Lecture Notes on Photo Editing Apps: Adobe Lightroom vs Topaz Labs' Photo AI

Introduction

• Main photo editing tool: Adobe Lightroom
  • Used for managing, editing, and sharing photos.
  • Has some gaps in functionality.
• Alternative app: Photo AI by Topaz Labs
  • Complements Lightroom by filling in certain gaps.
  • Beneficial for certain features not covered by Lightroom.

Photo AI v3.1 Overview

• Recent version release: Photo AI v3.1
• Focus on significant feature additions and performance improvements.
• Important for users who may already have a license and are considering the annual upgrade plan.

Key Features and Improvements in Photo AI v3.1

Update and Licensing

• Update process:
  • Button "updates available" prompts download and installation for licensed users.
  • Purchase includes updates for one year. Additional updates require an annual upgrade plan.

Upscaling and Image Processing

• Upscaling:
  • Lightroom's super resolution limited to certain RAW and DNG files.
  • Photo AI offers extensive upscaling, especially useful for low-resolution images.

Noise Reduction

• Noise Reduction:
  • Lightroom limited to specific file types.
  • Photo AI excels in noise reduction for non-RAW files.

Smart Preview Technology

• Smart Preview:
  • Allows zoom and pan without reprocessing after initial fit to screen.
  • Saves time and processing power during edits.

Preserve Text Feature

• Preserve Text:
  • Enhances text clarity in images.
  • Useful for maintaining legibility in upscaled text.

Face Recovery Tool

• Face Recovery:
  • Significant improvement in portrait editing.
  • Enhances details and clarity in facial features.

Additional Enhancements

• Adjust Lighting and Balance Color features:
  • Available but not preferred over Lightroom for color and tone adjustments.

Workflow Considerations

• Lightroom remains powerful but has limitations.
  • Gaps include upscaling beyond basic limits, noise reduction on JPEGs.
• Photo AI fills these gaps with unique filters and tools like Preserve Text and Face Recovery.

Conclusion

• Photo AI is a strong addition for photographers needing features outside Lightroom's capabilities.
• Recommended for its advanced noise reduction, upscaling, and specialized filters.
• Encouraged to explore further through available resources and videos.