The Just Released $49.99 New/Improved Version Of NIK Collection Is A Rip Off!

Fenwoodian · 06-06-2018, 11:01 PM - **2 Likes**

.
I've used the NIK Collection of plugins with my stand alone versions of PhotoShop and PhotoShop Elements for years now. I really like them, and up until now, they've been free.

I also like the Topaz plugins, but they cost money of course.

But from now until the end of June, the just-released new/improved version of the NIK Collection will cost 49.99 USD - then after July 1 the cost will go up to $69 USD.

I thought I'd give this new and improved version of the NIK Collection a try - so I downloaded the 30-day free trial version of this new update.

I noticed that the new version download file was about 150MB smaller than the older free version. Strange, why would the more robust/newer version be quite a bit smaller in size than the older version? Shouldn't "new and improved" be a larger file size?

I then uploaded the new trial version to my PC computer. Well, to my disappointment, my old version completely disappeared (along with my presets, recipes, and favorites).

Then I tried out the new NIK Collection on some images. To my surprise, there was absolutely NO CHANGE in either the way any of the plugins looked or functioned!

So, you might want to save yourself the $49.99 and just keep using your old free version of the NIK Collection - that's what I'm going to do. The only advantage I can see to buying the new version is that you will receive future updates at a discounted price. But given that the parent company that owns the NIK Collection recently filed for bankruptcy, I wonder if there ever will be any substantial future updates.

I had sincerely hoped that the NIK Collection would be further developed and improved under its' new ownership. I absolutely love NIK's U-Point technology! But, based upon my limited experience with the "new and improved" version of the NIK Collection, it seems to me that the new owners either don't have the will or the resources to continue development of the NIK Collection.

This just might be the time to switch over to the comparable Topaz suite of plugins. Do I remember correctly that they can be purchased using a link on this forum???

Last edited by Fenwoodian; 06-06-2018 at 11:27 PM.

swanlefitte · 06-06-2018, 11:26 PM

Too bad about the nik collection.
Topaz has heavy discounts a few times a year. Not sure when. I pick up some every other time they do.

Dartmoor Dave · 06-07-2018, 01:12 AM

Might be a good time for people who are allowing Google Update to run on their computers to disable it. The free Nik Collection installs it if you didn't have it already, and I wouldn't it put it past them to break the free version under the disguise of an update.

**Rondec** · 06-07-2018, 02:04 AM

I bought Nik, back when it was software that required purchase. I want to say it was 99 dollars. The fact that Google purchased it and then gave it away didn't mean that it didn't cost something to make it and if DXO is going to update it over time, they probably need some funds to do so (sounds like they are hurting a bit financially).

It doesn't surprise me that they are charging for it now (even with minimal changes). I don't really want pay for it again though. My understanding when I purchased it was that it had a lifetime of updates with it and I'm pretty pleased with it as is.

**BigMackCam** · 06-07-2018, 03:10 AM

Apparently, the new release addresses some instability issues (though I never noticed any when I was using the Google version), as well as ensuring operability with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements. There are indeed no functional changes in this first new release.

As for the size of the code, the reduction most likely suggests there's been some standardisation and sharing of processes between modules that previously used different but functionally-similar code.

LensBeginner · 06-07-2018, 03:24 AM - **1 Like**

...even Publio Virgilio Marone used to say "Timeo DxOs et dona ferentes"

D1N0 · 06-07-2018, 06:40 AM

Try to set your pc back to a system restore point from before you installed the update.

Fenwoodian · 06-07-2018, 06:40 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Apparently, the new release addresses some operability with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements.

For your information I am using the latest version of Adobe PS Elements (version 2018).

I had no prior "instability issues" using the old/free version of NIK on Adobe PS Elements 2018.

**BigMackCam** · 06-07-2018, 06:52 AM

Originally posted by Fenwoodian

For your information I am using the latest version of Adobe PS Elements (version 2018).
I had no prior "instability issues" using the old/free version of NIK on Adobe PS Elements 2018.

There are certainly reports of issues with Google Nik Collection and recent Adobe software versions if you look for them on the web. I suppose we can only take DxO at their word that they've addressed some issues that others have experienced. They've clearly done something if the code size has changed. But for anyone who hasn't experienced problems, it sounds as if purchasing the new version isn't worthwhile.

The only other comment I'd make is that I bought the Nik collection before it became a free download from Google, and I paid a lot more than $49 for it (about twice that, if I remember correctly!). At this price, for those who don't have a copy of the free download, it's good value for such comprehensive functionality. But perhaps not as an upgrade

**Rondec** · 06-07-2018, 07:28 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

There are certainly reports of issues with Google Nik Collection and recent Adobe software versions if you look for them on the web. I suppose we can only take DxO at their word that they've addressed some issues that others have experienced. They've clearly done something if the code size has changed. But for anyone who hasn't experienced problems, it sounds as if purchasing the new version isn't worthwhile.

