What is topaz exactly? I am trying to decide how to classify it, but I am confused (easily so apparently) When I browse the site I am confronted with plug-ins then an editor... Each...

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I am trying to decide how to classify it, but I am confused (easily so apparently)

When I browse the site I am confronted with plug-ins then an editor...

Each option seems to cost quite a bit of $$$ for a 'perpetual purchase of a version and free upgrades for a year' and paid upgrade after that...

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

They are various programs that can be used as either plugins or stand-alone. Free upgrades for a year then paid, although if you own several titles you can get a blanket upgrade that covers all of them.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Is it a Windows only or does it work also with mac and Linux?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

My understanding is that the studio (the editor) is free and the plugins are expensive but effective.

al lehman Loc: San jose, ca.

GREETINGS,
I use Topaz both as a stand alone and as a plug in. I too am disappointed that what you pay for is only good for a year. However, one of our Hedgehog members published a great work around. Once a year, Topaz offers updates at a reduced rate, like a black Friday offer. You can get updates for far less the cost of a new version. Make sure you get on their mail list where they will announce their reduced price options. Some of their products work quite well and I update them every two years. Good Luck.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

R.G. wrote:

My understanding is that the studio (the editor) is free and the plugins are expensive but effective.

Studio 2 is $99.99.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Rongnongno wrote:

I am trying to decide how to classify it, but I am confused (easily so apparently)

When I browse the site I am confronted with plug-ins then an editor...

Each option seems to cost quite a bit of $$$ for a 'perpetual purchase of a version and free upgrades for a year' and paid upgrade after that...

When I download AI sharpen and AI noise, they download under my filter section on Photoshop. This is automatic. The cost is cheap when you consider how good it works. Below is an extreme crop, I mean an extreme crop using both filters. I think they are a bargain.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

billnikon wrote:

When I download AI sharpen and AI noise, they download under my filter section on Photoshop. This is automatic. The cost is cheap when you consider how good it works. Below is an extreme crop, I mean an extreme crop using both filters. I think they are a bargain.

I agree, they are better than the photoshop native tools. Not everyone needs them but yours is a good example of the effective use of these programs, wildlife, macro, and low light photographers can certainly benefit from the use of these programs. Landscape and portrait, maybe not so much.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I do it from LR6 also. Topaz DN & SH. Can't remember when I purchased it . But when the free upgrades stop, I'll probably stick with what I have.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

there are so many products of Topaz, can anybody have a knowledge of how and in what order they should be used starting from Raw file of Landscape, Portrait(group and individual, wildlife etc. Do you still need LR and PS?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

David Martin wrote:

Studio 2 is $99.99.

It looks like Topaz Studio Classic is still available as a free download. I think it's still there but just harder to find - i.e. hidden (as a previous version).

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I bought a package of Topaz filters years ago at a trade show for a big discount. I added one filter to my plug in for Ps, Impressions II, it cost around $100. Topaz stuff is expensive. I have the old free version of Nik as well. I use several of the filters from time to time. I mostly process my images with ACR and finish with Ps. Not sure what if anything I am missing with newer versions of all these plug in filters.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

tenny52 wrote:

there are so many products of Topaz, can anybody have a knowledge of how and in what order they should be used starting from Raw file of Landscape, Portrait(group and individual, wildlife etc. Do you still need LR and PS?

That would be good to know. I just experiment with filters and find all sorts of weird effects and results.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Rongnongno wrote:

I am trying to decide how to classify it, but I am confused (easily so apparently)

When I browse the site I am confronted with plug-ins then an editor...

Each option seems to cost quite a bit of $$$ for a 'perpetual purchase of a version and free upgrades for a year' and paid upgrade after that...

Ron/All,
I am sold on the results, even when used in the "Full Auto" modes.
I originally downloaded the free trials of Topaz DeNoise AI & Topaz Sharpen AI and after using them and comparing them to various other programs I decided to purchase the entire set (except Movie) and I now only use my previous programs (including Lightroom) in a VERY Limited fashion. If you haven't tried them in the past year you REALLY should give them a try as they are much better and much faster than ever before. No I don't get a kickback from them, I am just a huge fan of anything that works well, and Yes, they are for both Windows/Mac.
https://topazlabs.com/downloads/
https://topazlabs.com/system-requirements/
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

PS: They do have a different recommended workflow and it WORKS Well. Topaz recommended workflow: https://topazlabs.com/the-ultimate-workflow-for-topaz-labs-ai-software/?utm_source=Topaz+Updates&utm_campaign=8c480bdca3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_11_19_04_29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5e4dd8652a-8c480bdca3-92602881&mc_cid=8c480bdca3&mc_eid=c9be7297b0

Dave Sr Loc: Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Sequence : https://topazlabs.com/the-ultimate-workflow-for-topaz-labs-ai-software/