I am trying to decide what software would best fit my needs and budget.

I would like to have the capability to make panoramas and HDR photos. I have downloaded trial versions of Autopano and Photomatix and those both seem to be highly capable programs, but I know that both these features can also be found in Photoshop. I also downloaded a trial version of Lightroom, but I'm not sure that program is worth the cost over just using Canon's DPP.

It looks like Photoshop Elements has photomerge for panoramas, but I'm not sure about HDR.

So I would just like some input on what software or combination of software would best accomplish what I am looking for. I have access to the education discount on Adobe software.