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Hydra free download for Mac

Hydra

Version 4.5

Create artistic or photorealistic HDR images.

3.6
Based on 57 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$49.99
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

Hydra overview

Hydra lets you create beautiful high-dynamic-range (HDR) images by merging multiple exposures, effectively capturing both dark and bright subjects to make it more natural, or to enhance scene drama. A single photo cannot represent the entire dynamic range of light in a scene, due to the physical limitations of the sensor. The picture is either too dark or too bright, or both. Hydra allows you to overcome this limitation by merging a number of photos with different exposure settings, and to create a natural image that is much closer to what your eyes actually see. Alternatively, Hydra can also artistically push contrasts to increase drama and emotion in your pictures beyond reality. This new release of Hydra has been optimized for latest macOS enhancements, and it provides native Metal support with maximum performance, in addition to a more modern and simpler user interface.

New and Improved Features
  • Optimized for Metal
  • Elegant and easy-to-use translucent user interface
  • Automatic or manual image alignment with high-precision live positioning and fine-tuning
  • Manual removal of ghosting artefacts using region delineation tool and per-region output contribution
  • High-precision, 128-bit internal format
  • Much improved tone mapping including presets, and live, full-resolution preview
  • Advanced comparison tool of result against original pictures
  • Single or multiple input photos of various formats (JPEG, RAW, HDR, EXR)
  • Blazingly fast rendering to various output file types (JPG, TIFF, HDR, EXR) and color spaces (sRGB, Pro Photo, AdobeRGB...)
  • Accurate color processing, including support for Deep and Wide Color displays (30-bit, DCI-P3 display of latest iMac 27’)
  • Integration with Apple Photos app (input / output)

What’s new in version 4.5

Updated on Jan 13 2021

Version 4.5:

Hydra has been rebuilt to take advantage of Apple Silicon CPU & GPU capabilities, and to deliver optimal performance in image processing (Metal), and more.

  • Fixed a crash that could occur when processing a project with image alignment enabled.

Information

License

Shareware

Size

31.6 MB

Developer’s website

https://creaceed.com/hydra

Downloads

48782

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • OS X 10.12 or later
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0.0

