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Best Free High Dynamic Range (HDR) Software

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This article was last updated by our Archive Manager Webgremlin on 19/01/2013. Registered members can contact our Archive Manager with any comments or questions they might have by clicking here.
 

 
In a Hurry?
  Go straight to the Quick Selection Guide
 
Introduction

Imagine that you are inside a large Gothic cathedral, and the sunlight is streaming in from the windows. You pull out your digital camera and take a photograph of the beautiful artwork on the church wall near one of the windows. You needn't have bothered. Your digital photograph will be a flop. Either the painting will be dark and barely visible, or the window will appear as a glaring and dominant white area that is hardly recognizable as a window. Or both.

Digital photography is a wonderful technology, but it's not very good at handling scenes that are comprised of both very dark and very brightly-lit areas. The human eye is superb at this, but the sensors in digital cameras are not.

But, there is way to overcome this problem. It's called HDR photography, which works by combining several photos of the same scene, taken at different exposure settings, into one photo. The details of dark areas (from a longer-duration exposure) are combined with the details of brightly lit areas (from a shorter-duration exposure). The result is a single photo that is correctly exposed in both the dark and light areas. It not only looks like it is correctly exposed, it also looks more dimensional.

There is a related technique called tone mapping. Tone mapping is what tells the computer how to actually display this huge tonal range - and there are different ways to do it (different algorithms which have different parameters - this is what the scroll menus and sliders allow you to change). You can also tone-map a single photo, yet it will never provide you with a high dynamic range image by definition, it can only make low dynamic range scenes look like they were outputs of HDR processing. This can bring nice effects or make the image noisy and unnatural-looking. This being said, tone-mapping definitely can't be explained properly in a short paragraph, so if you're interested, there are lots of great articles on the internet for you to read.

To create HDR photographs you will need to do two things. First, it would be wise to use a tripod when you take your series of differently exposed photos (try 3 photos, -2EV, 0EV, +2EV), which will ensure that all of the photos are identically composed. Second, you need to combine the series of photos by using special HDR software. Taking the multiple shots may be easy, because most modern cameras have a "bracketing mode" that will allow you to automatically take a picture repeatedly at different exposures. However, if your camera doesn't have this feature, you can do it manually. Aperture priority will be best if you want to use exposure bracketing as mentioned above and manual mode and changing only shutter speed if you're taking each photo manually. Check HDR guides for detailed information and explanation.

There are several free HDR software packages, and I've had the opportunity to review most of them. Selecting the best was not easy.

 
Discussion

Luminance HDR (Qtpfsgui)

Luminance HDR imageLuminance HDR is the best option if you want to experiment. Nine different tone-mapping algorithms, that means - if you want 'that' particular HDR look - there's a fair chance you'll achieve it with Luminance HDR. More realistic? Sure. A little like a drawing? Sure. Maybe surrealistic? It's all here.

Although I consider Luminance HDR a top-notch free HDR product, there are a couple of things that can deter the potential user. First of all, the interface isn't too user-friendly, so it may take you a while to feel at home working with Luminance HDR.  For instance, to see how new parameters that you've set affect the image, you have to click a button. There's no 'real-time' preview. On the other hand, Luminance HDR easily creates new tabs (just like a browser) with rendered results. It's never been easier to compare the results that different settings produce, without having to 'try hard' to remember how it looks now, then move a slider or two, and think hard if it looks better or worse.

Let's not forget about great RAW support and nice single-image tone-mapping output. It can really do wonders with even a single .jpg (but this will not(!) be a HDR image - if you don't know why, search the internet, plenty of articles).

I would say, if you enjoy playing with HDR, if you want to explore, if you feel your current HDR program doesn't let you achieve the results you want, try Luminance HDR. It will be an adventure.

Picturenaut

PicturenautPicturenaut provides (all automatically) image alignment, exposure correction, color balancing, noise level compensation, and derivation of the camera curve from the source images.

It supports most formats, including PFM (Portable Float Map), HDR (Radiance), EXR (OpenEXR), TIFF (32-bit Floating Point), TIFF (LogLuv), LDR, JPEG, TIFF (only RGB color space), TGA (Targa, no alpha channel). It has now the ability to process RAW files. I have checked this out using my NEF RAW files and it worked like a dream.

Simply explained, weighting defines the values between dark pixels and light pixels. Dark pixels have noise in them and light pixels are usually over-exposed. Instead of dropping these pixels, they are assigned a weight value. Depending on your image, the weight function may help you obtain a better result. The EV (Exposure Value) can be taken from the EXIF information attached to the image, or assigned a manual value (this is excellent for cheating HDR's). As a modular piece of software, its most important functions can all be accessed from a command line. The downside is that you cannot alter the alignment of the image manually, but I have done tests on auto alignments and Picturenaut came out the best.  If you are looking for straightforward images without excessive tone mapping, this is likely to be your best option.

