Posted by Paul DeCesare on August 13, 2018 at 2:03 PM
UPDATE, 8/24/2018
I downloaded the trial version of the Dx0 Nik Efex. Having used the original version for years as my main plugin (for which I have made a bazillion base templates then tweak from there), I can fully verify that there isn't anything in it where you need to buy the new version if you already have the existing Nik or Google package. In fact, the same weird bugs are even in there, lol. Basically this package is for those who never got it before. Save your money and buy a spare battery or two, lol.
Hey All,
I've used Nik Efex for years, it's one of my staples. And we all know the crazy path it has taken through Google to DxO. Is anyone using the DxO version? If so, is it worth buying? Meaning is the outcome the same as the original? One thing that I hope is improved is the long processing time, it takes so long for Color Efex Pro to process the image in the older version (for the tech-minded it's because it's not true mutlithreaded... I invested in a 14-core i9 processor and it's not much faster which is nuts).
Thanks all!
Posted by Paul DeCesare on August 13, 2018 at 2:10 PM
DERP. I just saw it has a 30-day trial. I'l give it a spin and report back with old vs new and is $69 worth it to upgrade.
Posted by David Schoen on August 13, 2018 at 6:07 PM
I use the 2016 version of DxO Photo Lab with its Prime noise reduction algorithm (which is amazing for iso 800 and higher). It has some of the Nik features in its modules, specifically in color, contrast, etc. where it uses the same radial adjustment tools and the ability to pick the areas you wish to affect. I also have used Nik for over 10 years. Unless there are significant improvements to the DxO version of Nik Filters, I could not rationalize buying it. It will be interesting to see your report.
Posted by Keith Bauer on August 13, 2018 at 6:42 PM
I tried DXO (trial) at Dave Schoen's kind recommendation, and liked it a lot - BUT!!!!!! It has no Clone tool (unless they just added this).
That alone makes it useless for me.
Sandy
Posted by Hali Sowle on August 15, 2018 at 1:25 PM
I bought the DXO version of Nik because I think that they will follow through on the promise to improve it. I have both DXO and Luminar and the thing about DXO is they really are doing something different with their implementation of control points that is similar but more advanced than the original Nik. Luminar is good for finding a starting point and adjusting from there. Honestly, they all have their place, I edit mostly in PS with Tony Kuypers masks but for some things I just can't beat using Nik so it's nice to see it having a future.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on August 24, 2018 at 7:08 PM
Hali:if they do eventually improve on Nik greatly (like performance), I would buy the upgrade too, as long as it all still works the same.
Keith: I downloaded Luminar 2018 and hammered away on presets and adjustments. Nice package. I would certainly recommend someone who is looking for an effects package to try it out. It's not for me personally, it didn't offer anything that I don't already have in all the presets and Actions I've made. It also wasn't apparent at first that there was a PS plugin available. I ended up uninstalling it before I realized that... I thought it was only standalone which I have no interest in. But it does have a plugin, so if anyone is reading this and testing Luminar our, look for that if you use PS. At this point, I'm too old and cranky to ingest another software package, and I'm not that good of a photographer to spend any more time or money anyway, lol! I use Photoshop about 50% for photo work and 50% for design work, so I'm set in my ways. Thanks for bringing it up though, maybe someone else can give it a whirl.
Discussion
6 repliesI downloaded the trial version of the Dx0 Nik Efex. Having used the original version for years as my main plugin (for which I have made a bazillion base templates then tweak from there), I can fully verify that there isn't anything in it where you need to buy the new version if you already have the existing Nik or Google package. In fact, the same weird bugs are even in there, lol. Basically this package is for those who never got it before. Save your money and buy a spare battery or two, lol.
Hey All,
I've used Nik Efex for years, it's one of my staples. And we all know the crazy path it has taken through Google to DxO. Is anyone using the DxO version? If so, is it worth buying? Meaning is the outcome the same as the original? One thing that I hope is improved is the long processing time, it takes so long for Color Efex Pro to process the image in the older version (for the tech-minded it's because it's not true mutlithreaded... I invested in a 14-core i9 processor and it's not much faster which is nuts).
Thanks all!
That alone makes it useless for me.
Sandy
Keith: I downloaded Luminar 2018 and hammered away on presets and adjustments. Nice package. I would certainly recommend someone who is looking for an effects package to try it out. It's not for me personally, it didn't offer anything that I don't already have in all the presets and Actions I've made. It also wasn't apparent at first that there was a PS plugin available. I ended up uninstalling it before I realized that... I thought it was only standalone which I have no interest in. But it does have a plugin, so if anyone is reading this and testing Luminar our, look for that if you use PS. At this point, I'm too old and cranky to ingest another software package, and I'm not that good of a photographer to spend any more time or money anyway, lol! I use Photoshop about 50% for photo work and 50% for design work, so I'm set in my ways. Thanks for bringing it up though, maybe someone else can give it a whirl.