San Diego, CA—Nik Software released HDR Efex Pro 2 software, a new version that enables professional and amateur photographers to create natural and artistic high dynamic range (HDR) images. HDR Efex Pro 2 represents the next generation of HDR photography, adding not only new features but also utilizing a proprietary and more powerful tone mapping engine for improved speed, color rendering and natural styles.
The company’s patented U Point technology is designed to enable selective fine-tuning to simplify and speed up the process for creating high dynamic range images. To watch videos and join live online training sessions, visit niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro.
“With HDR Efex Pro 2 we set out to advance photography by offering a wider range of possibilities for HDR photography while increasing both speed and quality,” said Michael J. Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software. “Over 400 professional photographers from our beta group play an important part in our development process and ensure that we deliver quality and performance that professionals expect.”
Users will benefit from improvements to the program’s merging interface, tone mapping and enhancement controls, and visual presets, as well as create added depth and realism in images with the new, proprietary depth control, which helps counteract the flattened look commonly associated with HDR images.
Other key features include: full GPU processing and multi-core optimization that takes advantage of the processors found on modern display adapters; an improved ghost reduction algorithm to help ensure artifacts created by moving objects are removed with a single click; new chromatic aberration reduction that reduces color fringes around objects; graduated neutral density control to access the full 32-bit depth of the merged image to provide a natural effect, especially on images with a strong horizon line; and full white balance control with a tint slider and a temperature slider that can be applied globally as well as selectively using U Point technology.
Other additions include a history browser that records every enhancement used in an editing session so users can review adjustments and different HDR looks, and extended language support.
The software is Windows and Mac compatible and installs as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS5 or later, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 or later, and Apple Aperture 3 or later.
Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro 2 is available for $99.95. Upgrades from the first version are $49.95. Customers who purchased HDR Efex Pro or a complete collection bundle after June 9, 2012 are eligible for a free upgrade. niksoftware.com
