Nik Color Efex Pro
More than just a set of filters, Nik Color Efex Pro allows you to apply photographic filter effects and enhancements to the whole image or selected parts of the image, using the vendor's U Point technology. With this unique interface, the software offers a whole new world of convenience because you no longer have to use cumbersome layer masks to isolate the parts of the image you wish to enhance. You simply click on the area to establish a control point and adjust the slider controls to refine your selection.
Once you have selected the part of the image to be enhanced (or perhaps the whole image on some occasions) you can invoke any of the filters provided. They range from Skylight Filter, Classical Soft Focus and Bleach Bypass, to the self-explanatory Darken/Lighten Center, High Key, Low Key, and Graduated Neutral Density. Film effects include Solarization, InfraRed and the distinctly spooky Midnight (shades of François Truffaut's "Day for Night"). Recently added effects include Polaroid Transfer, Film Grain, and Glamour Glow for dreamy, soft effects in wedding and portrait photography.
Nik Color Efex Pro comes in three editions: a Standard edition with 15 filters; a Select Edition with 35 filters and a core set of tools for what the vendor calls "absolute control over light, color, tonality, and detail" across a wide variety of photographic styles; and the all-singing-dancing Complete Edition with 52 filters, described by the vendor (a little solemnly) as "the most comprehensive set of filters for color correction, retouching and creative enhancements available today."
Comment
Professional photographers love this product both for its stunning effects and its speed of operation. The U Point interface is very effective and speeds the workflow significantly. The filters themselves allow you to stylize your images in dozens of different ways, most of them using analogies from the world of traditional film filters and processing. Although they need practice and good artistic judgment if you are to get the best out of them, the Nik filters give you superb control, unmatched convenience, and fully professional results.
Although they need practice and good artistic judgment if you are to get the best out of them, the Nik filters give you superb control, unmatched convenience, and fully professional results.
Tech info
- Plugs into: Adobe Photoshop 7-CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2-6, and compatible applications
- OS: Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, XP Professional, Vista and Win 7; Mac OS X 10.4 and later
- Price level: Standard edition approx. $100, Select edition approx. $160, Complete edition approx. $300
Nik Software
Famous for its U Point image area selection technology, Nik Software is headquartered in San Diego, California with branch offices in Germany. Established in 1995, it is a privately held company.
Note: Amazon offers a competitive deal on Nik Color Efex Pro.
From the same vendor:
- Dfine(noise reduction)
- Sharpener Pro
- Silver Efex Pro
- Viveza
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