So, I downloaded the Topaz Adjust Photoshop plug-in a few months ago and have been using it when I got the right type of image to edit, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the plug-in and give some examples.
Once I saw how the effect looked, I thought it would be interesting to see how the Topaz Adjust effect compared to the Lucis Pro plug-in look, so I went back to the original unretouched image and tried the Lucis Pro 6.0 plug-in (shown below).
Lucis Pro 6.0 Plug In
The Bottomline While the underlying mathematical algorithm in the Lucis Pro 6.0 plug-in will probably produce a technically better image with less noise, they both create a somewhat similar effect. However, in my opinion there are three big advantages that the Topaz Adjust plug-in has that really tip the scales in its favor big time.
NOTE: The most common way I use this plug-in, is to duplicate the layer; apply the filter on this duplicate layer, then hide this layer behind a layer mask (Option/Alt click the Layer Mask icon), then just reveal the effect where I want it by painting in white with a soft-edged brush.
Q. Will Google ever release a Nik Collection Version 5? A. I would love that, but based on their post about why they are making it free, it seems fairly clear that their desktop plug-in days are over (that was my take on it anyway). However, if they do one day come out with a new version, I imagine they would charge for it; I would definitely buy it, but I imagine it would be worth it.
While it is true that LucisArt can produce a certain "look" that is difficult to match exctly using Topaz or other plugins, I cannot understand why anyone in their right mind would pay their exorbitant prices. Especially when very pleasing results can be achieved using only Photoshop CS, Elements, PSPX2, etc. either by themselves or with a reasonably priced plugin such as Topaz Adjust.
That plug-in is way, way overpriced for a plug-in that does just one thing. For 550, you'd get other packages that can do much more then just the one thing. As said, topaz labs can get close enough for most.
I have used the old version of Lucis Art and liked it for certain effects though I used it sparingly. It is easily overdone. I prefer the Topaz Simplify plugin which provides more control and more variations in approach.is 1/3 the cost of Lucis Pro.
I know that it is not "Exactly" the same as shown in Judy's LucisArt versions, but who is to say which is better. As far as I am concerned, the results are a very legitimate alternative to LA---especially given the huge difference in price between the two plugins.
Another possibility for getting this sort of "hyper real" effect is to use some type of HDR tone mapping software on a single RAW image. I've had some success using the nik HDR Efex Pro plugin for this type of effect, or the Photomatix tone mapping plugin.--Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}
To me the effect does not look quite the same, but due to the price of LucisArt, those of us who don't already have version 2, really have no choice if we want a similar "look". I prefer oloneo on landscapes. I prefer lucis on certain portraits and on "old and rusty" type things.
Is it still overpriced? Yes, no question about it. I paid for it because I had no choice: the effects that can be obtained from Lucis are unique, even though many techniques (as mentioned by others in this thread) come close in many cases. Like any other plugin, the effects can be used to enhance a picture (read: with taste and moderation) or to destroy it (read: crank the levels up and get garish, crazy colors and effects.).
To me the trick is to preview the effect in Lucis at 50% magnification and to keep it on the conservative side. No other plugin gets me the same amount of detail and sharpening. That's why I bit the bullet and paid the $359 bucks!
3. Plug the cable into the PC first, then when you go to plug the cable into the headset, hold down the power button on the headset, once the cable is plugged in the headset let go of the power button. The LED will flicker to indicate it's in update mode.
Most existing plugins and panels for Photoshop are designed with a technology called CEP, but with the launch of the M1, Adobe has switched to using UXP for everything, which is supposed to make things more secure.
From this screen, you can choose to install an older version of Adobe Photoshop, going back as far as six previous updates. Keep in mind, this will remove the current/updated version you have installed, but any previous or legacy versions of your plugins and extensions should show up again when you reopen the application.
If plugins and panels are key to your workflow, staying a version or two behind while we wait for updates to the extensions to be made is a fairly small price to pay. Hopefully, Adobe will launch an update by mid to late May 2021 that will allow you to jump back up to the latest version of Photoshop and still gain access to your extensions and plugins. Until then, this is a great solution. 2ff7e9595c
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