The only other comment I'd make is that I bought the Nik collection before it became a free download from Google, and I paid a lot more than $49 for it (about twice that, if I remember correctly!). At this price, for those who don't have a copy of the free download, it's good value for such comprehensive functionality. But perhaps not as an upgrade

Originally (as with Topaz) you had to buy each part of the software separately, but when they offered the whole Suite for 99 dollars, I jumped on it.

The problem is (generally speaking) that it is hard to take something from freeware to charging for it. Google bought it to build Snapseed, I think and then sort of offered the whole thing for free, but didn't really upgrade capabilities. If DXO does upgrade capabilities over time, then it is reasonable for them to charge for that. Few companies have the R and D budget of Google to throw away on frivolous side projects and I'm sure DXO paid enough for Nik Effects that now they need to monetize it in some way.

**Spodeworld** · 06-07-2018, 07:44 AM - **1 Like**

Smaller program size doesn't necessarily mean less functionality. It could be the result of code optimization.

**BigMackCam** · 06-07-2018, 08:22 AM

I've also noticed the following on DxO's website:

"Nik Software’s U Point technology is fully integrated into DxO PhotoLab’s non-destructive workflow. This feature lets you make complex selections in just a few clicks and edit specific areas in your images, so you can apply local adjustments in a simple and intuitive manner."

It's possible that this latest version of Nik is required to support the full integration with PhotoLab...

Fenwoodian · 06-07-2018, 08:44 AM

.
I just went to the NIK website again. It says "The Selective Brush tool is now fully operational". Please note that with the old version, the selective brush tool worked for me in PHotoShop, but it never worked for me in Elements.

Last night when I tested the new version of NIK, the selective brush tool would not work. Maybe the new version's selective brush tool still does not work in "Elements". I've asked NIK about this, and submitted a ticket (my second one). I'll let everyone know if and when NIK customer service gets back to me on this.

If I can get the selective brush tool to work in Elements, I'd happily pay the $49.99 for the new version of NIK Collection.

disconnekt · 06-07-2018, 01:12 PM - **1 Like**

Chances are the reason that the file is overall smaller means that they streamlined everything with their own stuff (codes, tech, etc.). And the fact the it's one price (which is set at a pretty good price) for everything in the whole suite seems to be a good indicator that it's going to get updates for the forseeable future.

**OzzRod** · 06-07-2018, 11:37 PM

Interesting that you're being offered it for $49.99; the introductory price in Oz is Euro 49.99 (approx. US$59) - for downloaded copy!

06-06-2018, 11:01 PM - 2 Likes	#1
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,875	The Just Released $49.99 New/Improved Version Of NIK Collection Is A Rip Off! . I've used the NIK Collection of plugins with my stand alone versions of PhotoShop and PhotoShop Elements for years now. I really like them, and up until now, they've been free. I also like the Topaz plugins, but they cost money of course. But from now until the end of June, the just-released new/improved version of the NIK Collection will cost 49.99 USD - then after July 1 the cost will go up to $69 USD. I thought I'd give this new and improved version of the NIK Collection a try - so I downloaded the 30-day free trial version of this new update. I noticed that the new version download file was about 150MB smaller than the older free version. Strange, why would the more robust/newer version be quite a bit smaller in size than the older version? Shouldn't "new and improved" be a larger file size? I then uploaded the new trial version to my PC computer. Well, to my disappointment, my old version completely disappeared (along with my presets, recipes, and favorites). Then I tried out the new NIK Collection on some images. To my surprise, there was absolutely NO CHANGE in either the way any of the plugins looked or functioned! So, you might want to save yourself the $49.99 and just keep using your old free version of the NIK Collection - that's what I'm going to do. The only advantage I can see to buying the new version is that you will receive future updates at a discounted price. But given that the parent company that owns the NIK Collection recently filed for bankruptcy, I wonder if there ever will be any substantial future updates. I had sincerely hoped that the NIK Collection would be further developed and improved under its' new ownership. I absolutely love NIK's U-Point technology! But, based upon my limited experience with the "new and improved" version of the NIK Collection, it seems to me that the new owners either don't have the will or the resources to continue development of the NIK Collection. This just might be the time to switch over to the comparable Topaz suite of plugins. Do I remember correctly that they can be purchased using a link on this forum??? Last edited by Fenwoodian; 06-06-2018 at 11:27 PM.

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06-06-2018, 11:26 PM	#2
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Too bad about the nik collection. Topaz has heavy discounts a few times a year. Not sure when. I pick up some every other time they do.

06-07-2018, 01:12 AM	#3
Dartmoor Dave Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Dartmoor, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,889	Might be a good time for people who are allowing Google Update to run on their computers to disable it. The free Nik Collection installs it if you didn't have it already, and I wouldn't it put it past them to break the free version under the disguise of an update.

