In this Luminar Neo HDR Merge Review, we’re looking at Skylum Software‘s first HDR application since Aurora HDR and its first application for the new Luminar Neo Extension Pack.
And Luminar Neo HDR Merge doesn’t disappoint and is one of the most effective and straightforward ways to merge multiple exposures and create a single high dynamic range image. However, in its quest for ultimate simplicity, HDR Merge lacks the creative freedom of Skylum’s own Aurora HDR. So, is Luminar Neo HDR worth it? Let’s find out. Jump to Conclusion
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Table of Contents
- What is Luminar Neo HDR Merge
- How much does Lumunar Neo HDR Merge Cost?
- How to install Luminar Neo HDR Merge
- How to use HDR Merge in Luminar Neo
- Is Luminar Neo HDR Merge any good?
- Luminar Neo HDR Merge Samples
- Extreme contrast test
- Single photo test
- What’s Luminar Neo HDR Merge missing
- Alternatives to Luminar Neo HDR Merge
- Luminar Neo HDR Merge vs Aurora HDR
- Conclusion
What is Luminar Neo HDR Merge
Luminar Neo HDR Merge was released on the 28th of July as a paid extension for Luminar Neo. And like other HDR products, HDR in Luminar Neo enables you to blend multiple exposures to create a single high dynamic range photo. If you want to know more about Luminar Neo – stop by my Luminar Neo Review.
What is HDR
HDR stands for high dynamic range. In photography, dynamic range refers to the tonal distance between your photograph’s darkest and brightest tones.
But certain high-contrast scenes, such as a Sunrise, may require more dynamic range than your camera can record. As a result, you’ll have to choose between exposing the brightest parts of your image – at the expense of darker details or vice versa.
But with HDR, you take two (or more) photos. One which prioritizes exposure for the scene’s brightest elements and another that captures the darkest shadows. Then, you use an application such as Luminar Neo HDR Merge to combine both photos, creating a single high dynamic range photo that captures all. Read Do you really need HDR?
Tonal Compression
However, HDR is no free lunch. While you can exploit HDR to capture 16 EV worth of dynamic range, it still has to squeeze it all into a single 9EV JPEG file.
Tonal compression squeezes the tones to fit that 9EV space. And the more compression required, the more contrasty and unworldly your HDR image will appear. You may hate it. Or you might lean into it for effect. But in some cases, it is unavoidable.
How much does Lumunar Neo HDR Merge Cost?
Luminar Neo presently costs $49.99 or you can buy Luminar HDR Merge as part of the Luminar Neo Extension Pack. Alternatively, you can subscribe monthly or yearly for just a few dollars and receive Luminar Neo and the extension pack. Check Prices.
As the name suggests, you must own Luminar Neo to access the extension pack. Currently, there are 6 extensions, including HDR Merge, Noiseless AI, Upscale AI, SuperSharp AI, Focus Stacking, and Background Removal AI.
For more information, check out the links below.
- Luminar Neo Review
- Luminar Neo Extension Pack Review
- Noiseless AI Review
- Upscale AI Review
- Supersharp AI Review
- Focus Stacking Review
- Background Removal Review
How to install Luminar Neo HDR Merge
The Luminar Neo HDR merge pack is a premium extension for Luminar Neo. To install, click on the orange puzzle icon next to the Luminar Neo logo.
Afterwhich, you will be presented with Luminar Neo’s extension page – including the HDR Merge pack. Click Install. Once finished – restart Luminar Neo.
How to use HDR Merge in Luminar Neo
Using HDR in Luminar Neo is straightforward.
1. Select your photos
To begin, select each of the photos you wish to merge. This is done by clicking on each image while holding the Control key.
2. Drag your photo to the Merge window
Using your mouse, drag your selected images into the merge window.
3. Select Merge options
To access settings, click the Gear icon at the top-right corner of the Merge window. I recommend you tick the box for Auto Alignment if each of your photos was taken handheld. If you took your photos with a tripod (recommended), leave Auto Alignment unticked.
Ghost reduction is not necessary for static scenes such as landscapes. But if you have cars or people moving about, select Ghost Reduction and a Reference frame, and Luminar Neo will do its best to avoid motion blurring the moving subjects.
4. Click Merge
Merging can take some time, particularly if you work with large images and larger stacks. Once Luminar Neo has finished, you’ll be presented with the finished HDR image. At this point, you’ll be able to edit your HDR image like any other photo.
Is Luminar Neo HDR Merge any good?
As you’ll see in the next section of this Luminar Neo HDR Merge Review, Neo delivers excellent results. The tonal compression is well-handled, and the images look natural. Furthermore, Luminar Neo does a great job of aligning the image stack. Much better than some other applications I have used.
