New Orleans Streetcar - Faux HDR with Photomatix

I downloaded a free version of Photomatix (note the watermarks). Granted this is a faux single image HDR, but has anyone here used it. Is it worth the $100

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/8...480d875b_b.jpg
Streetcar by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

I use it all the time. Somehow addicted to it. My last post was also done with it.

I have used it a little and I think it is generally seen as the the HDR standard, however I personally prefer HDR Efex Pro 2. I am probably in the minority with this.

For $149 you can get the entire Nik software suite including HDR Efex. Color Efex, Silver Efex, Define. Sharpener & Viveza. I personally think this is better value, but I am sure others will not agree.

Quite a few shots I have posted on the forum have used HDR Efex Pro.

Marko has done couple of good podcasts on HDR including the software that would be worth listening to if you go down this path

Luminence HDR is free and can do a reasonable job, but it is difficult to use IMO.

The 'poppy' result works for me here and i dig the comp.