Today Skylum announced Luminar 4.3 with new functions and support for the latest cameras (you can get $10 Luminar off with coupon code PHOTORUMORS):
- Photo search
- 500px integration
- Stability and performance improvements
- Faster Looks experience
- Improvements to cropping
- AI Augmented Sky improvements
- Custom skies and sky objects
- New masking brush workflow
- Improvements to localization
- New camera support added for Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (uncompressed only), Fuji X100V, Fuji X-T200, Fuji X-T4, Leica SL2, Nikon Coolpix P950, Nikon D780, Nikon Z50, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Olympus E-PL10, Panasonic DC-S1H, and the Sony A9 Mark II.
To conclude, we would suggest Luminar 4 for beginners and Lightroom 2020 for professionals or those who want more control and depth. Luminar 4 Takes AI Technology to the Next Level. We still feel that Lightroom 2020 is the best photo editing program available, though Luminar 4 is a top contender too. Luminar 4 costs $80, which is pretty affordable for RAW photo-editing software. For that price, you get Luminar 4 as both a plugin and standalone program as well as a license for two computers. For the Fourth of July 2020 holiday, Skylum is running a deal on the price of Luminar 4. Instead of paying $80 for the software, you can now get it for $64.
Here's how to update to Luminar 4.3 and additional information on the new version:
- On macOS, go to the top menu bar and choose Luminar 4 > Check for updates.
- On Windows, go to the top menu bar and choose Help > Check for updates.
Luminar brings search, user experience improvements, 500px integration in the latest update
Luminar 4.3 adds a new crop interface, faster Looks experience, photo search, sharing through 500px, and performance improvements.
NEW YORK, NY – July 14, 2020 — Today, Skylum released the latest update for Luminar, version 4.3, focusing on enhancing the overall experience for creatives through several refinements and performance improvements.
'With its vast AI-centric features, Luminar 4 has become a state-of-the-art program for photographers and other creatives,' said Dima Sytnik, Co-Founder and CTO of Skylum. 'With Luminar 4.3, we continue to optimize the user experience and focus on performance. We know that, with this update, post-processing workflows will become faster and will help photographers be able to get started quicker and easier than ever before.'
Available as a free update for all current Luminar 4 users, the latest update adds the ability to search photos, a user experience improvement to Looks, 500px integration, a new crop interface, and several performance improvements. It also brings a new space shuttle object, along with several improvements, for the AI Augmented Sky tool.
Luminar 3 users will also see the search function added in the program's next update.
Photo search
With the new Search tool, photographers can find images in their library with ease. Search lets photographers find photos by name, folder, date, or extension, allowing for quick management of photos.
500px integration
Photographers can now share their photos with other creatives across the world on the 500px photo sharing platform.
Stability and performance improvements
Skylum continues its work on boosting performance in Luminar. With the 4.3 update, RAW files now open faster than ever before in Luminar, meaning photographers can start working on their images more quickly.
With the 4.3 update, Luminar tools also use less of the computer's memory, resulting in quicker and more responsive sliders. What results is a smoother and snappier experience for creatives.
Those using older or less powerful computers should also see speed boosts to help them enhance their editing and management workflows.
Faster Looks experience
While Looks are a powerful part of the Luminar system, they can certainly add up as photographers bring in more packs and create their own Looks. Looks create a lot of data — everything from textures to AI content-aware tools which adapt to each image. Coupled with the amount of data within RAW files, there can be a slight delay in going through each Look.
Luminar 4.3 solves this issue, allowing photographers the ability to preview looks in an instant, just by hovering over them. Detectx 2 86 download free. In our demos and testing with photographers, the ability to preview Looks allowed photographers to browse them easier and make the decision on whether to go with the selected look much quicker.
Improvements to cropping
Crop & Rotate have seen a big update with Luminar 4.3, being moved to the right panel underneath Lens & Geometry. Photographers can open the tool and crop with ease and quicker than ever before. Windows users should also see a significant performance boost, letting photographers seamlessly crop their images.
AI Augmented Sky improvements
The AI Augmented Sky feature has taken creativity to new heights, enabling photographers to create composites that they never thought were possible. In Luminar 4.3, a new space shuttle object has been added to select from.
The AI Augmented Sky experience has also received several improvements. Photographers can easily flip objects and quickly position them, making it easy to perfect your piece of art! A marketplace section on the Luminar website has also been added, featuring objects for use with AI Augmented Sky.
Custom skies and sky objects
In the AI Sky Replacement and AI Augmented Sky tools, photographers can now comfortably access a custom folder of locally stored skies and sky objects. It's also now easy to copy and paste multiple skies in the sky folder in just a few clicks, for convenient editing.
Camera support
Luminar 4.3 brings new camera support to recently released cameras. Now Luminar supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (uncompressed only), FUJIFILM X100V, FUJIFILM X-T200, FUJIFILM X-T4, Leica SL2, Nikon Coolpix P950, Nikon D780, Nikon Z50, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Olympus E-PL10, Panasonic DC-S1H, and the Sony A9 Mark II.
New masking brush workflow
The masking tool is now extremely easy to use, as masked areas are visible mid-process thanks to a transparent red mask. Enjoy viewing the instant effect of the tool for pleasant and fast editing.
Improvements to localization
Luminar 4.3 includes improvements to translations for all supported languages, and understands German, Japanese, Korean, Italian, French, and Spanish better than ever!
How to update
Luminar 4.3 is a free update to current Luminar 4 users. On a Mac, click in the Top Menu Bar and choose Luminar 4 > Check for updates. If you purchased via the Mac App Store, simply open the App Store and go to the Updates tab. On Windows, in the Top Menu Bar choose Help > Check for updates.
