Topaz Photo AI v3.0...

[PKM-UK]

From a (somewhat) shaky inception, I'm pretty much at the stage where I'm ready to abandon the original apps (DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI and Gigapixel AI).

Although I don't use Topaz Photo AI for my initial raw conversion and NR (I use either DxO PL or LrC), it is an extremely useful 'polishing' and correction tool - there are many instances (aka 'Phil's book of blurred birds') where it can rescue a lost cause - a (cropped) example from Chester Zoo is shown below.

(Note: Manual settings used, with a slight overall Denoising and Sharpening masked to the subject applied).

I usually use it via Photoshop, which allows me to further refine which areas are treated and to what degree.

Phil


Before (Sigh)...

After (Huzzah!)...

 

[Only RF]

Looks good. I had version 1 but after Adobe released Denoise AI I stopped using it and went back to Topaz Sharpen AI. I didn't want to pay for the Photo AI updates. Sharpen AI is pretty mature and I only use it if I need to. This was done with Photo AI v1 shortly after release. I keep reading about how it keeps getting better.

 

[PKM-UK]

Looks good. I had version 1 but after Adobe released Denoise AI I stopped using it and went back to Topaz Sharpen AI. I didn't want to pay for the Photo AI updates. Sharpen AI is pretty mature and I only use it if I need to. This was done with Photo AI v1 shortly after release. I keep reading about how it keeps getting better.

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Hi Only RF,

Nice.

Sharpen AI was always my favourite Topaz corrective app (the sadly discontinued Studio 2 being my favourite creative app).

In terms of the bits of Photo AI I regularly use (denoising - for polishing and sharpening - for various selective corrections) it’s basically got back to - and arguably just started to exceed the original apps (though I still prefer some of their UI elements).

I got a deal on extending my Photo AI update license (but it would be the first thing to go if/ when I ease back on software).

Phil

 

[Only RF]

I was a big supporter of Photo AI and planned on getting v2 and most likely v3. I got it for free - kinda. I had Sharpen and DeNoise AI. Support for both was over and I waited for version updates before paying for support.

Topaz offer. If I purchased Gigapixel they would throw in Photo AI and extend the support for Sharpen and DeNoise AI for another year. I knew those two would never see another update but I went for it.

I have never had any use for Gigapixel and after Adobe came out with Denoise AI I just felt I didn't need to pay for the other products that were included in Photo AI. I just needed Sharpen AI which also Denoises.

I figured Topaz would become a two app company. Photo and Video AI but they kept Gigapixel as a stand alone app.

 

[PKM-UK]

I was a big supporter of Photo AI and planned on getting v2 and most likely v3. I got it for free - kinda. I had Sharpen and DeNoise AI. Support for both was over and I waited for version updates before paying for support.

Topaz offer. If I purchased Gigapixel they would throw in Photo AI and extend the support for Sharpen and DeNoise AI for another year. I knew those two would never see another update but I went for it.

I have never had any use for Gigapixel and after Adobe came out with Denoise AI I just felt I didn't need to pay for the other products that were included in Photo AI. I just needed Sharpen AI which also Denoises.

I figured Topaz would become a two app company. Photo and Video AI but they kept Gigapixel as a stand alone app.

Hi Only RF,

Similar-ish flight path (I had all the Topaz Labs photo apps, so got Photo AI free and also picked up a 1 year extension for a bargain price $27.00).


I generally find I have to amend the 'Auto Pilot' settings (often quite radically), but at least the tweaked adjustments are now giving decent results.

NR-wise, DxO still beats it and Adobe is a very close match. I can't find anything which competes with the de-blur/ upscaling and Face recovery.

(On the NR front, it can - of course - be used for jpgs and, as I've mentioned, it does a great job selectively NR 'polishing' post-DxO/ Adobe files).


Still wish they'd resurrect support for Studio 2 though - it's a wonderful creative toolkit and with each macOS update I worry it will be terminated.

Phil

 

[Chris Summers]

I started using some of the Topaz products years ago before the whole AI terminology developed. I was at a Scott Kelby event and Topaz was giving away free versions of their early programs. Back then you had to open them with a third party program called Fusion Express. Their BW Effects had some nice looks. About the only old program I still use occasionally is Topaz Simplify which is good for adding an artistic look like oil painting, watercolor style or charcoal sketch. Sometimes I add a fun artsy look to images for friends or family.

At this point I only really use Photo AI and just upgraded another annual license. For what I do, it works. I also renewed Gigapixel AI as I find it has better results sometimes than working through Photo AI. Been a few years since I used Studio, probably should remove it from my computer.