Luminar Neo UPDATE 1.10 - Improvements but is Upscale AI Better?

Anthony Turnham
2 Jun 202313:45

TLDRIn this video review, the presenter discusses the latest update for Luminar Neo, version 1.10. They express excitement about the potential to improve old, low-resolution photos using the software's upscale AI feature. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to update Luminar Neo and highlights new features such as a user interface improvement for collapsing extension modules, easier access to creative assets through the extras tab, and additional tool information for users. The presenter also notes improvements in mask AI and sky AI. However, the main focus is on the upscale AI's performance, comparing results from version 1.09 with the updated 1.10. While acknowledging that the new version shows noticeable improvements, the presenter also points out issues with the face enhancer feature, which can distort faces. They conclude by suggesting that for users with a large collection of low-resolution photos, there are other software options that might yield better results and tease a future video detailing those alternatives.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“· **Luminar Neo Update 1.10**: A new update has been released for Luminar Neo, bringing improvements to the software.
  • πŸ” **Upscale AI Enhancement**: The update includes a revamped algorithm for the Upscale AI extension, which aims to improve the quality of low-resolution images.
  • πŸ“± **User Interface Improvements**: The UI has been updated with the ability to collapse extension modules for better navigation as more extensions are added.
  • 🎨 **Creative Assets Access**: Users can now easily add creative assets through the 'Extras' tab, which provides access to presets, new skies, LUTs, and overlays.
  • πŸ“š **Tool Information**: An info icon has been added to tools for quick access to information about the tool and its usage.
  • πŸ“Έ **Camera Support**: The update adds support for new Sony cameras, the ZV-E1 and the FX30.
  • βœ… **Masking and Sky AI Enhancements**: Improvements have been made to the speed and accuracy of the Mask AI, as well as enhancements to the Sky AI.
  • πŸ” **Upscale AI Testing**: The video includes a comparison of the Upscale AI's performance between version 1.09 and 1.10, showing noticeable improvements in image quality.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ **Face Enhancer Caution**: The Face Enhancer feature within the Upscale AI needs improvement, as it can alter faces in undesirable ways.
  • πŸš€ **Competitive Upscaling**: The video provides a teaser of what is possible with rival software for upscaling, suggesting that while Luminar Neo has improved, there's still progress to be made.
  • πŸ“ˆ **Overall Positive Update**: Despite some areas needing further refinement, the update to Luminar Neo is seen as a positive step forward in terms of speed, stability, and user experience.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the Luminar Neo update 1.10?

    -The main focus of the Luminar Neo update 1.10 is the revamp of the upscale AI algorithm, which aims to improve the quality of low-resolution images.

  • What is the user interface improvement introduced in Luminar Neo 1.10?

    -The user interface improvement in Luminar Neo 1.10 includes the ability to collapse and expand extension modules, making it easier to navigate through different extensions without scrolling.

  • How can users update to the latest version of Luminar Neo?

    -Users can update to the latest version of Luminar Neo by going to the Luminar Neo menu, selecting 'Help', and then checking for updates. Once the update is downloaded, they can click 'Install Updates' and accept the terms to complete the process.

  • What new features are available in the 'Extras' tab of Luminar Neo?

    -The 'Extras' tab in Luminar Neo provides easy access to add creative assets, including new extensions, presets, new Skies, LUTs (Look Up Tables), and overlays. It also provides access to the X membership for Luminar.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Info Icon' in the editing section of Luminar Neo?

    -The 'Info Icon' in the editing section of Luminar Neo provides users with more information about a particular tool, including its purpose and how to use it effectively.

  • Which new Sony cameras are supported in Luminar Neo 1.10?

    -Luminar Neo 1.10 adds support for the Sony zve E1 and the Sony fx30 cameras.

  • What improvements have been made to the Mask AI and Sky AI tools in Luminar Neo 1.10?

    -The Mask AI tool has seen improvements in both speed and accuracy of the masking process. The Sky AI tool has also been enhanced, though specific details of the improvements are not provided in the transcript.

  • How does the upscale AI in Luminar Neo 1.10 handle face enhancement?

    -The upscale AI in Luminar Neo 1.10 has a face enhancer option, but it can sometimes result in unnatural changes to the face, such as altering the hair and facial geometry, which may not be desirable.

  • What is the general improvement observed in the upscale AI after the update to version 1.10?

    -The upscale AI in Luminar Neo 1.10 shows a general improvement in image quality over the previous version, with better handling of JPEG compression and pixelation, although it can still result in a softer image.

  • What advice does the speaker give for users with a large catalog of low-resolution photos?

    -The speaker recommends checking out a different software for upscaling low-resolution photos, which they will link in the description, as it offers better results than Luminar Neo's upscale AI, despite its improvements.

  • Will there be a follow-up video discussing the rival software for better upscaling results?

    -Yes, the speaker mentions that they will be doing a follow-up video that will provide more details on how to create improved upscale images using the rival software.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“Έ Luminar Neo Update 1.10 Overview

The video introduces an update for the Luminar Neo software, version 1.10, which the presenter is excited about due to its potential to improve old photos. The presenter reminisces about their Nikon D70, a 6-megapixel DSLR camera, and how the images it produced don't compare to today's standards. They discuss the Luminar Neo's upscale AI extension, which aims to enhance low-resolution files. Despite previous dissatisfaction with the results, the presenter is hopeful about the revamped algorithm in the new update. The video also covers how to update to the latest version of Luminar Neo, user interface improvements, the addition of an 'extras' tab for creative assets, and enhancements to the masking and sky AI tools. The presenter appreciates the continuous efforts of the developers at Skylum, based in Ukraine, to improve the user experience.

