An ANNOYING Feature in the Latest Version of Topaz Photo AI

Anthony Morganti
11 Apr 202409:22

TLDRIn the latest Topaz Photo AI update, Anthony Morganti discusses the强制应用的RAW去噪功能，which he finds annoying as it doesn't allow for alternative noise reduction models. He demonstrates the issue with a Fuji and Nikon RAW file, showing the ineffectiveness of the 'RAW denoise' model in removing noise. Morganti offers a workaround by suggesting users set the sliders to their minimum and then add 'remove noise' as an enhancement, which provides better results and allows for the use of other models.

Takeaways

  • 🚀 Topaz Labs recently updated Photo AI, introducing a feature that has caused some annoyance for users.
  • 🔍 The issue is specific to how Photo AI handles RAW files and is present whether used as a standalone app or a plugin.
  • 📸 Upon opening a RAW file, Photo AI's autopilot mode analyzes and applies noise reduction and sharpening, currently defaulting to 'RAW to Noise'.
  • 🎯 Users can no longer deselect the 'RAW to Noise' option, which was possible with previous versions of the software.
  • 🤔 The 'RAW to Noise' model does not effectively remove noise in certain images, even at maximum strength.
  • 🛠️ A workaround is suggested for when 'RAW to Noise' is insufficient: reduce all sliders to their minimum, then use 'Add Enhancement' to apply other noise reduction models.
  • 🖼️ Different RAW file types from various cameras may offer different noise reduction models within the 'Add Enhancement' menu.
  • 🔄 Testing various models (Normal, Strong, Extreme) can lead to better noise reduction results than relying solely on 'RAW to Noise'.
  • ⚙️ Adjusting the strength of noise reduction models can lead to improved results, but may also introduce discoloration or distortion if overused.
  • 📹 The video provides a practical demonstration of the issue and the suggested workaround using both Fuji and Nikon RAW files.
  • 🙏 The video creator expresses appreciation for viewers and encourages discussion on the topic.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue Anthony Morganti has with the latest version of Topaz Photo AI?

    -The main issue is that the latest version of Topaz Photo AI applies 'raw denoise' automatically to every RAW file opened in the software, and there is no option to delete or choose a different noise reduction model.

  • How does the 'autopilot mode' in Topaz Photo AI work?

    -In 'autopilot mode', Topaz Photo AI examines the image and determines what needs to be done to improve it, such as removing noise and sharpening.

  • What is Anthony's workaround for the 'raw denoise' issue?

    -Anthony suggests taking the strength and minor deblur sliders all the way down to their minimum, and then using 'remove noise' as an add-on enhancement to have better control over noise reduction.

  • Why does Anthony think that the 'raw denoise' model may not be suitable for all images?

    -Anthony believes that 'raw denoise' may not be suitable for all images because it can distort details and introduce discoloration, especially when everything is maxed out, which can be problematic for photographers who want to preserve as much detail as possible.

  • What are the different noise reduction models available in Topaz Photo AI?

    -The different noise reduction models available are 'normal', 'strong', and 'extreme', which can be used as add-on enhancements after adjusting the sliders to the minimum.

  • How does the 'raw denoise' feature perform on different types of RAW files?

    -The performance of the 'raw denoise' feature varies with different RAW file types. Anthony tested it with Fuji and Nikon RAW files and found that it didn't do a good job in both cases, leaving noticeable noise in the images.

  • What is Anthony's recommendation for users who are not satisfied with the 'raw denoise' results?

    -Anthony recommends trying the other noise reduction models ('normal', 'strong', 'extreme') by taking the sliders down to their minimum and then applying 'remove noise' as an add-on enhancement to achieve better noise reduction results.

  • Does the issue with 'raw denoise' affect other file types in Topaz Photo AI?

    -No, the issue with 'raw denoise' does not affect other file types. It is specifically related to how Topaz Photo AI handles RAW files.

  • How does the 'sharpen' feature work in conjunction with 'raw denoise'?

    -The 'sharpen' feature is automatically determined by Topaz Photo AI's autopilot mode along with 'raw denoise'. However, users can delete the sharpening effect if they do not wish to apply it to their images.

  • What is Anthony's overall opinion on the 'raw denoise' feature in the latest version of Topaz Photo AI?

    -Anthony finds the 'raw denoise' feature to be ANNOYING due to its automatic application and lack of options to customize or remove it, which he considers a drawback in the latest version of Topaz Photo AI.

Outlines

00:00

📸 Photo AI Update Critique

In this paragraph, Anthony Morganti discusses the recent update to Topaz Labs' Photo AI, focusing on a specific feature that he finds problematic. The feature in question relates to how Photo AI handles RAW files, and the issue is not tied to any specific file type or use case—whether used as a standalone app or a plugin. Anthony demonstrates the issue using version 2.4.2 of the software, where the autopilot mode applies 'raw denoise' automatically, which he feels is not effective in removing noise from the image. He also mentions that previously, users had the option to choose different models, but the latest update only allows for 'raw denoise,' which he believes is inferior to the previous 'Rod denoise' option. Anthony then provides a workaround for this issue by suggesting to lower all sliders to their minimum and then use 'remove noise' as an additional enhancement, which yields better results.

