runyanp

Am thinking about upgrading my NIK software and was wondering if anyone has used the new component, DxO PhotoLab. Not so much interested in it correcting architectural distortions, but rather the "smart lighting" component. I am still using the original NIK filters I purchased, but cannot use the brush anymore. Any advice appreciated.

JohnCl Loc: Central Arizona

I have upgraded and did receive the new PhotoLab raw image processor. DXO is in the process of upgrading the NIK software and have included the control point technology in PhotoLab. I am still learning how to use PL and have been watching YouTube tutorials produced by two experienced NIK users. These tutorials have been coming out about twice a week and are very informative. Check the DXO website and DXO on YouTube to access these tutorials.

The NIK software is quite useful so I feel supporting DXO is important to keep NIK available. Also, PL provides a very interesting approach to raw processing.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I've been using DXO Optics Pro since version 4. If anything, NIk 2 is a new component to DXO Photolab, not the other way around. There are a lot of things to like about their raw converter - nice control over light and shadow, microcontrast, Prime image enhancement, the best lens/camera profiles in the business, volume anamorphosis correction that really works, and now an integrated workflow with Nik software. I use Lighroom 100% of the time, but every now and then there is an image that for one reason or another I feel would be better if done in DXO. I don't use Nik much anymore - I prefer On1's Effects module, but Nik is fine.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Understand that the version of Photolab that comes with the Nik Collection is the Essential version. It lacks some key elements that are in Photolab Elite which is what I use as my raw converter/processor. The Essential version lacks PRIME noise reduction, perhaps the best noise reduction available. It also lacks Clearview Plus which is a combination haze and structure tool. The Essential version also lacks the configuration ability of the Elite version and some other features. I would suggest, if you purchase to he Nik collection, that you update Photolab to the Elite version.

Wilhan

I'm a long term user of DxO products and currently use DxO Photolab 2 Elite version (this gives access to PRIME noise reduction which I consider to be one of the best noise reduction applications). I bought the NIK collection when DxO first acquired it from Google even though I had the free NIK collection from Google - I wanted to encourage DxO to continue development of the NIK collection.
I'm reluctant to buy the new updated NIK collection because for some reason DxO have decided to bundle Photolab 2 Essentials with it so why would I want to downgrade from "Elite" to "Essentials"? It would have been far better if DxO had offered the pricing options of purchasing just the upgraded NIK collection, NIK collection plus Essentials or NIK collection plus Elite.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Yes that is correct. For those of us who already own the Elite version, the deal is not as good. It's not that you're downgrading to the Essential version, just don't install it. The main issue is that if you already own Elite, you are effectively throwing the free Essential version away. However, for those who are not already committed to a raw processor, the combination of Photolab Essential and the Nik Collection 2 is a very good deal.

However, for the OP, taking Photolab Essential out of the mix, the difference is between the Nik collection he already owns, and the Nik Collection 2 is fairly minimal. If he is having difficulties with the original plugins, upgrading may fix his problems.

I hope he also understands that using them with Photolab would effectively replace using them as plugins with whatever software he is using with them now. They would still work with his current software that calls them, but in that case he would not be using Photolab. If he is a die-hard Lightroom user as an example, it's unlikely he's going to stop using Lightroom and move to PhotoLab.

runyanp

Thanks MLSilvers,
I am committed to PhotoShop, but am interested in what PhotoLab might be able to do with my low light images. The ad they run about bringing light back into a photo is quite interesting. Do I understand this correctly, I would use PhotoLab as a stand alone program, and would have to access Nik through PhotLab. I wouldn't be able to access Nik under the filter tab in Photoshop anymore?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

You will be able to access the Nik Collection from within PhotoLab and from within Photoshop. If you do not use Lightroom, you could also use PhotoLab as your raw editor, make raw adjustments in PhotoLab, send the adjusted raw file to one of the Nik programs as a Tiff file, and finally open that Tiff file, which includes the Photolab and Nik edits, in Photoshop for further processing. Or, you can still open the Nik collection from within Photoshop as you do now, bypassing PhotoLab altogether.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

DxO PhotoLab Essentials and PhotoLab Elite are actually the same program. Whether it runs in Essentials or Elite mode is determined by the license you own. If you own Elite, and then install Nik Collection with PhotoLab Essentials, your PhotoLab will remain Elite and not downgrade to Essentials.

It does seem like DxO were thumbing their noses at current PL users by making us repurchase PhotoLab as a condition to purchase Nik 2.

Additionally, new buyers should be warned that PhotoLab Essentials lacks some of the best features of PhotoLab Elite: Prime DeNoising, ClearView, customization features, etc.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I received it when I purchased new NIK software. I took just a quick look at it and didn't much care for it, compared to the ACR that I use now. I may delete it later if needed to make some more room on the SSD hard drive.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

You are not actually buying PhotoLab Essentials as it is supplied as a free add-in with a separate license when you purchase the Nik Collection. Its a great deal for users who don't already own PhotoLab or who are not committed to a different raw converter/processor. However, it would have been nice if they would have discounted the Nik Collection for current users of PhotoLab or PhotoLab Elite.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

DXO PhotoLab is a powerful program especially the Elite version, but I understand that if you are comfortable with ACR you might not want to take the time and effort to give it more than a quick look.

jonyrot

I was drawn to DXO for recovering low light details and for de-noising. For me, it was easier to use these features than other software packages. I like clear-view, it saves time. One more benefit is that you "purchase" the software, no additional charges until the next update.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I agree. Despite the substantial functionality in the Elite edition, I found it much easier and faster to come up to speed compared to any other high end post processing software I've tried. And on top of that I'm extremely happy with the results I get. I moved from long term use of Lightroom to PhotoLab Elite two years ago and have never regretted it.

Rob Simpson

How do you know if you have the Elite version or not?