bw hdr conversion LR4 vs ASP

[ucci]

Okay, so this is probably not where this should be posted. But hey, this is my preferred watering hole, where all my favourite drinking mates hang out, and being a creature of habit...
So, here is a base shot of a cactus flower, raw data, 3 bracketed exposures and then HDR rendered via PS. This was then turned to b&w and sharpened using either of the30 day free trial versions of Adobe LR4 and Corel AfterShot Pro. Trying to decide which version to buy. Adobe will be around $300AUD and Corel wants $99AUD for its product. Pros and cons for each, I have found
Okay so maybe you reckon I need to get a life. But I would be most appreciative of any feed back on this. At the moment I find ASP easier to use and quick to open files. Its saving process is a bit messy. But It will not recover anywhere near the clipped detail one can recover using LR4, which is brilliant. A couple of us have found LR4 applied to a single exposure recovers clipped data far better than when HDR bracketing is used. Worked wonders on a well blown snow drift! So much so I have decided to give HDR the flick if I go with LR4. Anyone want to buy some slightly used HDR treatises? LOL
Okay, enough with the rambling Time to take my tablets and have a senior snooze! LOL
Thanks for viewing
Old ucci





Corel AfterShot Pro


Adobe LR4

[Polar01]

As you use PS to work the image, what about the plug-in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 to convert into B&W a lot better than LR and cheaper, applies as a mask and can be used as a smart layer in CS5 and if I am correct 4 also.

Allan

[ucci]

Hi Allan
Thanks for useful feed back. Yes it probably would do as you say. But I am not familiar with this programme. And is it as versatile as LR?
Ken

[Polar01]

I would suggest you check out their web site Nik Software, Silver Efex Pro is a programe that converts colour images to B&W and gives you a great amount of control in the finished image.

Allan