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  • Comments

  • User Ratings

DanielaPaletti5904
DanielaPaletti5904
Oct 19 2020
4.3.1
2.0
Oct 19 2020
2.0
Version: 4.3.1
Some time ago I bought version 4.2 but on my iMac i3 it just doesn't work, after uploading the photos for the HDR process everything appears black, I tried version 4.3 hoping that in the meantime the problems were solved but apparently not. I must say it was a wrong purchase.
Maurizio-G
Maurizio-G
Sep 1 2016
4.0.3
0.0
Sep 1 2016
0.0
Version: 4.0.3
Too overpriced app with a bad support service. I've written many times about a problem but I didnt 'receive a satisfactory service. I 'm sorry I bought it but I unistall it.
Staps Fanny
Staps Fanny
Aug 17 2016
4.0
2.0
Aug 17 2016
2.0
Version: 4.0
Well overpriced app that has many issue regarding the UI They claim it is fast with Metal, but to be honest it is dreadful slow on my MBPr i7 It crashes at random adding large image files and is slow reacting when changing some effects. This just doesn't work for me. Sorry.
StrictlyBagel
StrictlyBagel
Dec 22 2013
3.2
2.0
Dec 22 2013
2.0
Version: 3.2
I've installed the latest plug-in from the developer's website… but still get the following error when using it in Aperture: "Hydra plugin is too old to be used with this version of Hydra. Please update the plugin from our website." Wrote to developer… no reply. I'm running the latest version 3.2.
IloveBurma
IloveBurma
Jul 25 2013
3.1.1
5.0
Jul 25 2013
5.0
Version: 3.1.1
FYI: 20% off Hydra on the Mac AppStore this summer. Nice deal
anonymous-swan-6206
anonymous-swan-6206
Jan 18 2013
3.1.1
4.5
Jan 18 2013
4.5
Version: 3.1.1
Very easy app to learn. Produces impressive HDR Photo results. The interface is clean and very Mac like. Outstanding alignment tools, I was producing images in no time. Highly recommended.
limies
limies
Nov 23 2012
3.1.1
3.0
Nov 23 2012
3.0
Version: 3.1.1
I prefer Photomatix - it's a classic soft !
Clint007
Clint007
Aug 24 2012
3.0.2
3.5
Aug 24 2012
3.5
Version: 3.0.2
I've bought the Hydra Pro last year, I have the version 3.0.1 But it is another person who receive the note from Apple to get it upgrade and the link is on my eMail. That person never bought Hydro Pro. !- Is my version 3.0.1 is up-to date? 2. Hydra doesn't have eMail address, same for Creaceed!! 3. How do I get my correct eMail with Apple concerning that notice about Up-to-date.
iBernard
iBernard
Aug 1 2012
3.0.2
0.0
Aug 1 2012
0.0
Version: 3.0.2
I am NOT upgrading to Lion or Mountain Lion as most of my software is NOT COMPATIBLE with either...and it seems like the latest version of HydraPro is one of them. I paid for it, I have a legit registration key for it, and would like to USE WHAT I PAID FOR. What's the scoop here?
Cowicide
Cowicide
Jun 22 2012
3.0.2
0.0
Jun 22 2012
0.0
Version: 3.0.2
Someone should let this developer know that only 40 percent of Mac users are currently using Lion and that's straight from what Apple said at the WWDC keynote a few weeks ago. Alienating people using 10.6.8 at this stage of the game is simply bad business.
Roger-Kelley
Roger-Kelley
Feb 5 2012
3.0.2
3.0
Feb 5 2012
3.0
Version: 3.0.2
Given that Lightroom 4, now in Beta, seems to have enhanced HDR features, one wonders whether Hydra Pro for $50 will be a cost effective purchase. The ratings stars below are purely arbitrary. http://lightroomkillertips.com/2012/new-lightroom-4-preset-the-hdr-look/
benoit311080
benoit311080
Jan 23 2012
3.0.2
4.0
Jan 23 2012
4.0
Version: 3.0.2
I upgraded last week to the new 3.0 version. I'm glad to see that the developers continue to improve Hydra. It's my favorite app to render HDR pictures. The new UI is really nice. The tool to remove ghost effects is a killing feature. PS : If the developers read this thread, I would like to have Quick Look implemented on the document files.
IloveBurma
IloveBurma
Jan 3 2012
3.0.2
5.0
Jan 3 2012
5.0
Version: 3.0.2
I am glad it is now localized in Italian as well. :-) Ciao!
Marilou53
Marilou53
Jan 3 2012
3.0.2
5.0
Jan 3 2012
5.0
Version: 3.0.2
Version 3 is a huge step forward! I was already satisfied with version 2 but they improved the application even further. Keep on the good work, I really appreciate!
anonymous-swan-6206
anonymous-swan-6206
Jan 3 2012
3.0.2
4.5
Jan 3 2012
4.5
Version: 3.0.2
I really like Hydra 3. It processes HDR images much faster than any other HDR software.
Steph26
Steph26
Dec 6 2011
3.0.1
5.0
Dec 6 2011
5.0
Version: 3.0.1
Je possédais la version précédente 2.0 et elle me convenait parfaitement. Etant passée sous « lion » le changement fut obligatoire. Je peux vous dire que cette nouvelle version a été revue totalement, ergonomie plus fluide, fonction plein écran, richesse des préréglages et réglages, facilité d’utilisation et en final un résultat époustouflant que ce soit avec une ou plusieurs photos. Du HDR de haut niveau ! Cerise sur le gâteau toujours la possibilité de contacter les gens de Creeaced qui sont à l’écoute des utilisateurs que nous sommes……. Stéphy26
