Photoshop CS4 any real need for extras

[flake]

OK there wasn't enough room in the title for all of it, but now CS4 can produce HDR, stitch panoramas, and focus stack is there any real need for programs like PTgui, Helicon focus, and Photomatix?

Sure there are a few more controls but is this enough to make purchase worthwhile? Will any of them have enough sales to justify further development.

There are plenty of plug in filters which only use CS4 controls and only really make things easier for users, but they'll probably stick around for that reason.

[Robster]

Yes there sure is.
I can produce a far better HDR image with photomatix and a lot quicker than I can with Photoshop,
However this my be due to my limited ability's with Photoshop.
At the end of the day its all a money spinner and if you can get away with out buying extra programs then GREAT.
I have an HDR Image In my pictures done with Photomatix to give you some idea.
There was a very good articale in Digital camera mag a month or so back with some comparison on the different programs.

[anglefire]

The control of HDR within CS4 is not good - the results are not as good as Photomatrix et al.

[flake]

I agree, the HDR is not as developed as it might be, but the experience of stitching and focus stacking has been of a better result than PTGui or helicon