Is this best AI upscaler ever?
TLDRThe video review discusses a new AI-powered image upscaling tool called 'Magnific' that has entered the market, claiming to be superior to existing tools like Gigapixel. The reviewer, initially skeptical, puts the tool through various tests on different types of images, including portraits, landscapes, and vector graphics. After experimenting with multiple settings, the reviewer finds that Magnific can significantly improve image quality and details, especially when the right settings are used. However, the tool is not without its drawbacks, such as being able to save only in JPEG format, which can introduce artifacts, and the high cost associated with using the tool for extensive projects. The reviewer concludes that while Magnific is a powerful and potentially superior upscaling tool, it is better suited for professional use where the cost can be passed on to the client, rather than for everyday or hobbyist use due to its expense.
Takeaways
- ๐ The video compares Gigapixel AI and Magnificent, two AI-based image upscaling tools.
- ๐ธ Gigapixel AI is praised for its long-standing reputation and one-time purchase cost of $99.
- ๐ฒ Magnificent is more expensive, costing $40 per month, which can be prohibitive for some users.
- ๐ Magnificent operates as an online service, eliminating the need for powerful local hardware.
- ๐ผ๏ธ The presenter tested both tools on various types of images, including portraits and landscapes.
- ๐ Gigapixel AI focuses on minimal alterations, adding sharpness and detail without significant changes.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Magnificent uses more advanced AI to enhance and sometimes creatively alter images.
- โ๏ธ The settings and customization options in Magnificent significantly affect the final output quality.
- ๐จ Magnificent performs exceptionally well on complex, degraded images by restoring and enhancing details.
- ๐ฅ The presenter found that understanding and adjusting the settings in Magnificent is crucial for optimal results.
- ๐ Magnificent's primary downside is its high cost and limitations, such as saving only in JPEG format and lack of batch processing.
Q & A
What AI upscaling tools are discussed in the transcript?
-The transcript discusses Gigapixels and Magnificent as AI upscaling tools.
What are the primary differences between Gigapixels and Magnificent?
-Gigapixels is a standalone software costing $99 for a one-time purchase, while Magnificent is an online service costing $40 per month. Magnificent does not require a powerful local GPU, unlike Gigapixels.
How does the author test the effectiveness of the AI upscalers?
-The author tests the effectiveness of the AI upscalers by comparing upscaled images of portraits, landscapes, and various other settings, checking for details, sharpness, and quality preservation.
What was the author's initial impression of Magnificent compared to Gigapixels?
-The author was initially skeptical about Magnificent but found it to perform better than expected after thorough testing, especially in restoring details in highly degraded images.
What are some limitations of Magnificent noted by the author?
-Magnificent's limitations include its high cost, the inability to batch process multiple images at once, and its default to saving images as JPEGs only.
What specific settings and adjustments did the author find improved the performance of Magnificent?
-The author found that adjusting creativity, HDR, resemblance, and detail levels significantly improved Magnificent's performance, especially in keeping facial features intact and enhancing overall image quality.
What are some practical applications of Magnificent according to the author?
-Practical applications include enhancing low-quality images from movie sets for use in posters, and general professional use where image quality needs to be upgraded significantly.
Why does the author believe Magnificent is not suitable for everyday use?
-The author believes Magnificent is not suitable for everyday use due to its high cost and the need to carefully adjust settings to avoid undesirable changes in the images.
How does the author suggest Magnificent could be improved?
-The author suggests improvements such as the ability to save images in PNG or TIFF formats, including image descriptions or interrogations, and enabling batch processing to enhance usability.
What is the overall conclusion of the author regarding the best AI upscaler?
-The author concludes that Magnificent is a superior AI upscaler compared to Gigapixels and other tools, especially for professional use, despite some limitations and higher costs.
Outlines
๐ AI Upscaling Tools Overview
The author discusses using AI-based tools for image upscaling, specifically mentioning Gigapixel and Magnific. They express initial skepticism about new tools, especially given the high cost of Magnific compared to Gigapixel. The author plans to test these tools to determine their effectiveness and value for money.
