pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Is anyone else using this new software? Generally speaking I find it pretty disappointing.

On the plus side, the new interface organizes filters in a much more convenient way. However, I cannot seem to launch version 2 from LR. And version 2 seems to be missing many of the important features that were available in version 1; fortunately I still have version 1 installed so I still use it. Maybe future updates of version 2 will improve the functionality.

In version 1 there are some basic edits to crop, heal rotate or flip the image that work well and are quite useful but they seem to be entirely missing with Studio 2. Also missing are the lens adjustment and mask buttons (which in any event did not seem to do anything very useful in version 1). Perhaps these features are simply well hidden in Version 2 but I've not been able to find them.

Of course the real work of either version consists of the filters and for the most part, those available in version 1 remain in version 2; in fact the filters are organized a bit better in version 2. An important one that is missing, however, is the image filter and to me at least this is a major disadvantage of the new version. Less important is that the new version does not provide for enhancements of filters. This was a convenient option in version 1 because it was an alternative way of applying a filter while inheriting the mask applied to a previous filter. You can accomplish much the same thing in version 2 by copying the mask in question and applying it explicitly to the newer one so this is merely an inconvenience, not an actual reduction in functionality.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Two recent threads on this topic after quick use of the UHH Search function:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-602356-1.html

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-602355-1.html

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Thanks for the links. There's not much about features in these threads, however.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

The features are covered pretty well on the Topaz web site. The links I attached show that you are not the only dissatisfied User. See also DPReview and Imaging-Resource. If you can’t find former features or generally speaking find Topaz Studio simply doesn’t work for you, vote with your pocketbook and try something else. When I started working with Topaz apps, I did not view it as a full-scale editor. I see nothing in the trade press discussion of their latest announcement that changes my mind. I currently subscribe to LR/PS, but I am downsizing my photography activities due to ill health. In the future, I may move to PS Elements. Best wishes to you.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

There is a Topaz group on Facebook which has been discussing this topic. I think you would find it helpful.
Steve

texashill Loc: Texas Hill Country

After upgrading to Topaz 2, I was very surprised to see all of the adjustments that I now have. I only had Precision Contrast and Dehaze that I paid for before but it appears that I have them all now. AI clear is incredible.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

What 2 did mainly was change the model to a paid product where they gave you all the adjustments that you had to buy before. BUT the first release is missing lots of stuff like crop. There is a document which outlines the roadmap as they add features back in. 2 ISNT backward compatible to 1. But you can keep both. So far I see no reason to move to 2 until they fix the issues

Deanie1113

I also love AI Clear and use it daily. I edit in LR/PS and only go to AI Clear to polish particular images. It can do miracles!

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

I just watch the Topaz 2 webinar and they showed the roadmap of featured to be added. Things like crop, heal, etc. will be added within the next couple of weeks. Other useful features will be included soon too. The webinar was recorded and should be available soon. I found it helpful to understand the changes and new ways to do thing. Custom looks you made with Topaz Studio can, as of today, be migrated ONE TIME ONLY to Topaz 2. Looks like it will be a nice resource once they get it fully up. But I for one am keeping Topaz Studio "just in case."

tomcat

They are two different programs at the moment. They may merge at some point in the future, but for now, they are not replacing each other. TS2 has some new filters (aka "adjustments") in addition to the ones in TS1 and is quicker to use the preset "Looks" options to get a new look for an image. It also has a better masking option, so you can plan to use either or both to get your best image. I will probably use TS1 for my initial adjustments, and then switch to TS2 for the better masking options. I just watched a Topaz webinar from Hazel Meredith and she did some really cool stuff with masking and textures. And as always with either program, run AI Clear as the very first step.

wtw2143 Loc: West Hempstead, NY

Beware of new Topac Studio 2, has some flaws in it, their support group is aware of this. Issues I am having after download, have no "looks" or Presets showing in right side of screen, all Filters work OK, and when trying to creat a custom look, after using Filters, it goes thru the process, but does not save it to MyLooks folder. Topaz claims they are working on a patch for it, down the road. It does not import your custom looks from TS1,at this time. I volunteered to do the Topaz Stuido 2-Beta, and still some small issues with the Beta, support is aware of my findings, and they are working on patches.
IMO Not the best upgrade from Topaz, regular Topaz Studio, works much better, keeping it on my HD. More to follow as I hear from support on issues, They also have on FB page "Topaz Studio-Beta2 Testing Group" where you can follow with some updates from their Support.
Win W.