I’ve yet to stress the Ghost Reduction tool, but my first impressions are positive.
Luminar Neo HDR Merge Samples
The following samples compare Luminar Neo’s HDR with a standard balanced exposure.
Standard 5-stack test
This HDR photo is derived from a stack of 5 raw images. All photos were taken handheld and automatically aligned by Luminar Neo HDR. As you can see, the result appears entirely natural and well-aligned.
Extreme contrast test
This sample is another 5-photo stack of a high-contrast scene. Due to the extreme dynamic range – the intense tonal compression makes the photo a little painting-like. Nevertheless, the result is comparable with other HDR applications and succeeds in restoring both the shadows and the cloudy sky.
Single photo test
You can use HDR in Luminar Neo to process a single photo. In practical terms, this serves as an alternative to manually lifting shadows and dropping highlights. Overall, it works well. However, the HDR aesthetic is clear to see – I kind of like it.
What’s Luminar Neo HDR Merge missing
HDR in Luminar Neo produces natural-looking and well-aligned HDR images straight out of the box. However, if you are a die-hard HDR fan – you might resent Luminar Neo’s HDR simplicity.
You may get a similar result in editing the merged photo using Luminar Neo’s standard tools. But if you want complete hands-on control of the HDR process, there are better options. For instance, there are no HDR-centric presets or adjustments for Tonal compression.
Alternatives to Luminar Neo HDR Merge
Affinity Photo is excellent. I also like ON1’s HDR bundle, which is included in ON1 Photo Raw. But ironically, my favorite HDR application is Skylum Software’s Aurora HDR.
Luminar Neo HDR Merge vs Aurora HDR
Luminar Neo HDR Merge is as good as Aurora HDR in producing well-aligned natural-looking HDR images. This is hardly surprising since Skylum Software created both Luminar Neo and Aurora HDR.
However, Aurora HDR is a full-blooded HDR application with adjustments such as HDR Clarity, Smart Structure, and HDR Denoising. Furthermore, Aurora is packed with HDR-centric presets, which work well on single photos and image stacks. As a result, Aurora HDR offers more creative freedom than Luminar Neo HDR.
Sadly, Aurora HDR is more expensive and is to be discontinued. However, Aurora HDR has been featured in recent sales, and I bought my copy for less than $30.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and easy route to attractive HDR images – Luminar Neo HDR Merge is everything you need. But if you want stacks of manual adjustment and the means to push your HDR images to their extreme, Aurora HDR is the better choice. Click here to try Aurora HDR for free.
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Conclusion
Luminar Neo HDR Merge is relatively affordable and easy to use. More importantly, it produces attractive, natural-looking HDR images.
Too Simple?
However, Luminar Neo’s HDR lacks the vast array of manual adjustments on other HDR applications, such as Skylum’s own Aurora HDR.
Whether this matters to you depends on your needs. If you seek the quickest, easiest route to an attractive HDR image, I strongly recommend you check out Luminar HDR Merge.
On the other hand, you might find Neo’s lack of HDR adjustments restricts your creative freedom. In this case, I recommend you explore alternative products.
Is Luminar Neo HDR Merge worth it?
Yes. Although Luminar Neo HDR Merge lacks the creative freedom offered by other products, such as Aurora HDR, it does the essentials very well. Its image alignment is excellent, and it handles moving subjects very well. But most importantly, it’s easy to use and produces natural and attractive-looking HDR images.
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BUY LUMINAR NEO HDR MERGE
SECRET SALE UNTIL JANUARY 3OTH
PLUS! SAVE 10% with Promo Code SP10NEO | SAVE $10 with SILENTPEAKNEO10
BUY HDR MERGE
- Get HDR Merge
- One-off Fee
- One Year of updates
CHECK PRICE
BUY EXTENSION PACK
- Get HDR Merge
- Plus 6 additional extensions
- One-off Fee
CHECK PRICE
SUBSCRIBE
- Get HDR Merge
- Plus Luminar Neo
- Plus 6 additional extensions
$119 $99py
Existing Luminar or Aurora Customer? Click here for Special Prices.
Read more about Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo Magic Light AI Review – Fast, Easy, and Fun!
Luminar Neo Upscale AI Review – Good. But there’s Better.
Luminar Neo Supersharp AI Review – Convenient, But not the Best
AI Background Removal Preview – Luminar Neo gets another one?
Luminar Neo Noiseless AI Review | Improved & Faster than Ever
Luminar Neo Extension Pack Review – 7 Great New Features
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