05:00

🖼️ Comparing RAW File Performance Across Different Cameras

Anthony continues his critique by testing the Photo AI's performance with RAW files from different cameras, using a Nikon RAW file as an example. Despite the software's autopilot mode suggesting necessary adjustments, he finds that 'raw denoise' still fails to adequately reduce noise, particularly in the background. Anthony notes the availability of different noise reduction models for Nikon files, such as 'raw normal' and 'raw strong,' which were not present for the Fujifilm RAW file. He experiments with these models and finds that 'raw strong' does not completely eliminate noise but offers better results than 'raw denoise.' Anthony then suggests an alternative approach, which involves using 'Raw normal' and further adjusting the strength slider to achieve a more satisfactory noise reduction outcome. He emphasizes that for users seeking to preserve detail while removing noise, being limited to the 'raw denoise' option could be a significant issue. Anthony concludes by reiterating his recommended workaround for users facing similar problems and expresses gratitude to his viewers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Topaz Photo AI

Topaz Photo AI is a software application developed by Topaz Labs, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of digital photographs. In the context of the video, the software has been recently updated, and the speaker, Anthony Morganti, discusses a specific feature that he finds bothersome in the latest version of the application.

💡RAW files

RAW files are a type of digital image file that contains unprocessed or minimally processed data from image sensors of digital cameras. In the video, Anthony Morganti talks about an issue he encountered with how the updated Topaz Photo AI handles RAW files, specifically the application's noise reduction feature when opening these types of files.

💡Autopilot mode

Autopilot mode in the context of Topaz Photo AI refers to the software's automatic analysis and adjustment of an image upon opening. The software examines the image and determines what adjustments are needed, such as noise reduction or sharpening. In the video, the speaker mentions that the issue with the RAW denoise feature occurs in both standalone and plugin instances of the software, regardless of whether it is in autopilot mode or not.

💡Noise reduction

Noise reduction is a process used in digital photography to reduce the visual noise or grain in an image, which is usually a result of high ISO settings or low light conditions. In the video, Anthony Morganti expresses his frustration with the updated Topaz Photo AI's noise reduction feature, specifically the RAW denoise model, as he finds it to be less effective than before the update.

💡RAW denoise

RAW denoise is a specific noise reduction model used by Topaz Photo AI for processing RAW files. The speaker in the video explains that in the latest version of the software, RAW denoise is the only option available, and it is automatically applied during RAW conversion, which he finds to be an annoying feature as it does not always produce the desired results.

💡Sharpening

Sharpening is a process in digital image editing that enhances the contrast along the edges and other important details in an image, making them appear more defined. In the video, Anthony Morganti mentions that along with noise reduction, the Topaz Photo AI also automatically determines that an image needs to be sharpened when a RAW file is opened in the software.

💡AA model

The AA model in Topaz Photo AI refers to an anti-aliasing model used for noise reduction and sharpening adjustments. In the video, the speaker discusses how he attempts to use the AA model's strength and minor de-blur sliders to improve the noise reduction on his image, but finds that the results are not satisfactory when using the RAW denoise feature.

💡Workaround

A workaround is a temporary solution to a problem or an issue that arises when using a software or technology. In the video, Anthony Morganti provides a workaround for the RAW denoise issue by suggesting to lower the AA model sliders to their minimum and then using the 'remove noise' feature as an add-on enhancement to achieve better noise reduction results with RAW files in Topaz Photo AI.

💡Image quality

Image quality refers to the clarity, sharpness, and overall visual fidelity of a digital image. The speaker in the video discusses how the automatic application of the RAW denoise feature in the latest version of Topaz Photo AI affects the image quality, as it sometimes does not effectively reduce noise, leading to a subpar final result.

💡Camera-specific RAW files

Camera-specific RAW files refer to the unique image files produced by different camera brands and models, which can have varying characteristics. In the video, Anthony Morganti mentions that the issue with the RAW denoise feature in Topaz Photo AI seems to be consistent across different types of RAW files, regardless of the camera brand, such as Fujifilm and Nikon.

💡Noise reduction models

Noise reduction models are different algorithms or settings within image editing software that are designed to minimize noise in digital images. In the video, the speaker discusses various noise reduction models available in Topaz Photo AI, such as normal, strong, and extreme, and how they can be used as an alternative to the RAW denoise feature to achieve better noise reduction results.

Highlights

Topaz Labs has updated their Photo AI with a new feature that has a negative impact on RAW file handling.

The issue is not related to the file type or whether Photo AI is used as a standalone app or a plugin.

Photo AI's Autopilot mode now automatically applies RAW denoise, with no option to remove or change it.

The presenter, Anthony Morganti, demonstrates that RAW denoise often fails to adequately remove noise from images.

In the past, users could choose between different denoise models, but now only RAW denoise is available.

Maxing out the strength of the RAW denoise does not improve the noise reduction results.

A workaround is suggested: set all sliders to their minimum and use 'remove noise' as an add-on enhancement.

Different RAW file types from various cameras may have slightly different available denoise models.

The presenter tests the new feature on a Nikon RAW file and finds similar issues with noise reduction.

Using 'Raw strong' denoise can improve results, but there are still some remaining noise issues.

Experimenting with 'remove large grain' can lead to image degradation and is not recommended.

The 'extreme' noise reduction setting can provide better results, but may introduce discoloration.

The video serves as a guide for users who are dissatisfied with the new RAW denoise feature in Photo AI.

The presenter appreciates the viewership and encourages discussion on the effectiveness of the new feature.

The update forces users to only use the RAW denoise option, which may not be the best for all images.