While plugins can contain the same complexity as standalone when it comes to control over settings, some are a little lacking. Those that work as plugins work by running through an existing software, such as Photoshop. As such, they commonly comprise multiple presets and plenty of settings to customise. Standalone HDR editors run irrespective of other image editing software installed on the device and often their only task is to process HDR images. Typically, they come in two flavours: standalone and as a plugin.

The best HDR software will also give the user control to make adjustments so that the HDR effect can be as subtle or drastic as one likes. The software will typically align, blend, and add other imaging effects to provide the user with the best HDR option with the information it has. The next stage is to bring these bracketed images into editing software for processing. The technique involves keeping the camera steady while taking two or more photographs at differing exposure values in a bid to make up for this loss of dynamic range on the sensor this step is known as bracketing. That’s where High Dynamic Range, (HDR) photography comes in.

Adobe Photoshop CC review (opens in new tab).

Adobe Lightroom Classic review (opens in new tab).

Affinity Photo review (opens in new tab).

Best photo editing software (opens in new tab).

Affinity photo editing software