Peterpan23
Peterpan23
Nov 3 2011
3.0.1
0.0
Nov 3 2011
0.0
Version: 3.0.1
And the winner is... ...also not version 3.0.1 !! Exactly the same habit (1,5 GB RAM used, Core2Duo on 10.7.2 gets blocked totally, crash with bigger files) like the previous version. And still NO AMSWER from the DEV. Just as a reminder: I did send the Dev an exact description with URL of my test files.
Peterpan23
Peterpan23
Oct 13 2011
3.0
0.0
Oct 13 2011
0.0
Version: 3.0
I did a re-test on the new 10.7.2 with exactly the same results like on the developer previews of Lion and on SnowLeo: Finally I can say without any exaggeration, that Hydra Pro 3.0 is a RAM-eating monster who even "beats" Photoshop easily (over 1,2 GB with midsize JPEGS around 8 Mpix. With JPEGs over 20 Mpixel Hydra hangs immediately after starting HDR-processing. I did send a summery of my tests to the developer more than a week ago. Still no answer!!
Surfspirit
Surfspirit
Oct 10 2011
3.0
3.0
Oct 10 2011
3.0
Version: 3.0
It uses huge amounts of RAM, it's intel 64Bits only and is not compatible with some graphic cards, I see the benefits of 64 bits and Graphic Card acceleration but making an app so restricted and just for HDR is pushing system requirements too much!
Wolf01
Wolf01
Oct 7 2011
3.0
4.0
Oct 7 2011
4.0
Version: 3.0
Très Bonne app pour le HDR . L'interface est une réussite et son intégration avec Lion et Aperture est vraiment bonne. Les améliorations avec cette mise à jour sont nombreuses, bien pensées et efficaces. L'application est stable (je n'ai pour le moment pas rencontrer de bug). Bref une MàJ vraiment intéressante et qui rends cette application encore plus prometteuse. Je l'a recommande à tous les photographes amateur et pro qui se lancent dans le HDR. Bravo à Creaceed.
DanielaPaletti5904
DanielaPaletti5904
Oct 19 2020
2.0
Oct 19 2020
2.0
Version: null
Staps Fanny
Staps Fanny
Aug 17 2016
2.0
Aug 17 2016
2.0
Version: null
Freenergy
Freenergy
Mar 23 2016
4.5
Mar 23 2016
4.5
Version: null
jazztrane
jazztrane
Sep 1 2014
5.0
Sep 1 2014
5.0
Version: null
StrictlyBagel
StrictlyBagel
Dec 22 2013
2.0
Dec 22 2013
2.0
Version: null
IloveBurma
IloveBurma
Jul 25 2013
5.0
Jul 25 2013
5.0
Version: null
anonymous-swan-6206
anonymous-swan-6206
Jan 18 2013
4.5
Jan 18 2013
4.5
Version: null
limies
limies
Nov 23 2012
3.0
Nov 23 2012
3.0
Version: null
Spatzel
Spatzel
Oct 17 2012
2.0
Oct 17 2012
2.0
Version: null
Arnoldweil
Arnoldweil
Oct 10 2012
1.0
Oct 10 2012
1.0
Version: null
Physhbourne
Physhbourne
Sep 13 2012
5.0
Sep 13 2012
5.0
Version: null
Clint007
Clint007
Aug 24 2012
3.5
Aug 24 2012
3.5
Version: null
Mistertoad17
Mistertoad17
May 6 2012
4.0
May 6 2012
4.0
Version: null
Zigziggyspider
Zigziggyspider
Mar 14 2012
4.0
Mar 14 2012
4.0
Version: null
babba1981
babba1981
Feb 6 2012
2.0
Feb 6 2012
2.0
Version: null
David2stone
David2stone
Feb 5 2012
4.0
Feb 5 2012
4.0
Version: null
gumme54
gumme54
Feb 5 2012
2.0
Feb 5 2012
2.0
Version: null
Roger-Kelley
Roger-Kelley
Feb 5 2012
3.0
Feb 5 2012
3.0
Version: null
nicola44
nicola44
Feb 4 2012
3.0
Feb 4 2012
3.0
Version: null
wolke64
wolke64
Feb 4 2012
4.5
Feb 4 2012
4.5
Version: null
Akame
Akame
Feb 4 2012
1.0
Feb 4 2012
1.0
Version: null
benoit311080
benoit311080
Jan 23 2012
4.0
Jan 23 2012
4.0
Version: null
treelo
treelo
Jan 7 2012
4.0
Jan 7 2012
4.0
Version: null
Marilou53
Marilou53
Jan 3 2012
5.0
Jan 3 2012
5.0
Version: null
Steph26
Steph26
Dec 6 2011
5.0
Dec 6 2011
5.0
Version: null
Surfspirit
Surfspirit
Oct 10 2011
3.0
Oct 10 2011
3.0
Version: null
Wolf01
Wolf01
Oct 7 2011
4.0
Oct 7 2011
4.0
Version: null
Achim2
Achim2
Oct 7 2011
3.0
Oct 7 2011
3.0
Version: null
Jrufer
Jrufer
Sep 15 2011
4.5
Sep 15 2011
4.5
Version: null
Thetechshack
Thetechshack
Sep 14 2011
2.0
Sep 14 2011
2.0
Version: null
mpiekielnik
mpiekielnik
Aug 22 2011
1.5
Aug 22 2011
1.5
Version: null
saltvalley
saltvalley
Jun 19 2011
4.5
Jun 19 2011
4.5
Version: null
Lyndon-jones
Lyndon-jones
Mar 31 2011
2.5
Mar 31 2011
2.5
Version: null
Westm
Westm
Mar 24 2011
4.0
Mar 24 2011
4.0
Version: null
Phoenicoperus
Phoenicoperus
Mar 17 2011
4.0
Mar 17 2011
4.0
Version: null
Shaun3d
Shaun3d
Mar 16 2011
4.0
Mar 16 2011
4.0
Version: null
Kenwill
Kenwill
Mar 12 2011
4.0
Mar 12 2011
4.0
Version: null
Tavonj
Tavonj
Mar 11 2011
5.0
Mar 11 2011
5.0
Version: null
Jgerhold
Jgerhold
Feb 17 2011
2.5
Feb 17 2011
2.5
Version: null
Resonance01
Resonance01
Feb 10 2011
5.0
Feb 10 2011
5.0
Version: null
$49.99
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now
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