shieldsadvert

I've been reading the reviews on various plug-ins and the consensus is that NIK software offers the most versatile/professional product. Does anyone have an opinion on this and I wonder how easy it is to use in Aperture?

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

NIK is just one of many vendors of post processing software; there are many others and they all do some things better than others.
Not all programs work as both stand-alone and as a plug-in (launched from within another program and sharing data). The most plug-in supported post processing software are those made by Adobe (Photoshop & Lightroom)

shieldsadvert

Thanks for the advice. I just want maximum image control and am using Aperture. Do you know if NIK would be the best choice for this?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Hard to answer - your concept of maximum control may differ from mine. IMO, for maximum control you have to start with Photoshop. Aperture and Lightroom are fantastic, but stop WELL short of maximum control. Others here think if you can't get it perfect out of the camera, you are a lousy photographer.

The NIK software suite is fantastic and what it does it does extremely well. But that is only relevant if what is does is what you want to do.

Download the 30 day trial and decide for yourself - nobody here can answer this for you.

Elle Loc: Long Island, NY

Nik plug-ins do a good job but some others take it further..I like the Topaz plug-ins and On One's Perfect Effects feeling they offer more.

infocus Loc: Australia

I haven't used it in Aperture but do use it in Photoshop CS5 and it's great for wht I use it for. doesn't do it all though, still need PS

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

I have the full Nik suite and use it with Photoshop. I also use Topaz and OnOne Perfect suite at times. Like others have said, it depends on how you want the final vision of your image to look. I have to say, that Nik is my favorite, but like any tool it won't work for everything.

mvy Loc: New Hampshire

I vote for Nik software when it comes to easy access from Aperture. I also consider onOne's Perfect package very easy to use. My recent experience with Aperture has been very good; it seems to be much more stable than previously.

My only bad experience, contrary to what seems to be its current high ratings, came with Lightroom. I found its method of saving adjustments in one file and images in another, too much of a hassle for my aged grey matter.

Above all my opinion regarding NIK software's ease of use has stood the test of time.

All the best,

M

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I have NIK which 3 is included in Corel PSP 4X, 5X tho 4 is current. So with PSP X5 "Ultimate" at the $50 sale mark, it is worth while to buy it for its self and NIK (also face make over and other plugins). Topaz 40% off sale ends midnight 12/31. Code to put in the code box is ... Topaz2012 .... Based on that price I would go with the full bundle. If price is an issue get B&W if you do B&W and the best of all the Adjust 5. $50 but at 40% off just $30!!. Topaz also, thus far, has upgraded for free where as the other plugin/preset packages cost to up grade. Topaz also has a stand alone in which all are in one package and intigrated for easy working... also topaz has a lazy mans un-mask program... and great "edge aware" (mask and brushes) sloppy work, unsteady hand, end result is great.

I have watched many Topaz Webinars both on line and archived (see resources at the www.topazlabs.com site). I watched only on-one and it was not well done... unfair sample... rest may be great.

Could be that I like Topaz best simply because I have used Topaz the most. Surly all are good for particular operations and results. Me, I like over sharpened detail and saturated surreal look, not saying that is the stock and trade of Topaz... simply that which of these "plugin/preset" packages is best is probably a tossup, and thus a moot question. Assuming that they are all about the same then go for price and upgrade price history.

If every one in your photo club uses a particular one, then go for that because of the buddy help availability. Me, I am considered impure because I use Topaz and PSP and go to an Adobe Church Purist Camera Club filled with expensive DSLRs.

Even tho not conforming to the club norms, I won 3 place (year long competition) in the non-pro division in 2011 and got booted up to Pro class, because of high points, at the end of 1 quarter of 2012. I did that with a 7 YO P&S pan TZ3 and PSP and Topaz. So, in a sense, I did not win, the Post Processing combo won by taking my mediocre photos and working magic. That comment is reality and not humility.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

NIK works great with aperture, the nice thing about NIK is the control points take some time to learn them. The allow selected adjustments on just small areas of a photo. You can put 4 of them in a sky, link them and adjust all the points at he same time. They have lots of really good information on their site. Google purchased them a few months back, so far there hasn't been any changes made. I thought they might place the NIK programs in Picassa and not offer them anymore for other applications. That would be another way for google to collect some more e-mails and information.

Good luck

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

If you are into B&W, you definitely need to look at NIK Silver Effects Pro. Some of its tools are unique, especially the Structure tool.

shieldsadvert

That's very useful information. I believe the best design is the simplest and your answer confirms that. Thanks,
Bill

shieldsadvert

Thank you for your useful comments.
Bill

shieldsadvert

Thanks, that' very useful information.
Bill

shieldsadvert

Thanks, that' very useful information.
Bill