Best A.I. Image Upscaler? Top 7 Software Compared!

PiXimperfect
16 Dec 201922:30

TLDRThe video script discusses the process of upscaling low-resolution images using various platforms and software. It compares seven different image upscaling tools, including Photoshop, Gigapixel AI, and Image Upscale, based on their ability to enhance image quality without introducing artifacts. The evaluation is based on the detail and texture of the upscaled images, particularly focusing on facial features and hair. The video concludes with a ranking of the platforms, with Image Larger taking the top spot for its superior results.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The smallest unit of a digital image is the pixel, and upscaling involves guessing and filling in the missing pixels.
  • 🔍 Various software and platforms use different technologies, including AI and machine learning, for image upscaling.
  • 🎨 The speaker tests seven common image upscaling platforms to determine which provides the best results for a low-resolution portrait.
  • 📸 Photoshop's built-in upscaling feature is compared against other platforms for its performance.
  • 🏆 Image Larger is found to produce the best results among the tested platforms, followed by Let's Enhance and Image Upscaler.
  • 🤔 Big JPEG and Deep Image AI are considered to have similar performance, but Big JPEG is ranked lower due to artifacts.
  • 🚫 Gigapixel AI is disqualified due to creating visible artifacts and lines in the upscaled images, despite its high cost.
  • 💡 The importance of transparency in pricing is highlighted, with a preference for upfront disclosure on websites.
  • 📈 The ranking of the platforms is based on the quality of the upscaled images, with personal preferences acknowledged.
  • 🎥 The video script serves as a guide for users seeking to understand and compare different image upscaling tools.
  • 💻 The speaker's experience with the platforms is shared to provide an informed opinion on their effectiveness and usability.

Q & A

  • What is the smallest unit of a digital image?

    -The smallest unit of a digital image is a pixel.

  • How does image upscaling work in terms of increasing resolution?

    -Image upscaling works by guessing and filling in the missing pixels to increase the resolution of an image. This process can be simple, like averaging nearby pixels, or complex, using technologies like AI and machine learning.

  • What are the limitations of the free plan on imagelarger.com?

    -The free plan on imagelarger.com allows users to process 19 images per month and has an upload limit of 1200 by 1200 pixels or less with a file size limit of less than 5 megabytes.

  • What is the main difference between 'Image Larger' and 'Let's Enhance' platforms?

    -The main difference is that 'Image Larger' tends to produce better results with more details, while 'Let's Enhance' offers a softer look but at the expense of losing some details.

  • What is the advantage of using 'Deep Image AI' over other platforms?

    -The advantage of 'Deep Image AI' is that it is the only platform in the list that is completely free to use, with no limitations on the number of images you can upload.

  • What is the primary concern the speaker has with 'Big JPEG'?

    -The primary concern with 'Big JPEG' is that it does not display its pricing upfront and requires users to log in to get a quote, which the speaker finds unethical and unfavorable.

  • How does the speaker feel about the results produced by 'Gigapixel AI'?

    -The speaker is disappointed with the results produced by 'Gigapixel AI' due to the presence of artifacts and faults such as horizontal lines in the upscaled images, despite the high cost of the software.

  • What is the speaker's final verdict on the platforms tested?

    -The speaker's final verdict is that 'Image Larger' produced the best results, followed by 'Let's Enhance', 'Image Upscaler', Photoshop's built-in upscaling, 'Deep Image AI', 'Big JPEG', and 'Gigapixel AI' being disqualified due to the quality of results.

  • What is the significance of the 'preserve details 2.0' option in Photoshop's upscaling?

    -The 'preserve details 2.0' option in Photoshop's upscaling is significant as it is the latest technology for upscaling images, aimed at maintaining the quality and sharpness of details in the upscaled image.

  • What does the speaker suggest about the importance of pricing transparency in online platforms?

    -The speaker suggests that pricing transparency is important in online platforms, as not displaying prices upfront can be seen as unethical and unfavorable to users, as it may imply variable pricing without clear reasons.

Outlines

00:00

🖼️ Introduction to Image Upscaling

The paragraph introduces the concept of image upscaling, explaining the basic unit of a digital image - pixels. It discusses how technologies, including AI and machine learning, are used to guess and fill in missing pixels to increase an image's resolution. The speaker sets the stage for a comparison of the top 7 image upscaling platforms available in the market, starting with a simple test using a low-resolution portrait.

05:00

🔎 Evaluation of Image Upscaling Platforms

In this section, the speaker evaluates different image upscaling platforms, starting with Image Larger and Let's Enhance. The speaker shares personal experiences with these platforms, including their limitations, pricing, and the quality of the results. The comparison includes a detailed look at how each platform handles upscaling, with a focus on the results for a specific low-resolution portrait.

10:00

📈 Comparative Analysis of Upscaling Platforms

The speaker continues the comparative analysis of image upscaling platforms, discussing Big JPEG, Deep Image AI, and Image Upscaler. The focus is on the features, ease of use, and the quality of the upscaling results. The speaker also comments on the pricing strategies of the platforms and shares preferences based on the outcomes of the upscaling tests.

