple of steps. In addition, the really large range of photo editing Photoshop actions and AI made me left pretty satisfied.

Generative Expand for stretching the images or Generative Fill, blending them beautifully with the seamless background. The best part? Well, Photoshop has anything related to post production.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons

Photomatix

Merge Exposures for HDR

Not as intuitive as other similar software

Tone Mapping options

Crashes and speed issues 

Support for JPEG and RAW

Integrates with Lightroom

Built-in presets

Photoshop

Precise image adjustments

Can be pricey

Non-destructive editing

Steep learning curve

Retouching tools

Possibility to customize color palettes, brushes

Integration with other Adobe software

Price

Photomatix

photomatix logo

Photoshop

photoshop logo

Free Trial

✔️

✔️

Paid Plan

$99

$22.99/mo

Final Thoughts: Overall Winner

For me, Photoshop is better because I need a versatile program for editing images on a regular basis. Photomatix may come in handy for HDR editing solely, but it lacks features for more general tasks.

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