05:01

πŸ” Upscale AI Improvements and Comparison

The presenter compares the performance of Luminar Neo's upscale AI in version 1.09 and 1.10 using old photos. They note that the previous version did little to improve the quality of low-resolution images, merely stretching existing pixels. However, the 1.10 version shows a marked improvement in quality, particularly in handling JPEG compression artifacts. The presenter also cautions against using the 'face enhancer' feature, as it can lead to unnatural results, such as altering facial features and hair. They tease the possibility of better upscaled results using a different, unspecified software and promise a future video detailing how to achieve those results.

10:02

🐾 Animal and Portrait Upscaling Test

The presenter evaluates the updated upscale AI's performance on a photo of an animal and a portrait of his wife from over 20 years ago. They note that while the new version of Luminar Neo's upscale AI shows improvement over the previous version, it still results in a softer image. The presenter also reiterates the issues with the face enhancer feature, which significantly alters the appearance of the subject in an undesirable way. Despite these shortcomings, they acknowledge the improvements made by the Skylum team and suggest an alternative software for better upscaling results, which they plan to discuss in more detail in a follow-up video.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is a photo editing software that focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) driven enhancements. In the video, the host discusses an update to this software, specifically version 1.10, which includes improvements to the user interface and the upscale AI feature. This keyword is central to the video's theme as the entire discussion revolves around the new features and improvements in the latest version of Luminar Neo.

πŸ’‘Upscale AI

Upscale AI refers to the technology within Luminar Neo that is designed to increase the size of low-resolution images and improve their quality. The host expresses excitement over the revamped algorithm in version 1.10, which is aimed at better upscaling results. This is a key concept in the video as the host evaluates whether the new version significantly improves upon the previous one in terms of upscaling capabilities.

πŸ’‘User Interface Improvement

A user interface improvement refers to enhancements made to the design and functionality of how software interacts with users. In the context of the video, the host mentions that the new version of Luminar Neo allows users to collapse extension modules for a cleaner and more efficient workspace. This feature is part of the overall improvements made to the software to enhance user experience.

πŸ’‘Creative Assets

Creative assets are additional content such as presets, new skies, look-up tables, and overlays that users can add to their photo editing projects to expand their creative possibilities. The video script mentions that Luminar Neo now provides easier access to these assets through an 'Extras' tab, which is a new feature in the updated version.

πŸ’‘Masking in Mask AI

Masking in Mask AI is a feature within photo editing software that allows users to isolate specific parts of an image for targeted editing. The host notes that the update to Luminar Neo has improved the speed and accuracy of this feature. This is significant as it shows the software's commitment to refining its tools for more precise and efficient editing.

πŸ’‘Sky AI

Sky AI is a tool within Luminar Neo that assists users in editing the sky portion of their photos. The host mentions enhancements to this tool, which implies that it now performs better at recognizing and improving the sky in images. This is an example of how Luminar Neo is evolving to offer more sophisticated and automated editing options.

πŸ’‘JPEG Compression

JPEG compression is a method of reducing the size of image files by selectively removing some of the image data. However, this can result in a loss of quality, as seen in the host's old photos. The video discusses how Luminar Neo's Upscale AI aims to improve the quality of such compressed images, which is a common issue for photographers dealing with older or low-resolution photos.

πŸ’‘Face Enhancer AI

Face Enhancer AI is a feature within Luminar Neo that is intended to improve the clarity and detail of faces in photos. The host tests this feature and finds that while it can enhance faces, it sometimes does so in unnatural ways, altering the geometry of the face and hair. This is a point of critique in the video, highlighting the need for further refinement in this particular aspect of the software.

πŸ’‘Sony Cameras

The mention of Sony cameras, specifically the zve E1 and the Sony fx30, indicates that Luminar Neo has added support for these new models. This is important for users of these cameras who wish to use Luminar Neo for their photo editing needs. The addition of support for new camera models shows the software's commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology.

πŸ’‘X Membership

X Membership refers to a subscription service offered by Skylum, the creators of Luminar Neo. The host mentions that the update provides easier access to this membership, which likely includes additional features, tools, and creative assets for subscribers. This is a way for users to get more out of the software and is part of the broader ecosystem of services offered by Skylum.

πŸ’‘AI Upscaling

AI Upscaling is the process of using artificial intelligence to increase the resolution of an image while maintaining or improving its quality. The host compares the results of Luminar Neo's Upscale AI with other software, noting that while improvements have been made, there is still room for advancement. AI Upscaling is central to the video's narrative as it is the main feature being evaluated.

Highlights

Luminar Neo has released an update to version 1.10, featuring improvements and new features.

The update includes a revamped algorithm for the Upscale AI extension, aiming to enhance low-resolution images.

A user interface improvement allows for collapsing extension modules for easier navigation.

The Extras tab provides easy access to add creative assets and extensions.

An info icon has been added for more details on each tool within the editing section.

Support for new Sony cameras, the ZV-E1 and FX30, has been added.

Improvements to Mask AI and Sky AI have been made, enhancing speed and accuracy.

The upscale AI's performance is put to the test with old photos to see the improvements.

A four times scale increase is demonstrated on a very small file to show the upscaling capabilities.

The updated upscale AI shows significant improvements over the previous version.

The Face Enhancer feature is shown to have mixed results and requires further refinement.

A teaser is given for a future video discussing a rival software's superior upscaling capabilities.

The update has made strides in the right direction, though there is still room for improvement.

The reviewer appreciates the developers' efforts and the improvements made in the update.

A recommendation is made to check out alternative software for upscaling low-res photos.

A future video will provide more details on how to achieve better upscaled images using different software.