FDRTools Basic

FDRTools BasicFDRTools Basic is a solid piece of software, appropriate for those looking for a fast and efficient way to incorporate more dynamic range into an image without the risk of getting a fancy-looking, halo-happy, and tonal hierarchy deprived output.

The supported import image formats are: JPEG, TIFF, Radiance RGBE, OpenEXR, Integrated RAW converter plus DCRAW for direct import of virtually all digital camera RAW formats. The supported export image formats are: Radiance RGBE, OpenEXR, TIFF, PNG, PPM, BMP and JPEG.

There are four windows that you can view: display of menu with images and adjustments, preview area, progress and navigator. When you choose to align the images, the application automatically compensates for any 'slight' camera wobble. Once the images are aligned, you may manually adjust to create a slight misalignment for image creativity (sometimes a slight misalignment can create a better HDR image by giving it more depth).

It provides two tone-mapping options: 'Simplex' – adjusting histogram, gamma and saturation,  and 'Receptor', which has two more sliders: 'compression' and 'brightness', which, set to their default values, do change the look of the tone-mapped image. So you will want to switch between the two and see which one you prefer. I believe you should always use Receptor, as it not only gives you more artistic freedom, but also yields better results with the default settings.

What are you going to get? Most likely a noticeably range-expanded photo without sharpness loss, with pleasant colors, although you may find that the sky looks a little flat or 'burns' some fine detail like in a photo with overexposed sky. Also, the output could use more local contrast, as the images tend to have a slight, I would say, 'plastic' feel to them. I would say they are on the realistic yet needing enhancement side.

Please delve into the 'Preferences', as this will acquaint you with the settings, allow you to specify your own final-image format, and select a destination file for your finished images. Worth checking.

Fusion

FusionFusion by ns-point is a lightweight piece of software that should appeal to those who aren't easily deterred by old-fashioned looks of software. The interface here, although not looking great, is very functional and intuitive. I like the fact that it's free of clutter and the menu item labels are such that you just know what each option does.

Now about the technical side of Fusion: it has a solid auto-alignment engine, RAW support which exceeded my expectations by handling Fuji's RAF perfectly and three different HDR tone-mapping modes. They don't seem to differ nearly as much as some algorithms from Luminance HDR, but they're still guaranteed to provide some more variety than with just one mode. A decent amount of sliders lets you experiment and tweak the output a bit, according to your liking.

There's one thing that's special about Fusion, which is "Summator". This might sound a little mysterious, but it just seems to be a well-implemented exposure blending algorithm, which is definitely a welcome thing. It'll do the blending automatically, but if you please, you can adjust the processing by prioritizing certain areas of any given photo included in the batch. Very cool.

Now, there's one thing you should be aware of: Fusion leaves a text watermark in your photos. This might be annoying, so bear that in mind!

I think  Fusion is a program well worth checking. It's a pretty straightforward program, yet with formidable tone-mapping potential. I would say it's best for obtaining rather surrealistic scenes, full of vivid color and with that specific, "heavy" HDR look.

It did not seem to do so well in getting a more toned-down look, as in the test I conducted below, apparently getting fooled by the brighter exposures and losing that nice dark cyan sky color as a result.

 

Last but not least, click here to see a real-world example of these programs' performance.

 
Quick Selection Guide

Luminance HDR
9
 
Gizmo's Freeware award as the best product in its class!

Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Diverse, 9 different algorithms, great to experiment with, solid RAW support, high quality outcome
No live refresh - render to see the effects of moving the slider, may seem a little complex and not so easy to use
http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/
2.3.1
16.3 MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Open source freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
WinXP/Vista/7 or MacOS X, most Linux distributions
Picturenaut
8
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Straightforward images without excessive tone mapping.
No manual alignment, tone-mapping quality is okay but could be better.
3.2
3.9 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista
FDRTools Basic
6
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Allows RAW. Auto alignment while allowing manual correction. Fast and stable.
Output lacks local contrast, images may have a slight 'plastic' feel to them. Auto alignment not as good as Picturenaut
3.2.6.1
Windows 7.8 MB – OS X 7.3 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
at least Windows 98 or OS X 10.3

At least 512 MB memory – Processor: at least Pentium 4, PowerPC G4

Fusion
6
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
great RAW support, exposure blending ("Summator" mode), a decent variety of mapping options, vivid, contrasty outcome
leaves a watermark, not the best if you need a realistically looking HDR, has some problems with highlights (washed out look or shifted colors may happen), old-fashioned interface
http://fusion.ns-point.com/
2.2.2
1.9 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
This product is portable.
Windows XP or higher

 
Editor

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Tags

HDR photography, HDR photo, high dynamic range software, HDR freeware, HDR free software.

