Photojournal

Is there a much noticeable difference between Topaz denoise/sharpening Vs what can be done in Lightroom? Ie… is it worth the $$ for the results?

bikerguy

The quick answer for me is yes.
Download them both for the 30 day free trial and decide for yourself.
They are an integral part of my workflow. I do not use either of them all the time but I always determine if the photo either isn't sharp enough or if it has more noise than I want. Then I use one or, rarely, both programs.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

You are asking for opinions from people who love ... and say ... "to opine is divine." I offer you no opinion of my own, I refer to those who have researched the situation at least in a semi-scientific way. If you want an answer beyond that one may get at the local pub, you should consult Mr. Google for help.

Regarding, worth, the money part, depends on budget, however, Topaz will do fine in low-cost editors and even free editors. Perhaps the question is why bother with Lightroom at all. One article said LR image must be transferred to PS to further refine, is that true? You have asked a two-part question regarding two Topaz plugins. Do you mean the old Topaz denoise and sharpening or the new AI versions? Part of your answer is below:

Topaz deNoise AI [Topaz Clear], "Granted, the Topaz results aren’t a huge difference from Lightroom, but the subtle quality differences are definitely there. I have to mention that it will definitely add more time and effort to use Topaz in your editing workflow, but I think it’s worth it." Examples are given in the article.
https://www.photoartfromscience.com/single-post/topaz-denoise-ai-versus-lightroom

"The difference is clear (pun intended). The Lightroom noise reduction version muddles the detail whereas Topaz DeNoise AI managed to remove the unwanted noise AND sharpen the details at the same time.
Lightroom is a great tool and is capable of a heck of a lot…but in this case, it is definitely not the best tool for the job. If you have an image where the detail is important (and seriously, when is it not?) I highly recommend running your image through Topaz DeNoise AI if you have unwanted grain."
https://angelaandrieux.com/noise-reduction-wars-lightroom-vs-topaz-denoise/

Photojournal, please educate me, why do you use PS and LR and pay a monthly fee vs buying a lower cost one fee excellent editor? Best Lightroom alternatives are discussed "This guide features our summarised recommendations of the best photo editing software in 2022, which can be bought for a one-time fee. We also include the top free Lightroom alternative options for photographers who aren’t ready to invest in paid software.":
https://shotkit.com/best-alternative-to-lightroom/

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

I struggled to sharpen with LR, followed all advice as well as i could, but Topaz does it better, amazes me and so easy, worth it to me.

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

You will end up completely confused by the pro and con remarks on here. Best advice is to download Topaz denoise Ai and sharpen Ai for the free trial period and give them a test drive. My opinion is they are definitely worth the price, but you decide for yourself.

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

Yes.
For my keepers that I use for shows I use Topaz.
For general posting I use sharpening and noise reduction that comes with Photoshop.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The quick answer for me is yes too. But, I only use DeNoise when I need to. As a Canon EOS shooter, these cameras benefit from ETTR techniques. Also, you can do much (if not all) your work entirely within LR, using the more complex and power for Topaz tools for the limited images presenting more complex issues.

Ideas on LR usage and ETTR:

Basics of noise processing

Basics of Lightroom Sharpening

ETTR in Practice

ETTR in Practice II

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

+1

When I get noisy photos (I do a lot of low light work) I do what I can in LR/PS, but if I am not satisfied, Topaz does the job. I don't use it for every photo but I'm glad I have it when I need it.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I use them both. If the image is fairly sharp to begin with, then LrC is all that's needed. If the image suffers from a touch of camera shake or slightly blurred due to the subject moving or slightly out of focus, then go to Topaz Sharpen AI. Once I got familiar with the Topaz suite, I went back into the archives and "rescued" some really good images that I didn't feel comfortable using because they weren't sharp. The other apps (Mask, DeNoise, jpg to raw, and gigapixel) have their uses, but the one I use the most is Sharpen AI.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Yes, yes, and yes.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The Topaz AI apps work through LrC, PS or as stand alone.

I use them all the time.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yes and yes. Topaz AI denoise and sharpen are the best of any SW I’ve tried - I bought both, and since they offered Gigapixel for a few$ more as a package, I bought it at the same time. Be sure to Google Topaz discounts - easy to get 20-25%.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

We all see things differently when it comes to light, noise, colour, etc., so this is just my personal opinion. I use LR Classic, Topaz DeNoise, Sharpening and Gigapixel AI and find these Topaz products superior to the LR equivalents. I have been very impressed with the functionality of all three processes; and the Video Enhance AI is also very good. YouTuber Anthony Morganti regularly reviews such software and details all new updates: so it may be worth your while having a look at his channel. I will definately be renewing my subscription to Topaz.

Capn_Dave

The only thing I have found with the Topaz AI software is each program De-noise AI, Gigapixel Ai. and Sharpen AI all sharpen the photo. You can easily over sharpen if you do not cut back on the sharpening. Also many times the whole photo doesn't need to be sharpened, your can easily mask out those parts in the program. The sharpening feature in each program is not a problem just something you need to be aware of

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

"This guide features our summarised recommendations of the best photo editing software in 2022, which can be bought for a one-time fee.”

In my opinion this statement borders on clickbait because it is oversimplified.

While it is true that software like OnOne, DxO PhotoLab, Exposure, etc. can be a one time purchase that one time purchase only works if the user isn’t interested in the the advances in the program that are being added and released each year or so as new versions.

Some folks are happy shooting JPEG and use them straight out of camera. Others like to be creative in their editing. Different tools for different uses.