I always considered some of the Image Adjustment tools in Photoshop were excellent tone mapping software.

So what do you mean by "tone mapping"?

Let me rephrase my question. Will I get improved results by using a software like Qtpfsgui or FDRTools beyond what one can get with native Photoshop CS3 tools?

Thanks for your interest.

Jayant

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish, and what you mean by "quality"; technical or aesthetic?

I am looking for aesthetic quality rather than pure technical superiority.

You can do just about any degree of aesthetic global and local adjustment possible with Photoshop CS3. But for initial color correction and image adjustment I find Lasersoft SilverFast DC Pro Studio is more direct, logical and definitely more efficient than Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw. Take a look and there is a free tryout at: http://www.silverfast.com

Thank you David!
Will certainly give Silverfast a try.

Jayant

I have a couple of programs, both quite good. Photomatix Pro is a great stand alone program. I also use HDR Efex Pro [Nik Software] which may also have a plugin for CS3. I have CS5 and HDR Efex Pro [and other Nik Software programs] work seamlessly within that version. As CS3 is an old version, I do not know. Contact the company for more information if desired.