15:01

💸 Investment in Gigapixel AI and Photoshop Comparison

The speaker invests in the Gigapixel AI software from Topaz Labs for a fair comparison, despite its high cost. The results from Gigapixel AI are found to be disappointing due to visible artifacts. The speaker then compares the results from the various platforms with Photoshop's built-in upscaling feature, highlighting the pros and cons of each method.

20:01

🏆 Final Ranking and Conclusion

The speaker concludes the video by ranking the image upscaling platforms based on the tests conducted. Image Lajja is ranked first, followed by Let's Enhance and Image Upscaler. The built-in upscaling of Photoshop is ranked fifth, with Deep Image AI in sixth place, Big JPEG in seventh, and Gigapixel AI disqualified due to its performance. The speaker emphasizes that the video was not sponsored and was made to provide helpful information to viewers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Digital Image

A digital image is a representation of visual information in a digital form, typically composed of pixels that are displayed on a screen or printed on paper. In the context of the video, the smallest unit of a digital image is the pixel, and the resolution of an image is determined by the number of pixels it contains.

💡Pixels

Pixels are the smallest units that make up a digital image, acting as individual points of color that, when combined in large numbers, form a complete picture. The term 'pixel' is derived from 'picture element,' and it is a crucial concept in digital imaging, as it directly affects the quality and detail of an image.

💡Image Upscaling

Image upscaling is the process of increasing the resolution of a digital image, resulting in a larger image with more pixels. This process often involves complex algorithms that 'guess' or generate new pixels to fill in the additional resolution, aiming to preserve or enhance the image's details and quality.

💡AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn, and problem-solve like humans. In the context of the video, AI is used to describe some of the technologies that are employed for intelligently upscaling images by predicting and filling in missing pixel details.

💡Machine Learning

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms and models that allow computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data. In the video, machine learning is likely used to improve the accuracy of image upscaling by training models on vast amounts of image data.

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used software application for image editing and manipulation, developed by Adobe Systems. It provides a suite of tools for altering and enhancing digital images, and in the context of the video, it is one of the platforms compared for its built-in image upscaling capabilities.

💡Gigapixel AI

Gigapixel AI is a software developed by Topaz Labs that uses artificial intelligence to increase the resolution of images, particularly aimed at eliminating common upscaling issues like pixelation and blurriness. In the video, the reviewer purchased this software to test its upscaling capabilities but was disappointed with the results.

💡Image Larger

Image Larger is an online platform mentioned in the video that offers image upscaling services. It uses algorithms to increase the resolution of images while attempting to preserve details and improve quality. The platform is compared with others in the video and is ranked first for its effectiveness.

💡Let's Enhance

Let's Enhance is an online image upscaling platform that the video discusses. It provides options for users to upload images and select the degree to which they want to upscale the resolution. The platform is compared with others and is ranked second by the reviewer for its upscaling capabilities.

💡Big JPEG

Big JPEG is an image upscaling platform that offers a higher resolution limit compared to some other services. It processes images to increase their size while aiming to maintain image quality. In the video, Big JPEG is ranked third, indicating that it provides a good upscaling result, but not as high quality as the top two platforms.

💡Deep Image AI

Deep Image AI is an online platform that provides image upscaling services using artificial intelligence. It is one of the seven platforms tested in the video, and it is noted for being completely free to use. The reviewer ranks it fourth, indicating that while it provides acceptable results, there are better options available.

Highlights

The smallest unit of a digital image is pixels, with a 24-megapixel camera creating images made up of 24 million pixels.

Image upscaling technologies work by guessing and filling in the missing pixels to increase resolution.

The process of upscaling involves using AI and machine learning to fill in missing pixels based on patterns and averages from existing pixels.

Photoshop is a well-known platform for image editing and can also be used for upscaling images.

Image Larger is a straightforward website and software for image upscaling with an upload limit of 1200 by 1200 pixels and file limits under 5 megabytes.

Let's Enhance offers additional options for image types and enhancement features, requiring an account for free usage with a limit of five images per month.

Big JPEG is a platform with a higher resolution limit of 3000 by 3000 and a file size limit of 10 MB, offering both free and premium versions.

Deep Image AI is the only free platform among the seven tested, with no limitations on the number of images you can upload.

Image Upscale is an old-school platform with a simple interface, offering manual retouching services at variable prices.

Gigapixel AI from Topaz Labs is a high-cost software solution for image upscaling, priced at around $75 for a one-time purchase.

Photoshop's built-in upscaling feature uses the Preserve Details 2.0 technology for enhancing image resolution.

The ranking of the tested platforms for image upscaling, from best to worst, is Image Larger, Let's Enhance, Image Upscale, Photoshop, Deep Image AI, Big JPEG, and disqualified Gigapixel AI.

Gigapixel AI produced unsatisfactory results with visible artifacts and lines, leading to its disqualification in the comparison.

The importance of transparency in pricing is emphasized, with a preference for platforms that display their costs openly on their websites.

The practical application of these image upscaling platforms can vary depending on the type of image and personal preferences.

The video serves as a comprehensive guide for users looking to understand and compare different image upscaling tools and platforms.