Originally posted by Fenwoodian .
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???
FYI, DXO bought NIK Collection from Google which was going to let it die that's why it was free with absolutely no support. Several years ago NIK Collection was rather pricey. DXO has incorporated U Point into PhotoLab with several new features. Now they are charging a nominal amount for Nik Collection and it will live into the future with support.
Larry
---------- Post added 06-13-18 at 01:28 PM ----------
Originally posted by BigMackCam 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...
The U Point technology has been improved in the latest update to PhotoLab with new features which BTW, work in their develop module.
Nope I don't think you need DXO to run the latest version of NIK collection. You just need to fork over the money to buy the updated NIK Collection.
Larry
---------- Post added 06-13-18 at 01:46 PM ----------
Originally posted by Fries Isn't it the case that the free version only works on a 32-bit operating system and the new version is upgradet to work on a 64-bit OS? I did buy the new version and every app is 64-bit now.
The Freeware version I have is 64 bit and i run it as a stand alone and also a plugin with my Zoner ZPS X which is also 64 bit but I downloaded the latest release from DXO before they released the $49 current version.
Larry