NEW Improvements to PHOTO AI!

Hi everyone, Anthony Morganti here. Recently, Topaz Labs updated Photo AI to version 3.1. In today's video, we're going to take a look at what's new and exciting in this, the latest version of Topaz Labs Photo AI. Actually, in this video, I'm using version 3.1.2 because I'm a little late getting this video out. Also, in this video, I'm not going to be using Photo AI as a standalone application. Instead, I'm going to use it as a plugin in Lightroom Classic. The only reason why I'm doing that is it's easier for me to A/B the results from within Lightroom.

We're going to be working on two different images:

A JPEG image shot with a Nikon Z72 at an ISO of 2800, which has a considerable amount of noise.
A Nikon raw file with some basic edits in Lightroom.

By displaying examples for both JPEG and RAW files, I'll demonstrate the slight differences that exist between processing these file types in Photo AI.

Firstly, let's discuss how to get these images into Photo AI using Lightroom Classic. For the JPEG image, you'll start by going to File -> Plugin Extras -> Process with Topaz Photo AI. This allows you to either edit a copy of the JPEG or overwrite it. I always recommend editing a copy to preserve the original file.

Most of the new features in this version are under-the-hood improvements:

Preview Rendering: Supposedly faster.
Optimized Masking: Enhanced for better subject selection.
Preserve Text Functionality: Improved for clearer text.
Face Recovery: Enhanced to provide better results.

Autopilot has undergone significant changes. Initially, Autopilot would automatically apply noise reduction and sharpening. Now, it suggests these actions without applying them instantly. You'll notice green dots next to suggested actions, like denoising and sharpening. The new features include:

Editing History and Recommendation Engine: Recommendations are generated based on image analysis, editing history, and the recommendation engine.

If you still prefer the old automatic way, you can enable it under Topaz Photo AI -> Preferences -> Autopilot Tab.

Working with JPEG

When working with the JPEG image, I applied the recommended denoise and sharpen actions. The results showed a significant reduction in noise and increased sharpness, especially around the subject's features.

Working with RAW

For the RAW file, Photo AI automatically applies the "Raw Denoise" mode. Note that if you choose to adjust lighting or balance color in Photo AI, the RAW format will be converted to TIFF.

Interestingly, when sending a RAW file to Photo AI, no prior Lightroom edits will be carried over. It is advisable to send the unedited RAW file directly to Photo AI for initial processing.

Important Tips

Zooming Issues and Preview Bugs: Occasionally, noise might appear in the preview if you adjust settings. Simply zooming in or out will fix this issue.
Automatic Sharpening in Lightroom: Sometimes, Lightroom might add sharpening to the processed image. To address this, reduce the sharpening in Lightroom.

After processing the RAW image, the results were significantly improved, with reduced noise and better overall sharpness.

Topaz Photo AI version 3.1 provides more flexibility and improved functionality that helps maintain photographic quality.

Check out my full course on mastering Topaz Labs Photo AI, linked in the description below the video, along with a discount code.

Keyword

Photo AI
Topaz Labs
Lightroom Classic
Autopilot
Denoise
Sharpen
Masking
Preview Rendering
RAW files
Image Processing

FAQ

1. What are the new features in Topaz Labs Photo AI version 3.1?

Preview rendering has been improved for faster performance, optimized masking for better subject selection, and enhanced face recovery and text preservation functionalities. The Autopilot feature has also been updated to suggest actions rather than applying them directly.

2. How does Autopilot work in the new version?

Autopilot now suggests actions to be applied (denoising and sharpening) instead of applying them automatically. You can identify these suggestions by the green dots next to the action.

3. What is different when processing RAW files compared to JPEGs in Photo AI?

For RAW files, Photo AI will automatically apply the "Raw Denoise" filter. Any lighting or color balance adjustments will convert the RAW format to a TIFF format during export.

4. How do I revert to the old Autopilot behavior?

You can enable the old Autopilot behavior by going to Topaz Photo AI -> Preferences -> Autopilot Tab and toggling the switch to "automatically apply the filters."

5. Are Lightroom edits carried over when sending images to Photo AI?

When sending RAW files to Photo AI, current Lightroom edits will not be carried over. It is recommended to send unedited RAW files directly for initial processing.

6. What issues might I encounter with the new Photo AI?

There might be occasional preview bugs where noise appears unexpectedly. Zooming in or out usually rectifies this. Additionally, sometimes Lightroom may automatically add sharpening to the processed image, which can be manually adjusted.

7. Where can I learn more about using Topaz Labs Photo AI effectively?

I have an entire course dedicated to mastering Topaz Labs Photo AI. Check the link and discount code in the description of the video.