Luminar Neo review

SKYLUM LUMINAR NEO

Luminar Neo is a powerful photo editing software from Skylum, designed to cater to both beginners and professionals. It builds on the foundation of its predecessor, Luminar AI, by offering a range of advanced features, enhanced AI tools, and a more refined user experience.

LUMINAR NEO USES AI – now WHAT’S ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AI has had a profound impact on the field of photo software, transforming how images are captured, edited, and manipulated. Here are some specific ways AI is integrated into photo software:

1. Image Enhancement and Restoration: AI algorithms can analyze and improve image quality by adjusting colors, exposure, and sharpness. They can also restore old or damaged photos, removing scratches and noise to reveal finer details.
2. Automatic Tagging and Organization: AI can automatically recognize objects, scenes, and people in images, enabling software to categorize and tag photos automatically. This makes it easier to search and organize large photo collections.
3. Content Removal and Manipulation: AI-powered tools allow users to seamlessly remove unwanted objects or elements from images. This is useful for retouching photos and creating visually appealing compositions.
4. Portrait Enhancement: AI can identify and enhance facial features, improve skin tone, and even change facial expressions in portraits. This technology is commonly used in photo-editing software to enhance the appearance of individuals in photos.
5. Style Transfer and Filters: AI algorithms can apply artistic styles to images, mimicking the techniques of famous artists. This results in unique visual effects and creative transformations.
6. Automated Editing: AI can suggest and apply editing adjustments to photos, such as cropping, color correction, and alignment, based on established photographic principles.
7. Upscaling and Super-Resolution: AI-powered algorithms can upscale low-resolution images, adding detail and improving overall quality. This is particularly useful when working with images that need to be enlarged for printing or display.
8. Face Detection and Recognition: AI can detect faces in images and even recognize specific individuals. This technology is used for tagging people in photos and for security purposes.
9. Background Blur (Bokeh) and Depth Effects: AI can simulate the shallow depth of field found in professional photography, creating a pleasing background blur around subjects in portrait photos.
10. Image Compression: AI-driven compression techniques can reduce the file size of images while maintaining image quality, making it easier to store and share photos online.
11. Image-to-Image Translation: AI can transform images from one style to another, such as turning a daytime scene into a nighttime one, or converting a photo into a painting.
12. Generating Synthetic Images: AI can create entirely new images based on given parameters or styles, making it useful for design and creative work.

The integration of AI into photo software has democratized photography and empowered both professionals and amateurs to achieve stunning results. It has also opened up new creative possibilities, allowing users to experiment with different styles and visual effects. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative and exciting developments in the field of photo software.

INTERFACE & WHATS NEW

So lets continue with our review of Skylum Luminar Neo. The new version boasts a complete new full intuitive interface layout. The left sidebar provides import of selected picture folders/location. From this point you can enter either the Edit section or make use of one of the additional extensions:

All is absolutely nicely placed on the interface,  and takes just a small learning curve getting used too the new layout. Double click an image and it will open in full ! Click the ‘Edit’ button on top to  start editing your selected image.

You may opt for a desired ‘preset’ or start editing by using all available tools of which many are Ai Tools.

Presets are shown at the right sidebar in the Editing section. Tools with AI functionality are shown in the ‘Edit’ section and located on the sidebar providing extensive functionality.

Neo is still in development and new extensions are added frequently providing new amazing tools.

What I Like about Luminar Neo

• no learning curve but gets you started quickly.
• Luminar Neo is really user-friendly.
• add finishing touches and enhancements to images with a few clicks
• use the new Ai techniques for professional results
• Ai powered tools

• Sky replacement transforms an ordinary photo in an eye-catcher
• Luminar Neo allows me to focus more on creativity and style than software technique and skills.
• It HELPS me create looks for images that I never would have considered or imagined, again enhancing creativity.
• The end result is that I am more inspired and happier with my finished images!

Explore selected tools that can bring your best ideas to life

Over one hundred classic and AI-based solutions for professional results: Check the selection..

• Face AI
• Body AI
• Portrait Bokeh
• Structure AI
• Supercontrast
• Enhance AI
• Sky AI
• Atmosphere AI
• Supercontrast
• Argumented Sky AI
• Skin AI
• Glow
• Composition AI
• Mystical

Using face recognition technology, the Face AI tool selectively targets a subject’s face, eyes, and mouth and makes them vivid, bright, and smooth in less than 5 minutes — instead of 40 minutes with classic retouching textures and brushes.

The filters-sliders are now much better to work with. Both the Dust Spot Removal and Powerlines Removal tools can be found under the “Erase” panel.

“STRUCTURE Ai”

Bring out details in all the right places. StructureAI recognizes people, water, skies and objects. it adds depth and clarity to a scene by pulling out critical detail just where required.

• Saves time and produces amazing results in architecture, cityscape, landscape and environmental portraits.
• Refines textures in the image to add depth or draw the viewer’s eye to the most important elements.

SKY AI in Action 
This truly is one of my favorite AI tools to use. It can create amazing looks of a rather dull picture. In the example below, the shot was taken on top of a mountain in rainy weather. No vivid colors and a plain sky. Luminar Neo has an inbuilt set of ‘skies’ for use and you can import your own in a click. Just check out the difference below….

