Tool for comparing two images?

Question

I have two images that are slightly different. (The second is actually generated by some manipulation in MatLab).

I need some way to compare these two images. Some utility that can highlight where the differences are.

[I know this can be done in Matlab, but I dont want to do it that way. Some easier method... some app maybe?]

Answer 1

Beyond Compare is really a file-and-folder comparison tool, but it also contains image comparisons (example link).

There's a free trial. I bought this tool ($30) because it's so incredibly useful for many things.

Answer 2

I use AKS

It allows you to compare two JPG files and show differences between them. For instance, this tool allows you to compare two versions of the same image, chart, diagram or scheme.

Answer 3

Okay this is going to sound ridiculous, but if they are the same size you can put them side by side and cross your eyes like you would for a magic eye 3D picture, and the differences will stand out as if they are flickering (as your brain quickly alternates between the two different overlapped picture elements)

I use this "cheat" when I play those spot-the-difference flash games :P

Answer 4

perceptual diff:

PerceptualDiff is an image comparison utility that 
makes use of a computational model of the human visual 
system to compare two images.

Answer 5

There's the Araxis tools. From the screen shots on the page it appears that it highlights differences too.