06-07-2018, 02:04 AM	#4
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	I bought Nik, back when it was software that required purchase. I want to say it was 99 dollars. The fact that Google purchased it and then gave it away didn't mean that it didn't cost something to make it and if DXO is going to update it over time, they probably need some funds to do so (sounds like they are hurting a bit financially). It doesn't surprise me that they are charging for it now (even with minimal changes). I don't really want pay for it again though. My understanding when I purchased it was that it had a lifetime of updates with it and I'm pretty pleased with it as is.

06-07-2018, 03:10 AM	#5
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,690	Apparently, the new release addresses some instability issues (though I never noticed any when I was using the Google version), as well as ensuring operability with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements. There are indeed no functional changes in this first new release. As for the size of the code, the reduction most likely suggests there's been some standardisation and sharing of processes between modules that previously used different but functionally-similar code.

06-07-2018, 03:24 AM - 1 Like	#6
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	...even Publio Virgilio Marone used to say "Timeo DxOs et dona ferentes"

06-07-2018, 06:40 AM	#7
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Try to set your pc back to a system restore point from before you installed the update.

06-07-2018, 06:40 AM	#8
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,875 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Apparently, the new release addresses some operability with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements. For your information I am using the latest version of Adobe PS Elements (version 2018). I had no prior "instability issues" using the old/free version of NIK on Adobe PS Elements 2018.

06-07-2018, 06:52 AM	#9
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,690	Originally posted by Fenwoodian For your information I am using the latest version of Adobe PS Elements (version 2018). I had no prior "instability issues" using the old/free version of NIK on Adobe PS Elements 2018. There are certainly reports of issues with Google Nik Collection and recent Adobe software versions if you look for them on the web. I suppose we can only take DxO at their word that they've addressed some issues that others have experienced. They've clearly done something if the code size has changed. But for anyone who hasn't experienced problems, it sounds as if purchasing the new version isn't worthwhile. The only other comment I'd make is that I bought the Nik collection before it became a free download from Google, and I paid a lot more than $49 for it (about twice that, if I remember correctly!). At this price, for those who don't have a copy of the free download, it's good value for such comprehensive functionality. But perhaps not as an upgrade

06-07-2018, 07:28 AM - 2 Likes	#10
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	Originally posted by BigMackCam There are certainly reports of issues with Google Nik Collection and recent Adobe software versions if you look for them on the web. I suppose we can only take DxO at their word that they've addressed some issues that others have experienced. They've clearly done something if the code size has changed. But for anyone who hasn't experienced problems, it sounds as if purchasing the new version isn't worthwhile. The only other comment I'd make is that I bought the Nik collection before it became a free download from Google, and I paid a lot more than $49 for it (about twice that, if I remember correctly!). At this price, for those who don't have a copy of the free download, it's good value for such comprehensive functionality. But perhaps not as an upgrade Originally (as with Topaz) you had to buy each part of the software separately, but when they offered the whole Suite for 99 dollars, I jumped on it. The problem is (generally speaking) that it is hard to take something from freeware to charging for it. Google bought it to build Snapseed, I think and then sort of offered the whole thing for free, but didn't really upgrade capabilities. If DXO does upgrade capabilities over time, then it is reasonable for them to charge for that. Few companies have the R and D budget of Google to throw away on frivolous side projects and I'm sure DXO paid enough for Nik Effects that now they need to monetize it in some way.

06-07-2018, 07:44 AM - 1 Like	#11
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Smaller program size doesn't necessarily mean less functionality. It could be the result of code optimization.

06-07-2018, 08:22 AM	#12
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,690	I've also noticed the following on DxO's website: "Nik Software’s U Point technology is fully integrated into DxO PhotoLab’s non-destructive workflow. This feature lets you make complex selections in just a few clicks and edit specific areas in your images, so you can apply local adjustments in a simple and intuitive manner." It's possible that this latest version of Nik is required to support the full integration with PhotoLab...

06-07-2018, 08:44 AM	#13
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,875 Original Poster	. I just went to the NIK website again. It says "The Selective Brush tool is now fully operational". Please note that with the old version, the selective brush tool worked for me in PHotoShop, but it never worked for me in Elements. Last night when I tested the new version of NIK, the selective brush tool would not work. Maybe the new version's selective brush tool still does not work in "Elements". I've asked NIK about this, and submitted a ticket (my second one). I'll let everyone know if and when NIK customer service gets back to me on this. If I can get the selective brush tool to work in Elements, I'd happily pay the $49.99 for the new version of NIK Collection.

06-07-2018, 01:12 PM - 1 Like	#14
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,702	Chances are the reason that the file is overall smaller means that they streamlined everything with their own stuff (codes, tech, etc.). And the fact the it's one price (which is set at a pretty good price) for everything in the whole suite seems to be a good indicator that it's going to get updates for the forseeable future.

06-07-2018, 11:37 PM	#15
OzzRod Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Newcastle, N.S.W. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,322	Interesting that you're being offered it for $49.99; the introductory price in Oz is Euro 49.99 (approx. US$59) - for downloaded copy!