When dealing with high ISO and fast-action photography, noise and image sharpness are constant challenges. Choosing the right tools can mean the difference between usable shots and missed opportunities, especially when your lighting conditions aren't ideal.
Coming to you from Matt Kloskowski, this practical video covers the newest updates to Topaz Photo AI and its enhanced features for noise reduction and sharpening. Kloskowski points out that Adobe's built-in sharpening tools have typically fallen short, prompting photographers to look elsewhere for superior results. Topaz Photo AI has addressed some critical performance issues, notably improving processing speeds by roughly a third compared to the previous version. This upgrade particularly benefits tasks that previously took minutes, like the Super Focus feature, now available without its beta label and much faster. Kloskowski demonstrates how Super Focus can salvage otherwise unusable images where the subject is slightly out of focus or blurred due to motion, though he advises moderation due to its intensity.
Additionally, Kloskowski explores new restoration capabilities in Topaz, including enhanced dust and scratch removal. Previously, repairing damaged images in Photoshop required multiple tools and extensive manual effort. Now, Topaz simplifies the workflow considerably, automating much of the process, though some manual touch-ups might still be necessary. The software’s face recovery and text preservation tools outperform Photoshop's equivalents significantly, according to Kloskowski, making it a valuable addition if restoration is frequently needed in your work. While Photoshop's Neural Filters do a competent job for occasional fixes, Topaz remains advantageous for batch processing and more complex restorations, especially when recovering facial details or text clarity is essential.
Kloskowski emphasizes that while Adobe’s noise reduction is adequate for many purposes, Topaz consistently refines its algorithms, providing photographers with continually improving results. He also notes the importance of workflow integration, mentioning both standalone and plugin options for Topaz Photo AI, enhancing its convenience within your existing Adobe suite. One practical tip is to process raw files directly in Topaz, which typically yields superior outcomes compared to using JPEGs or pre-processed files. The video briefly touches on cloud processing options, suggesting that heavier tasks might benefit from faster cloud rendering, albeit at an additional cost.
If your photography demands consistent sharpness, detailed noise reduction, or effective image restoration, staying updated on tools like Topaz Photo AI becomes crucial. Version 4’s improvements directly address speed and usability, key factors for busy workflows or demanding shooting conditions. While Adobe remains an essential backbone for photographers, specialized tools like Topaz increasingly offer specific benefits that generalist software often lacks. Kloskowski’s insights can help you decide whether these updates make sense for your specific photography needs or if sticking primarily with Adobe meets your current requirements. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kloskowski.
