Starting today, you can preorder Aurora HDR 2019. I've had a chance to run this on my Mac, and it is clearly my favorite version of this intelligent HDR software.
At the core of this update is the Quantum HDR Engine, an AI-powered tone mapping technology that's been three years in the making within Skylum's AI lab.
With Quantum HDR, when creating an HDR image using multiple bracketed shots, the engine analyzes the photos and intelligently merges them. Not only does it minimize the major issues that we often experience with HDR merging tools, but it produces images that are dynamic and natural-looking.
The Quantum HDR Engine reduces burned colors, loss of contrast, and noise, as well as mitigates unnatural lighting caused by halos and unstable deghosting. To do this, Skylum developers tested thousands of bracketed shots through a neural network, then took those findings to develop the technology needed to create top level HDR photographs.
The interface will also feel very natural to Luminar users. I like that I can load either piece of software, and feel at home working right away.
Aurora HDR 2019 is available for pre-order starting today (Mac and Windows). Pre-orders include bonus downloadable content and costs $89 for a new purchase and $49 for an upgrade.
When released on October 4th, the price will jump to $99 new and $59 for an upgrade. The bonus pack includes:
- Video tutorial "Getting the Most from Aurora HDR 2019" by Trey Ratcliff
- The Landscape Photography Handbook by David Johnston
- Exclusive interior Aurora Looks by Richard Harrington
- Burning Mood LUTs by Richard Harrington
- 3-month 500px Pro membership
- $300 OFF a multi-day Iceland Photo Tour
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