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Comments

by Webgremlin on 20. January 2013 - 22:05  (104681)

Removed Essential HDR Community from article due to author website no longer being available. If anybody knows authors website please let us know and we can put software title back into article and quick selection guide.
Thanks.

by wwkudu (not verified) on 30. September 2012 - 8:12  (99986)

Fusion is definitely not free though. The license currently sells for $25. It may be worth it, I am yet to use it enough, but it does not belong on this list.

by MidnightCowboy on 30. September 2012 - 9:40  (99991)

The portable version is freeware which is where our link points to.

by wwkudu (not verified) on 30. September 2012 - 15:04  (100001)

Thanks mnc - I did download the portable version. The resultant images are labelled along the side/bottom with "Fusion HDR - fusion.ns-point.com", so yes, it works, but having the added labelling is a downside that should perhaps be mentioned.

by GrandBrand on 30. September 2012 - 18:29  (100010)

This is apparently something that they added recently, thanks for info, it'll be included.

by srikanth (not verified) on 4. September 2012 - 4:46  (98729)

I have downloaded Fusion by ns-point software and the auto alignment tool is very fast.Anyone has idea about the algorithm used in ns-point?

Can anyone suggest which is the fastest Hdr image alignment algorithm
rather than Median threshold bitmap alignment and SIFT feature based which consume lot of time

by GrandBrand on 30. September 2012 - 13:03  (99998)

Sorry, I do not have such detailed knowledge on this.
My personal favorite is hugin's align_image_stack, but it's not the fastest I'm afraid :(

Sorry but you're left with Google unless someone knows this here!

by 195five (not verified) on 29. April 2012 - 11:24  (92755)

Great article. I have directed a friend here so that he can appreciate HDR. This site offers a user friendly intro to the technique, which he will appreciate, plus some free software links to try the technique.

I have used Picturenaut and FDR Tools on my Windows machines, your assessments I can relate to. I am currently trying out HDRtist (free version) on my Mac machine.

If I really want to get heavy I use Photoshop (still running CS3), but for fun and family stuff all the above are great.

by GrandBrand on 29. April 2012 - 18:31  (92773)

Thank you! Let me tell you, this page (HDR soft) is a combined effort of a few editors.

By the way, I also recommend Luminance HDR. It provides you with a choice of quality mapping algorithms. Worth checking out!

by Jonw (not verified) on 9. February 2012 - 22:15  (88603)

Luminance shuts down every time you try to save a file. I am using a MAC. Not impressed so far...

by GrandBrand on 11. February 2012 - 10:42  (88669)

Hey! I must admit I do not own a MAC and therefore didn't have the opportunity to check Lumi on that platform. But your comment is very valuable and thank you for it! I'll try investigating this issue online and contacting the devs.
I'll also see about changing the rating/reviews.

EDIT:
I have contacted the head of the project. He says he is working on a MAC himself and has not heard of any issues of the kind you mention.

by MarcoT (not verified) on 13. November 2011 - 16:24  (83215)

Great article. I went with Picturenaut several months ago, today I went to look for updates and the site was not coming up. Maybe they're down for maintenance. Do you know anything?

by GrandBrand on 14. November 2011 - 9:19  (83253)

http://www.hdrlabs.com/picturenaut/index.html everything works for me ;)
It might've been maintenance or some temporary issues...

by MattW (not verified) on 19. September 2011 - 2:21  (79862)

Tony,
Thanks for the excellent article. I downloaded FDRTools Basic on my MacBook Air and completed my first HDR image in less than 30 minutes from "Download FDRTools" to "Save". Granted, it was far from professional-looking (my three pictures were taken with the camera hand-held, not on a tripod), but not bad at all considering that it was my first ever go with HDR. I'll download Picturenaut later when I'm sitting at my Windows machine.
Cheers!
-Matt

by GrandBrand on 19. September 2011 - 22:00  (79918)

We're glad you enjoyed it. Also, congratulations on your success ;)
If you're adventurous enough, check out Luminance HDR (obviously it's free - we're talking freeware only here @Gizmo)- it has nine different tone mapping algorithms! It's not a perfect program though. I will review it soon. Picturenaut is very user-friendly and fast, so sure, go ahead and try it out.
Thanks for your comment!

