Digital Manipulation Filter recommendations (Topaz, etc.)

[gregscott]

<p>I'm thinking about buying Topaz simplify. If I do, should I get a big bundle of their stuff? Or save my money for other filters. Which digital manipulators are most important to you? The only other filter I'm tempted by is one I've heard about which works like HDR, but instead stacks and blends images for sharp DOF.<br>

Here's a semi-realistic photo I manipulated with Topaz Simplify. I made a simplify manipulation, and then layered the original semi-transparently back on top of the manipulation. It looks realistic, but more vivid and less harsh than the original, as if under a much softer light.</p>

<p><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/14331665-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="466" /></p>

[panorama333]

<p>Greg: I have Topaz Simplify, Adjust and Remask. I bought them all separately over the past few years. I rarely use Simplify and Remask, but find that I use Adjust on a majority of my images. I own a number of other plug-ins, too, but have to say Adjust is the best investment I've ever made. As far as buying the entire Topaz suite, you would have to determine if it were worth it to you. From your comments, I'm guessing not.</p>

[tombest]

<p>Greg, I bought a Topaz suite a while back (actually it was a birthday gift from my wife) that included Adjust, Dejpeg, Simplify, Denoise and Clean. I could not live without DeNoise. It is arguably the best noise reduction software available. I use Adjust frequently but more when I first bought it. I use Simplify on occasion but when I go for radical results almost nothing else works as well. I never use Clean and rarely use Dejpeg. I have since bought and use Infocus and Lens Effects. Lens Effects is new so I am using it a lot but it is a loaded filter that has a very broad-based selection of useful effects. And I do almost all of my sharpening now in Infocus. They all have 30 day trial options so try them all and see which ones you are most likely to actually use. Topaz Adjust is pretty popular and any search for noise reduction will eventually mention DeNoise. As far as suites go, I personally would recommend you buy only those you will use. Most of them have a tremendous amount of sliders and options and you need some time to play with them before you decide to buy. And remember, you will use any new toy more when it's new.</p>

<p>I included a shot I took of a buddie's Lambo that I 'Simplified' and then printed as an 11 X 14 framed gift.</p>

<p>Tom </p><div></div>

[gregscott]

<p>Thanks so much for your informed opinion, Tom, and Jeff. I especially like the posting of the example. It was an example of Simplify I saw that made this a must have:<br>

<a href="

Below is an example of a horrible photo that I "salvaged" using simplify, and find the results marginally useful, and the simplify effects at least interesting, particularly in the greener leaves and in the water. The detail on the fish was almost invisible, and is almost decent here:</p>

<p><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/14343612-lg.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="1437" /></p>

<p> </p>

[tombest]

<p>Greg, the reference photo you linked is done with the BuzSim filter in Simplify. I use that effect and love what it can do to resurrect some photos. The filter holds up well to enlargements too. The shot below is one I took at the Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. I ended up having this printed as a 24 X36 photo and it still looks great. I fiddled with this shot for a while and once I started in with BuzSim I found the look I wanted. You are going to have fun with it... especially when you plan and shoot for it.</p>

<p>Tom </p><div></div>