Your opinions of NIK, Topaz, others?
May 14, 2013 18:28:23 #
James Eslinger
Loc: Kentucky
I'm learning about PP software, researching the various options and have discovered there are many! In particular, I'm considering the various plug-ins available for CS, PSE, PSP, etc., and I was hoping to gather your opinions of some of these.
NIK seems to offer features that look great on paper (online anyway), and I think I'll spring for the bundle. Topaz also looks good, but comes in so many varieties. On their website, many of the examples appear 'painted' (for lack of a better term on my part). For the experienced users out there, which of the Topaz modules do you find useful? What do they do that isn't duplicated by NIK? Are there other PP tools you suggest?
As for the host applications, I expect to be using Lightroom, but will probably wait for v5 before purchase. I currently use PSE 11, as well as PSP X3. I might sign up for Adobe CC (for access to PS, if not for the full suite). PSP X5 is also a possibility.
Added after the fact - I'm running Windows 7, on a 64 bit machine.
Thanks, Jim
NIK seems to offer features that look great on paper (online anyway), and I think I'll spring for the bundle. Topaz also looks good, but comes in so many varieties. On their website, many of the examples appear 'painted' (for lack of a better term on my part). For the experienced users out there, which of the Topaz modules do you find useful? What do they do that isn't duplicated by NIK? Are there other PP tools you suggest?
As for the host applications, I expect to be using Lightroom, but will probably wait for v5 before purchase. I currently use PSE 11, as well as PSP X3. I might sign up for Adobe CC (for access to PS, if not for the full suite). PSP X5 is also a possibility.
Added after the fact - I'm running Windows 7, on a 64 bit machine.
Thanks, Jim
May 14, 2013 19:01:34 #
James Eslinger wrote:
I'm learning about PP software, researching the va... (show quote)
Pretty sure you can get fully functional free trials of all of them. Just go to their web sites. I've read a few places that onOne's recent releases have raised the bar quite a bit.
The "effects" apps are cool, but not sure how much I would use them. FYI, check this out, FREE not trial:
http://www.ononesoftware.com/free/
May 14, 2013 19:19:06 #
James Eslinger wrote:
I'm learning about PP software, researching the va... (show quote)
I use the following Topaz plug-ins:
Topaz Adjust, Topaz Simplify, Topaz Adjust 3
May 14, 2013 21:00:35 #
I went for the NIK bundle and use it as plugins with Lightroom. Its all good. :thumbup:
May 14, 2013 21:35:06 #
James Eslinger
Loc: Kentucky
BrettOssman wrote:
Pretty sure you can get fully functional free trials of all of them. Just go to their web sites. I've read a few places that onOne's recent releases have raised the bar quite a bit.
The "effects" apps are cool, but not sure how much I would use them. FYI, check this out, FREE not trial:
http://www.ononesoftware.com/free/
The "effects" apps are cool, but not sure how much I would use them. FYI, check this out, FREE not trial:
http://www.ononesoftware.com/free/
Thanks for the headsup, several free presets here!
May 15, 2013 05:40:11 #
I use both NIK and Topaz Here is a 30% discount for Topaz good until the 17th If you would like to take advantage of the 30% coupon announced during the webinar, it is "halweb5" and is good towards ALL Topaz products. :) It is only valid until 5/17/13. You can purchase at www.topazlabs.com/store.
May 15, 2013 05:50:06 #
James Eslinger wrote:
Thanks for the headsup, several free presets here!
Not to mention Perfect Effects 4 FREE
May 15, 2013 06:48:19 #
May 15, 2013 06:52:09 #
I have both Nik and topaz and find them both useful. I am more comfortable with Topaz because I have been using their plug-ins for a few years and I just got Nik. But both are very nice.
May 15, 2013 10:06:04 #
I have nik, topaz and OnOne. I use nik more than the others, however OnOne has a lot of good features which I am starting to use more now. One nice thing about OnOne it can be used as a stand alone.
May 15, 2013 11:09:31 #
I have both Nik and Topaz suites. I primarily use the Nik plugins, as I had them first and am more familiar with them. They work well. I especially like the Viveza plugin; it is excellent for fine tuning lighting within an image. Their "control point" feature works exceptionally well. The Topaz ReMask plugin is also very good, and not duplicated in the Nik suite.
May 15, 2013 13:00:05 #
I use PerfectSuite inside LR4. Masking, Layers, Portrait......
Can also be used as a standalone. Adds a lot of CS type functionality to LR, plus automates some functions for a lot less money.
30 day free trial.
Can also be used as a standalone. Adds a lot of CS type functionality to LR, plus automates some functions for a lot less money.
30 day free trial.
May 15, 2013 14:12:10 #
dusty3d wrote:
I have nik, topaz and OnOne. I use nik more than the others, however OnOne has a lot of good features which I am starting to use more now. One nice thing about OnOne it can be used as a stand alone.
I stated that I use NIK most of the time and love it, but forgot I also have OnOne and agree it has some very nice features!
May 15, 2013 18:32:20 #
I have Topaz Adjust and never use it. I have all the NIK and they are great tools, I especially like Silver Efex Pro II.
I was a PSE9 guy for 3 years. I decided to upgrade to PSE11 when it was offered quite cheap as a bundle with a camera purchase. LR4 was also offered with that bundle. I bought it even though I've never used it, and expected to use it only sparingly. Since getting it, I almost never use PSE11 (although it is a good upgrade). The more I learn about LR4's capabilities, the more I like it.
I was a PSE9 guy for 3 years. I decided to upgrade to PSE11 when it was offered quite cheap as a bundle with a camera purchase. LR4 was also offered with that bundle. I bought it even though I've never used it, and expected to use it only sparingly. Since getting it, I almost never use PSE11 (although it is a good upgrade). The more I learn about LR4's capabilities, the more I like it.
May 15, 2013 18:51:27 #
James Eslinger
Loc: Kentucky
pigpen wrote:
I have Topaz Adjust and never use it. I have all ... (show quote)
Thanks to everyone for their input. I suspect LR will become my go to, based on comments made here and my experience with the LR5 beta. I've decided on NIK, and I'm going to trial-test some of the modules from Topaz and onOne.
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