HDR Fuzziness using Photomatix

[mdijb]

I take three shots, bracketed for -2.normal, + 2 stops, with my camera on a monopod, or on a tripod as well.

Processing in Photomatix 4 into an HDR image using the tonemapping module ALWAYS results in a fuzzy, unsharp, image with what I think is ghosting, that is unsatisfactory.  However, using the FUSION portion of this program results in sharp, clear images that look like what I saw when I was the scene with my eyes.  Why cannot I get sharp images using tone mapping-- I have tried multiple adjustments using the sliders provided, but the results are always the same--fuzzy images. 

Any one have any suggestions, or should i try software offered by otheres?

MDIJB

[sniper]

What are you shooting raw or jpeg, and what settings are you using in Photomatix, which way are you aligning image matching features or vertical shifts. ?

[mdijb]

I am capturing raw images and using the "Match Features" option

Mdijb

[sniper]

I haven't used v4 much but I haven't noticed any issues so far, I use the match features option.  V 4 seems quicker than v3 and I'm not sure about the new interface.  I'll try one of my stock images and see how it compares sharpenss wise with the old version.
Sorry thats not much help.

[bill t.]

Just got V4, haven't had a chance to try it, but thanks for the heads-up!

The older versions would always mess up with the "match features" option if there were moving clouds in the scene even if the motion was tiny.  I assume the new one does too.  Best to stick to vertical and horizontal shifts.  Actually, best to use a sturdy tripod and no software alignment.

I have also used SNS-HDR which seems to have a somewhat wider bandwidth than Photomatix.  It seems to handle moving clouds quite well.  However, I generally prefer the more subtle look that is available from Photomatix when the controls are used sparingly.  SNS-HDR can produce usable images from even badly exposed HDR sets, but has an overall much more crunchy look than Photomatix which will please some folks more than others.

[Guillermo Luijk]

Processing in Photomatix 4 into an HDR image using the tonemapping module ALWAYS results in a fuzzy, unsharp, image with what I think is ghosting, that is unsatisfactory.  However, using the FUSION portion of this program results in sharp, clear images that look like what I saw when I was the scene with my eyes.

It may sound a stupid question, but why don't you use the fusion portion of Photomatix in order to get sharp and clear images, that look like what you saw?

Regards

[ippolitois]

I have found that if you use the noise reduction and reduce ghosting features when processing files, it makes the files fuzzy. I process my files in my Raw converter with their noise reducer and then process the files as JPG's with out the Photomatix noise reduction and ghosting.

This works for both Fusion and Tonemapping. Fusion give a really realistic look and I have found Tonemapping a little to unpredictable.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[mdijb]

I will try processing without the noise reduction and ghost reduction.  I could use only the fusion process, since the results are very good, but i want to use the HDR to see if image quality can be better, but the fuzziness has been frustrating.

THe fusion processing is very good, but i wish there were some additional sliders to tweak.

MDIJB

[Guillermo Luijk]

Have you checked the quality of your input images? i.e. how well aligned they are. Just put them on layers and compare the alignment. Maybe the problem is your fault, not the software's.

Regards

[mdijb]

I will try that--thanks

I did try using NIk HDR EFX pro and Unified color HDR express demo versions, and no ghosting or fuzziness occurrs so I suspect the problem is with Pmatix.

In CS4, there was a command to merge photos into and HDR which would result in 32 bit image that could then be put into Pmatix for tonemapping--now that function seems to have dissappeared and Using HDR PRO is  the only option--Is there a way to employ the older method that I am Missing?

MDIJB

[terrywyse]

I take three shots, bracketed for -2.normal, + 2 stops, with my camera on a monopod, or on a tripod as well.

Processing in Photomatix 4 into an HDR image using the tonemapping module ALWAYS results in a fuzzy, unsharp, image with what I think is ghosting, that is unsatisfactory. 

What you're describing as "fuzzy/unsharp" may have to do with 1) using only 3 shots and 2) spreading them +/- 2 stops apart between exposures. I've seen severe halos and softness from using two few brackets that are too far apart in exposure.

Try setting your camera for the maximum number of brackets in only .5 or 1 stop increments and see if it doesn't improve. Also make sure you're using mirror lock-up and/or a 2-10 second self-timer. On my Pentax K20D, I use the 2 sec. self-timer with 5 exposures not more than about 1 stop apart.

Terry

[Bill Koenig]

If your setup on a sturdy tripod, don't use "Matching Features"  use vertical shifts.
I came across this info watching a video tutorial from Mark Johnson's PhotoShop workbench, I haven't seen it documented anywhere else.
I'm not sure if this will help with your problem.
The only time Photomatix has given me fuzzy results is when the wind is just blowing to strong.

[sniper]

Just out of couriousity have you tried the same tone mapping settings with a single raw? Just wondering how this looks.  I'm not getting any issues with 3 images (it's what I mostly use) and I can't see any real difference between the output from v3 and v4.

[LKaven]

Photomatix does not inherently produce soft results.  In fact, quite the opposite.  It might help to see your output.  But I can offer a few guidelines.

1) Try aligning with shifts instead of feature matching. 
2) If you're getting halos, it's because you aren't using enough light smoothing.  Try the highest setting and work backwards.
3) There is very little need for noise reduction.  Eliminate it until you determine that it is absolutely necessary.  It almost never is if you're doing everything else right.
4) There are a lot of settings and it is very hard to find the optimal ones.  Learn what each setting gives you and apply only as necessary.