Top Rated Nik HDR Efex Pro2 Alternatives
When used appropriately, the effects that Nik's HDR software can help users to achieve is remarkable. Images can be transformed from average to good, or even great, with the aid of editing software like this. While HDR and HDR effects need to be used carefully, they can often help to draw greater attention to images. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The effects can appear somewhat overdone if not applied correctly and carefully. This is largely because the software is attempting to replicate and produce an effect usually created with multiple images, not a single photograph. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
10 out of 11 Total Reviews for Nik HDR Efex Pro2
The ability to quickly color correct illustrations and save recipes for future use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The inability to quickly apply the filters without having to load the plugin and select the recipe. Would be good to have a command that allows you to apply last Nik filter. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The program interfaces with both Photoshop and Lightroom. Easy to use and process images. You have complete control over how you want the image to look from basic to super processed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sometimes you get a little fringing on the horizons in landscape images. It doesn't place the image directly back into the filmstrip, but in a collection then you need to navigate to the correct location. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
* works seamlessly with Photoshop and Lightroom
* when I got it, it was free from Google, (but I've read that now it's sold to DxO)
* Easy to use, intuitive controls
* Good tone mapping that can give natural results (if that is your goal)
* Best ghost reduction I've seen in any HDR software (when combining images with slight movement between the exposures)
* Visual way to select your preferred HDR effect
* the "control points" are a great way for localized effects
*Good performance even on non high-end machine (can use GPU if you have a supported one) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
* No longer free (I saw that DxO do offer a free trial)
* Very easy to over-do the effects and make your photo unrealistic
* might not be as powerful as Photomatix Pro Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I love the preset options that I can take advantage of - then tweak them to my liking. This makes for a very useful plugin in my opinion. As a photography, I have been this product for years and simply upgrade when a new one comes about.
Additionally, I like the fact that I can use this either as a plugin or as a stand-alone software product. I have used it as a stand alone in the past and it saved me from losing all of the CPU and RAM on my PC. Of course, that was prior to moving to the Mac. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Once I figured how the things I DID have a problem with, I ended up with no issues using the plugin. I do not use it as a stand-alone, but probably will to say power of memory on my computer. It does consume power on a PC. Thankfully the mac handles it better.
My final dislike that comes to mind is that I do not like the undocked (floating) table of the application. Even with a 27" screen it gets in the way at times. I ultimately dock it and then struggle to find it a few days later. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
When you are an individual photographer and are artist, production staff, marketing and accounting all in one, any time you can find short cuts that still give you quality output, you've stuck gold. Nik Software is a favorite of many professional photographers and they offer more ways to easily edit your images than any other software I have previously used. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I really can't think of anything that I dislike. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I like the interface. And there are many styles that could be chosen. I could adjust the highlight part and dark part. It helps me to take a good photo quickly. I use it after I render my building. It is a very nice application. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The styles are limit. Can you add more styles to provide various choosing? And the option for adjustment is limit. And before, there is a small plugin in the photoshop. the capability is not too big. I could easily to use it without installing too much installment. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
There are dozens of options for the user. And even more options within those options. Recipes cam be cooked up and saved. And it's all pretty easy to learn! Each version that comes out ( I am currently on 4) comes with new inventive filters. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I still do not understand the circle and radius function that controls certain placements. I'm sure if i checked some online tutorials I'd find my answers.Additionally, this is one of those programs that runs terribly slow on my computer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
This does a decent job at giving an HDR effect to my photos but is nothing outstanding. You need to import the pictures and does not work well with Lightroom. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Slow loading on my MacBook Air and takes some times to edit photos. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Real world HDR in a nice package. Wish I had the budget for this. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The price is rather high, forcing me to try different products. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Out of the box HDR processing delivers beautiful default HDR photos. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
A lot of the customization options available only have 5 notches/levels to choose from, rather than a finer-grained slider.
Some people may dislike that this software requires a host program to run in, i.e. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Apple® Aperture. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
