sanyasi Posted January 8, 2010 Share #1 Posted January 8, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am looking at various Nik Software programs--my interest started with the black and white program, but the pricing makes buying a the bundled package the logical choice. My question:--they sell one bundle for $299 which is the plug-in for Lightroom or Aperture. The other plug-in also includes a plug-in for Photoshop and sells for $599.. Does anyone know the overall difference in functionality? I don't like working in Photoshop. Overall, what am I giving up? There web site is less than clear on this. thanks Jack Siegel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 8, 2010 Posted January 8, 2010 Hi sanyasi, Take a look here Nik Software. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
skimmel Posted January 8, 2010 Share #2 Posted January 8, 2010 I have both: The programs are identical. With the plug-in, you just do "Edit in ...." from Lightroom and it opens the Nik software. When you close Nik (at least the way I have it set up), it puts a TIFF copy in Lightroom. If you don't work in Photoshop and don't want to work with layers, then you probably don't need the photoshop version. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted January 8, 2010 Share #3 Posted January 8, 2010 Agree, if you do not use Photoshop anyway you save $300; simple as that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wieni Posted January 8, 2010 Share #4 Posted January 8, 2010 You can join one of their webinars (Nik Software, Inc.). During the webinar they demonstrate the functionality of their products in Lightroom/Aperture and Photoshop. I am working with the Complete Collection for Aperture which is sufficient for me as I don't own Photoshop. As far as I can recall the main difference is that you can work in layers and use one of the Photoshop tools with the Nik products, which is not possible if you only work with the Lightroom/Aperture version. A general draw back is that they don't offer a cheaper upgrade for Lightroom/Aperture. When I upgraded to Viveza 2, which is excellent, I had to pay the full upgrade price for the Photoshop/Lightroom/Aperture version. In the end this means from my point of view that you can start with the cheaper version and end later up with the Photoshop version. At least you will have saved 300 bucks. Regards wieni Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWW Posted January 8, 2010 Share #5 Posted January 8, 2010 I just bought the package for Lightroom using a coupon code. If it's still valid, the discount bundle price is $199. Do a google and you'll find it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanyasi Posted January 8, 2010 Author Share #6 Posted January 8, 2010 I just bought the package for Lightroom using a coupon code. If it's still valid, the discount bundle price is $199. Do a google and you'll find it. Thanks for the tip. I just bought the entire Lightroom Nik package for $199. Now, can you provide me with coupon discount code that gives me the M9 at the same discounted rate? Jack Siegel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Sfeir Posted January 8, 2010 Share #7 Posted January 8, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Both offer the same functionality, however, with Photoshop, one can use different adjustments in different layers and mix. Creates a lot of possibilities. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted January 8, 2010 Share #8 Posted January 8, 2010 I bot the book, mentioned here, called "Advanced B/W Printing" or something like that and spent a lot of time learning PS adjustments to tune a b/w print. It's a great book. Efex does the same stuff automatically, almost every time. I have one print, modified in PS that cannot be bettered by Efex, but I like the simplicity of using Efex. I'm working my way thru the CD-book of instructions, "The Phortog's Guide to Silver Efex Pro." I really like this sw. I am using the PS add-on and would really appreciate having an add-on for C1 to shorten the number of steps involved. I have this silly prejudice that says the machine should be subsidiary to me and not the other way around. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel Holland Posted January 9, 2010 Share #9 Posted January 9, 2010 Overall, what am I giving up? Probably the most critically important part of the plugins - smart object Lightroom currently has no support for smart filters. This means that any plugin that Lightroom passes off to is inherently destructive and a one way, non-editable process. Now instead of moving directly from Lightroom into the Nik Plugin, if you instead pass the file from Lightroom into Photoshop as a Smart Object the Nik Plugin acts in a completely different manner. It acts as an editable smart filter. This means that any change you make now, can be adjusted later without having to go back and repeat every single step. It sound like a cumbersome method and initially it is. I would prefer that Lightroom could pass the image directly to the plugin as a smart object instead of having to go via Photoshop - but currently that isn't available (please Adobe - add this to LR3). However once you've tried this method you can tweak every image to your hearts content and not have to repeat any steps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James R Posted January 10, 2010 Share #10 Posted January 10, 2010 Nik's Silver Efex and Viveza are the two I use most often--great products worth the price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp13 Posted January 10, 2010 Share #11 Posted January 10, 2010 i bought the "official nik software image enhancement guide" by joshua bradley for quite a bit less than the $40 list price. using practical examples, it covers the use of dfine 2.0, viveza, sharpener pro 2.0, color efex pro 3.0 and silver efex pro. it doesn't go textbook deep, but i find it very useful as a "how-to" or idea book for the various nik applications. it includes a cd-rom with trial versions as well. have fun rick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanyasi Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share #12 Posted January 10, 2010 Probably the most critically important part of the plugins - smart object (please Adobe - add this to LR3). I share your frustration. Photoshop is too complicated--and I am pretty good with software since I once designed software. Adobe should make LR a freestanding program for photographers and stop "forcing" people into what is really a program for graphic designers and graphic artists. LR is relatively inexpensive, and I would gladly pay Adobe $100 more for the increased functionality that would eliminate the need to go to Photoshop for basic photo editing of the type that Nik, AlienCandy, and other photo software permits. Best Jack Siegel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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