by Rob (not verified) on 29. July 2011 - 12:25  (76445)

Unfortunately the Essential HDR CE gets the thumbs down, basically because it doesn't actually work at any level. Won't even load pictures!

by Rob (not verified) on 29. July 2011 - 12:26  (76446)

oops, should have read which OS it runs on!

by Henri de Feraudy (not verified) on 31. May 2011 - 20:05  (72995)

I have used lots of HDR software and quite frankly I found with time that Essential HDR is quite disappointing on lots of subjects. For one thing it clips away a lot of the dynamic range of the picture. It often yields dreadful colours of night scenes.
The examples on their website are cherry-picked. However it is different to the rest and cannot be imitated, so I often experiment with different renderings (including those of Essential HDR) and
choose the one I like the best.
Essential HDR detail enhancer can be very good on trees and forest scenes.

by CHH944 (not verified) on 15. May 2011 - 4:58  (71912)

Very Good

by tom2010 on 29. November 2010 - 8:05  (61776)

I got to know from HDR group on flickr that HDRpad is a free software. It seems a good app. Unfortunately, there is no version for Mac ... :(

by Yurko (not verified) on 20. November 2010 - 22:15  (61441)

Unfortunately, Essential HDR Community Edition 1.0 obligates you to buy it if you decide to install it: "After accepting this license agreement, the Licensee must contact the Vendor to obtain a license for commercial use of the product" (excerpt from License Agreement that is displayed at beginning of setup process).

Anyway, thanks for your review, Tony!
It helped me to start playing with HDR.

by Mike2012 (not verified) on 4. November 2010 - 8:19  (60755)

I run Qtpfsgui 1.93 on OSX and Linux and never had a crash, ever. I'm really sad to hear that you have issues, because i think Qtpfsgui beats pretty much anything, including Photomatix (which i bought, but don't use anymore) and the other programs mentioned in this article. The user-presets in Qtpfsgui is really useful and save me hours of work. The different tone mapping schemes that comes with it covers virtually anything you want to do, from simple compression to extreme over-cooked tone-mapping.

If you have problems to make it work, take your time to fix - it's worth the effort!

Cheers,
Mike

by Danny Davies (not verified) on 22. February 2012 - 19:11  (89261)

Hi Mike.
I agree with you, it's free and should not take long to adjust to it. I saw.... qtpfsgui.org ... advertise on you-tube. I use it on my laptop, using windows 7.I have used it successfully on a number of photo's, and it's up to the user to choose what he/she likes. So do yourself a favour and try it.

Good luck.

Danny.

by Bravo (not verified) on 11. October 2010 - 16:55  (59395)

It's typical of SONY to have files that many converters can't read, or read properly. That's not on purpose, I am SURE! :-)

by Hristo (not verified) on 20. September 2010 - 0:35  (58132)

Luminance HDR/QTpfsgui is free (again?), obviously the reason for that is because the new version turned out to be worse than the old one.

http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/

by tony on 19. December 2010 - 16:30  (62934)

This should be allowed to be put on as the top choice again. Its tonemapping abilities are far better than the others. Its great to see it free again

by wilddunk (not verified) on 3. September 2010 - 18:23  (57218)

Fusion
I think this one will be worth keeping an eye on,it only deals with merging jpgs & i have run only a single jpg to create a pseudo HDR and i am really impressed by the results on the downside there is no instructions so far and there is a quite a choice of settings
anyway let us know what you think

http://fusion.ns-point.com/

by tony on 3. September 2010 - 18:29  (57219)

Funny enough I downloaded it yesterday. Did a couple. Not entirely happy with it. but will be keeping an eye on it. Thank you. If anyone else could give their evaluation would love to hear them

by Jack C (not verified) on 26. August 2010 - 3:30  (56735)

Tony,
First off, great site and thanks for your hard work doing the testing for us!!! My problem - I have a Sony A500 and have been experimenting with the exposure bracketing. I have saved pictures in the Sony RAW format .ARW. My problem is that neither Essential HDR Community nor Picturenaut 3.0 will even load the .ARW file! Sorry-to be fare, Essential HDR will load the image, but it is just a bunch of vertical lines. Even with a JPEG file, Picturenaut did not image match the 3 photos properly. I have a friend who has Photomatix which handles the JPEG files very nicely, but I was hoping to be able to use the .ARW files since that is my camera's output.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

by brabason (not verified) on 17. September 2010 - 19:15  (58015)

Sony must be like Olympus with a weird RAW format not recognised by many converters. Olympus even has different RAW file formats for different cameras all called .ORF. Even Photomatix cannot read these files. I think this is your problem with Sony.