๐ฐ Cost Comparison and Initial Impressions
A detailed cost comparison between Gigapixel ($99 one-time) and Magnific ($40 per month) is provided. The author describes how Magnific's online service does not require powerful hardware, unlike Gigapixel, which necessitates a robust GPU. Initial tests involve resizing and upscaling images to compare results.
๐ผ๏ธ Testing Image Upscaling
The author tests Gigapixel and Magnific on various images, including portraits and landscapes. They highlight the differences in quality, noting that Gigapixel adds sharpness and detail without altering the image much, while Magnific increases sharpness but sometimes changes the image significantly.
๐ง Interface and Features of Upscaling Tools
The author compares the interfaces of Gigapixel and Magnific, noting Gigapixel's simplicity and batch processing capabilities versus Magnific's detailed settings and higher cost per image. They discuss the impact of various settings on image quality, particularly how high creativity settings can drastically alter images.
๐ผ๏ธ Detailed Testing and Analysis
Further testing with different images and settings is conducted. The author notes significant improvements in image quality with the correct settings on Magnific, especially for landscapes. However, they point out that portraits can be problematic, with changes in facial features that alter the subject's expression.
๐ Experimenting with Settings
The author shares results from experimenting with different settings, finding that lower creativity settings produce more accurate upscales. They highlight improvements in image detail and clarity but also note occasional distortions, particularly in faces and backgrounds.
๐ฅ Portrait Upscaling Challenges
The author encounters challenges with upscaling portraits, particularly with maintaining facial expressions and avoiding distortions. They find that adjusting settings can mitigate some issues, but there are still inconsistencies, especially with high creativity settings.
๐ Upscaling Landscapes and Vector Graphics
Magnific performs well in upscaling landscapes and vector graphics, adding significant detail and clarity. The author emphasizes the importance of setting adjustments to achieve optimal results and discusses the limitations and potential issues with high creativity settings.
๐ Conclusion and Recommendations
The author concludes that Magnific is a superior upscaling tool compared to Gigapixel, particularly for professional use. They note its high cost and recommend it for professionals who can pass the cost to clients. They also suggest improvements for the tool, such as support for more image formats and batch processing.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กAI Upscaler
๐กGigapixels
๐กMagnificent
๐กImage Quality
๐กOnline Processing
๐กCPU Time
๐กCreativity Setting
๐กHDR
๐กPortrait Enhancement
๐กBatch Processing
Highlights
Introduction of the new AI upscaling tool called 'Magnific' which is supposed to be better than existing tools like Gigapixels.
Gigapixels costs about $99, while Magnific is a subscription-based service costing $40 per month, highlighting its expense.
Magnific is a standalone online service and does not require a powerful graphic card, unlike Gigapixels and Photoshop.
Testing methodology involves comparing original, reduced, and upscaled images across various settings such as portraits and landscapes.
Gigapixels performs well in maintaining image sharpness and details with minimal noise introduction.
Magnific significantly enhances image sharpness and details but occasionally takes creative liberties, altering some elements.
Detailed comparison of Magnific's and Gigapixels' performance on various images, including mid-journey upscales, portraits, and landscapes.
Magnific's interface and settings are explored, including its various modes like style transfer and optimization options for different types of images.
Magnific allows users to set creativity, HDR, resemblance, and other parameters to fine-tune the upscaling process.
Issues with Magnific include changing facial characteristics in portraits, which can impact the emotional expression of the subjects.
Experimentation reveals that proper settings significantly improve Magnific's performance, making it potentially superior to Gigapixels.
Magnific excels in restoring heavily degraded images, turning them into usable ones.
Magnific is found to be highly effective for batch processing and large-scale professional projects.
Critique of Magnific includes its inability to save images in formats other than JPEG and its high cost for regular use.
Conclusion states that Magnific is a superior tool for professional upscaling needs despite its high cost and some limitations.