BOKEH EFFECT AI in action

Bokeh is a word with Japanese origins, defined as “the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light.” The word comes from the Japanese word boke (暈け or ボケ), which means “haze” or “blur.” (The “h” was introduced to help English speakers pronounce the word correctly [BO – KEH].) just to show you its origin.

This tool can transfer an ordinairy image in a nicely focussed picture. In the example below I only show the depth focus change, and I partly focussed the statue. You can select the actual area’s you wish to focus or defocus on. It’s maybe not the best example but it does show the tools capabilities. The intensity of focus/defocus can be adjusted with the sliders. It works all fine for me.

EXPORT FUNCTIONS

Luminar Neo’s export functions offer, download to disc, send by mail or use Messages. There is also a ‘Connect’ option which is explained below.

CONNECT

Luminar Neo, now has a new addition for adding or sending an image to or from your iPhone. In order to use this function you need to download IOS app from the AppStore. When prompted on your screen to scan the barcode, just use the IOS app. and you can connect to your Mac to send or import images.

What are Luminar Neo Extensions?

Extensions are additional pro functions that you can choose to add to Luminar Neo. Again, this is where it gets a little confusing – you can either buy the entire set of seven extensions or get an annual subscription for Luminar Neo Pro which includes them all.

PROS :

1. AI-Powered Tools:

One of Luminar Neo’s standout features is its suite of AI-powered tools. The “AI Accent” and “AI Structure” functions help adjust the tone and detail of images automatically, making photo enhancement effortless. It also features impressive sky replacement and portrait enhancement tools, which work with minimal user input for stunning results.

2. User Interface:

Luminar Neo offers a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, even for those new to photo editing. Its workflow is streamlined, and key tools are easily accessible, which helps keep the editing process efficient.

3. Non-Destructive Editing:

Like many professional-level programs, Luminar Neo allows non-destructive editing. This means you can make changes without permanently altering the original image, providing peace of mind if you need to revert to the original version.

4. Powerful Layer System:

Luminar Neo introduces an advanced layer system, which is a step up from its predecessors. Users can blend multiple images and make advanced adjustments, adding a level of control typically found in more complex editing software like Photoshop.

5. Local Adjustments:

The software includes robust local adjustment tools, allowing you to edit specific areas of your image. This is especially useful for fine-tuning details like lighting or color balance in select regions without affecting the entire photo.

6. Performance Improvements:

With optimized performance, Luminar Neo runs smoothly even on mid-range systems. The software is faster than previous versions, especially in tasks like AI-driven adjustments and exports.

CONS :

1. Limited Editing in RAW:

While Luminar Neo supports RAW files, it sometimes struggles with very large RAW images or files from newer camera models. While not a deal-breaker, it can be frustrating for photographers working with high-resolution files.

2. Learning Curve for Advanced Features:

While the basic tools are beginner-friendly, the more advanced features (like the layer system and local adjustments) may take some time to fully master. Users unfamiliar with more complex photo editing software might feel a bit overwhelmed.

3. Lack of Batch Editing:

One of the major drawbacks of Luminar Neo is the absence of batch processing for editing multiple images at once. This feature is available in some competitor software, and its absence here can be a time-saver issue for professional photographers dealing with large numbers of images.

4. Occasional Stability Issues:

Despite improvements, some users report occasional crashes or bugs, especially when handling complex edits or larger files. While this isn’t widespread, it may cause interruptions during the editing process.

5. No Support for Some Plug-ins:

While Luminar Neo supports a range of third-party plugins, it doesn’t have the same extensive plugin compatibility as programs like Photoshop. This may limit the options for those accustomed to using specialized filters or tools from external sources.

The pro extensions that have already been released are:

• HDR Merge
• Noiseless AI
• Focus Stacking AI
• Upscale AI
• Sharpen AI
• Magic Light AI
• Background AI (background removal)
• Panorama Stitching

Noiseless AI is an extra punch for noise reduction. I’ve tested it against Topaz Denoise and it performs very well – they are very comparable.

Background AI (to remove the background on any subject, not just portraits) and Upscale AI (for increasing the resolution of small or cropped images).

Focus Stacking AI allows you to combine multiple images to extend the depth of field and focus in your images. It’s most applicable to macro and landscape photography. I have tested this one and it works really well also.

SuperSharp AI (sharpening extension) is designed to go head-to-head with Topaz but at this point, it’s just not there yet. Topaz still has the edge on the sharpening feature.

Magic Light AI adds an effect to light sources where you can make them into a twinkly starburst or more of a glow.

Panorama Stitching allows you to stitch together multiple images into a panorama as well as the stunning ability to make a panorama photo from a video! It even allows for working with bracketed images in your pano shots that are both combined into HDR first, and then into a panoramic photos in one fell swoop. See a complete demonstration of the new Luminar Neo Panorama Stitching extension here.

and use our $10 discount code if you’re interested ✑LINK for DISCOUNT

VERDICT

Luminar Neo offers an impressive suite of AI-driven tools that can significantly speed up and enhance your photo editing process. Its intuitive interface, non-destructive workflow, and powerful editing capabilities make it a solid choice for both hobbyists and professionals. However, the software could benefit from better support for batch processing, RAW handling, and third-party plugins. For anyone looking for a user-friendly yet robust photo editor, Luminar Neo is a strong contender, though it may not fully replace more established software for advanced workflows.