I just heard about something call High Dynamic Range imaging (HDR), but I don't see it listed as a feature in PhotoPaint X4.
HDR Photo Merge is listed as a new feature in Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.
Can PhotoPaint X4 be used for HDR images?
I wouldn't. A RAW converter is of much more use than HDR.
PhotoShop's implementation of HDR is, at best, mediocre. CS2 had it, CS3 improved upon it. It is still substandard when compared with HDRSoft's Photomatix. You have very little control in the PhotoShop implementation and the results are dull and muddy. At least you can get some interesting artistic effects in the Photomatix package.
There is a wealth of information out there on HDR. Get a copy of the HDRI Handbook via Amazon from Foster's link and read through it.
HDR relies on having multiple high-bit images to process. As we can't even get a lens to work on a 16 Bit image today in PhotoPaint it would be a tall order to process and compress tone in multiple 16 bit exposures. I will go out on a limb and make a prediction here that sensor technologly advances will likely diminish the impact of HDR. My 4 Year old Canon 20D had dynamic range of about 7.1 F-stops. My newest 40D has an exposure just nudging over the 9 FStop range. This means I could take a picture with my 20D and over and under expose by a stop, combine it in software or take it with the 40D and get the same dynamic range.
I was enamored with HDR initially and still use it some. I find that with good planning, impeccable exposure, and a camera with a good range, you can get a great result that can be just as exciting as an HDR.
I was showing images at a camera club the other night showing an image that was published in the second issue of CorelDraw Unleashed. I heard a murmur from the back of the room. "That has HDR and LAB Color Adjustments written all over it" I overheard the comment and couldn't help but smile. It was an image from the 40D adjusted in Lightroom with no HDR exposure combining and no LAB tricks. It hadn't even been to the image editor yet.
Toys are cool but technique rules.
Jeff Harrison said: There should also be features to correct purple fringing and barrel distortion IMO. These are common problems... JD
There should also be features to correct purple fringing and barrel distortion IMO. These are common problems...
JD
Amen, and Vignetting
Rikk, I only shoot RAW and after you explain to me how I can process 200 some images, from a shoot, in PP's RAW converter without turning grey, I promise I'll get excited about it. Your basing your comment's on editing one image, I base my comments on having many images to edit and knowing that most people shoot more then just a few images, my comments are probably more in line with reality. I have been running X4 for the past five months or more and the RAW converter leaves me with cold shivers, sorry. I agree that it is a start of greater things to come, but we will see. IMHO a RAW processor needs to be a stand alone application to offer the tools and speed one needs to effectively process large amounts of images. Adobe has recognized that fact by introducing LR, unfortunately they have not been able to produce a product as fast and efficient as RawShooter once was, and Corel missed the boat on snatching RS before Adobe could. So anyway, I'm waiting for enlightenment on how to use the RAW in PP on an entire shoot and process them in an efficient way, let's say within an hour or two.
Alfred, I shot 485 images in RAW on Wednesday. I shot 1760 in RAW a week ago. I would never suggest using PP X4 RAW Lab for managing a shoot. RAW in PP is not a digital asset management tool. I also would not use Adobe Camera Raw for this purpose (crippled without the Browser or Bridge to add image management solutions.). These are one-off solutions for single files.
But, if you are NOT a photographer who shoots oodles of RAW images but are a designer who receives a RAW file from a client, you are not stuck. You can persevere.
RS was a great tool for managing images two years ago. Now, it is a dinosaur and the modern concepts of image management presented by Lightroom, Aperture, Bibble and the others have expanded workflow management into the forefront for Digital Photographers. RAW in PP is not a workflow tool. It is an import filter on steroids.
When the next issue of CorelDraw Unleased Magazine hits the e-STands, I have a review of the new RAW functionality in PP and you will find I agree with you. What I am saying is that RAW - even in baby steps is far more relevent to the Graphics Professional than HDR.
We do agree! However I would suggest to Corel that in a professional application as CGS one has to address the professional photographer as well as other professionals.