What's the best HDR program? What's the best free HDR program?

[Xipe Totec]

I have some nice digital shots that I want to merge now that I have a tripod and can get some good still pics.

Total noobie here, so answer in small, easily digestible words.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

1. AKVIS has one that is fully functional with a 10-day free trial period.

[Stevenmarc]

2. The absolute best is Nik HDR Efex Pro

But to get it you have to buy the Nik collection, which isn't a bad thing, and you also need PS or Lightroom or Aperture too making it probably one of the more expensive options

[dballance]

3. If you have Light room or Aperture go w/Nik Collection

I already owned Aperture for my Mac so I did the trial with Google Nik collection. It works great. You'll like the other tools in the collection too.

[Xipe Totec]

4. Thanks to all. I will examine all the recommendations and try them out.

I'll post the results.

[MattSh]

5. A contrary opinion here...

I'm a fan of Photomatix Pro. Always have been. Maybe HDR Efex Pro has updated since I first tried it, but it always seemed to return "over the top" results. About 98% of everything I post I run through Photomatix and am very happy with the results.

Go to http://www.mattcreate.com/ if you want to see how Photomatix works for me.

[Xipe Totec]

6. Wow. Nice gallery. Thanks, and thanks for the recommendation. nt

[MattSh]

7. Thanks for the kind words too! n/t

[postatomic]

8. For the money you can't beat Paint Shop Pro

Besides HDR merging you can do tone manipulation. And it comes with a free Color Plug In with lots of great filters.