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In light of the fact that I have first-hand knowledge with the DxO Nik Collection 4, I can tell you that it is a collection of eight really effective plug-ins. These plug-ins are designed to work in tandem with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, but they are also capable of operating on their own or serving as external editors for other software. The Nik Collection has been around for a very long time and was owned by Google in the beginning.
Despite the fact that Google was the first to release the outstanding Analog Efex Pro plug-in, the company ultimately decided to switch to DxO. During the time that DxO has been in charge, numerous improvements have been made, one of which was the incorporation of the Perspective Efex filter. On the other hand, the essential plug-ins have kept their recognizable user interface.
The outcomes continue to be of the highest quality and stimulating to the creative process. Nevertheless, DxO acknowledged that the user interface had begun to appear and feel a little bit stale and that there was a requirement for an aesthetic update.
DxO Nik Collection 4 Specifications
A review of DxO Nik Collection 4 is essential since it assesses the features of this photo editing suite, including the creative filters, precise editing tools, and interoperability with other software.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Filters | A collection of powerful and creative image editing filters |
| Improved U Point® Tech | Enhanced local adjustment controls for precise edits |
| Viveza and Silver Efex Pro | Fine-tuned control over color and black & white adjustments |
| Color Efex Pro | A wide range of color correction and enhancement tools |
| Analog Efex Pro | Simulates classic analog film effects and styles |
| HDR Efex Pro | HDR image creation and enhancement tools |
| Dfine | Noise reduction for cleaner, sharper images |
| Sharpener Pro | Sharpening tools for improving image clarity |
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DxO Nik Collection 4 review: Non-destructive editing
In my own experience with effects filters, they’re often pixel-based and deemed ‘destructive’ because once you apply them, it’s tough to undo the alterations. However, DxO has devised novel ways to make these ‘destructive’ filters more ‘non-destructive,’ although in the context of particular workflows. For instance, if you’re working with Photoshop, you may make use of Smart Objects, which provide you the ability to keep the filter effects you’ve applied changeable in the future. In this particular instance, Photoshop is responsible for doing all of the heavy lifting.
Creating’multi-page TIFFs’ for editing purposes within Nik plug-ins is yet another choice that was made available with the release of Nik Collection 3 software. The original image, the version that was altered, and the processing instructions that were utilized are all preserved in these files. The customized TIFF format gives them the ability to be edited in a non-destructive manner using any software, despite the fact that they are significantly bigger in size compared to standard TIFFs.
DxO Nik Collection 4 review: Nik Collection 4 Pricing
In light of my own experiences, I must say that the current state of affairs is a little disheartening. Although purchasing the suite does not ensure that future plugin upgrades will be made available, additional fees are required for each new version of a plugin. In addition, it is not clear which plugins will be upgraded after the current ones. The whole package of Nik Collection 4 costs $149, while consumers who previously purchased Nik Collection 3 pay only $79 to upgrade.
For example, Silver Efex Pro 3 is an alluring choice for photographers, but it is not sold as a standalone product; rather, in order to gain access to it, you are required to either acquire the complete suite or upgrade.
Final Words
During the time that I’ve spent using the DxO Nik Collection, I’ve observed that the company’s updates come at a glacially slow rate. Even while Silver Efex Pro 3 and Viveza 3 demonstrate progress toward modernization with enhanced user interfaces, usual advances in the creative area occur at a breakneck pace.
There is incoherence in Nik Collection 4; Silver Efex and Viveza are distinct from one another in terms of their visual presentation and their operational capabilities. Although each plugin has had its own distinct personality, the Nik 4 update seems unpolished and was released too soon in my opinion.
DxO Nik Collection 4 review: The good and The bad
The Nik Collection from DxO is a collection of eight image editing tools that may function either as stand-alone applications or as plug-ins for other programs.
The Good
- Improved User Interface
- Unique Personality
The Bad
- Slow Upgrades
Questions and Answers
The Nik Collection 6 by DxO has the same great film looks, filters, and effects for creative shooters as the previous versions. However, it now has new features like better U Points and support for Apple Silicon. Editors at PCMag choose and review goods on their own.
It is no longer free to use the Nik Collection. But when the whole suite is updated and ready to go, the DxO version of the Nik Collection will be well worth the money. For shooters who already bought Nik Collection 3, the price of each upgrade seems a bit high.