If you are running Luminar as a plugin with Photoshop, Lightroom Classic or Photoshop Elements, it's also recommended you rerun the plugin installer.
An expanded user manual is also now available, making it easier than ever for users to search and find answers to questions they might have about the software.
Related posts:
Gone are the days when photographers depended on the traditional roll film to take snaps. Nowadays they depend on digital SLR cameras that offer them higher resolution, color correction, contrast, and many more options.
However, irrespective of the quality of the camera or the experience of the photographer, mistakes in light, focusing, and other aspects do occur.
The viewer does not get to see these errors, as the photographer removes all traces of errors and even adjusts the framing of the photograph by cropping out unwanted portions as well as removing objects from the photograph with the help of dedicated software.
Today we shall be pitting two of the best photo editors in this Luminar vs Lightroom review, and find out which one of them provides the best output, is easy to master, and can cope with all types of photographic errors.
Quickly Navigate to:
We shall also check the different types of photo formats they can import and export. This is extremely important as modern generation digital cameras capture images in RAW format.
Furthermore, we shall check the time each software takes to process photographs and how much they demand in terms of processor power and RAM.
We shall also check the different operating systems supported by the two programs in this Skylum Luminar vs Lightroom 2020 comparison.
Luminar Lightroom Comparison
Luminar
If you are looking for one of the best standalone photo editing software, look no further than Luminar. It boasts of all the bells and whistles you need to edit an image from the start to the finish.
The previous version of this program lacked a DAM (digital assist manager), or a digital image library, which allows users to organize their photographs in a manner like Adobe Lightroom.
Skylum has addressed this problem and has incorporated a DAM with the latest version of their program, which organizes photographs better than Lightroom.
The User Interface
The user interface looks akin to Lightroom. This software has sliders in its right-hand column that allow you to make adjustments to the photograph you are editing.
Layer Masking, Filters, and LUT MappingIt is ahead of the offering by Adobe in the respect that it also offers layers akin to Photoshop along with layer masking, which includes luminosity masks, numerous filters, blend modes, as well as advanced options like LUT (Look Up Table) mapping.
This is, in essence, a digital file that transforms the tone and color of your image. It can, essentially, convert details and colors in the source file to the new destination file.
This option, in conjunction with the proprietary artificial intelligence filters of Luminar, permits you to fix common problems while optimizing tone, detail, and color.
Luminar Photo Editor vs Lightroom Comparison Continued
Make slight changes in the image you are processing by moving a single slider. If you want to get more (such as multiple masks and layers), you can do them effortlessly with Luminar.
You need not worry if you need a filter not included with the program, as you can use numerous third-party plugins too. Some of the popular filters included with the software include 'top and bottom lighting,' 'sunrays,' and the 'AI Sky Enhancer.'
Batch Process Editing AbilityThese are in addition to the standard editing tools such as 'black and white,' 'shadows and highlights,' 'curves,' 'raw develop,' and many more.
These tools and filters allow you endless opportunities for artistic and creative editing and have straight-up batch processing editing work (select several images and apply the same effects to them).
Skylum Luminar vs Lightroom 2020
The developers have made a provision for you to use this software as a plug-in. In case you do need to use the program as a plug-in, you will have to download a different program, Luminar Flex, which is available free of charge for those who already have Luminar 4.0 or Luminar 2018.
Luminar Can Also Be Used As A Plugin
Can Handle All File Types and RAW ImagesI always check for the types of files a photo editing software can handle, and Luminar did not disappoint me in this respect. You can process all types of image files with Luminar and there is also an advanced raw development module that contains extensive transformations and lens adjustment options.
Similar Interface and Easy to UseThose who are fully conversant with Lightroom will find the interface of Luminar quite intuitive and familiar. Apart from this, the software does not have a steep learning curve. Even first-time editors can pick up the ropes of this program in a few days.
The process is extremely simple. Open a picture, select your filters and/or workspace, and start adjusting the image with the help of sliders.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this program is infinitely adjustable. Once you locate a filter set or workspace that works for you, you have the ability to save it as a preset to use with other images.
Although Luminar was powerful in its previous avatar, the latest version contains enthralling new updates such as:
The First AI Sky Replacement Filter
Sky Replaced
And more:
• A library for editing, viewing and organizing multiple images
• The capability to synchronize adjustments between multiple images
• Multiple viewing options (filmstrip image view, gallery view, and single view)
• A brand new Accent artificial intelligence filter
• Unlike Lightroom, folders in Luminar stay in synchronization with what is on the hard disk drive
• Lost edits album… no more frustration over unsaved changes
• Organizing photographs automatically with 'smart' shortcuts
• View the pictures you took on a particular day and month in previous years through the 'on this day' feature
You can place images center and front with the help of the 'library.' The minimalist and sleek interface boasts of a single sidebar as well as a narrow strip for navigation. This helps maximize viewing space.
The main action takes place on the right-hand sidebar that permits you to toggle between the editing filters, library, and the photograph's information. You can select an empty workspace or create a new one for editing purposes.
Keeps Your Original Files (Does Not Alter Them)Luminar also boasts of the non-destructive feature of Lightroom. The original files are not altered. The software stores all of your changes and edits in a separate state file in the catalog.
RAW Images Processing Comparison
I also checked the Luminar RAW vs Lightroom RAW images handling capability, when I sat down to compare Luminar and Lightroom, and can safely say that Luminar excelled in this department. It can, conveniently, organize file pairs.
Price and OS Supported
Luminar is available both for the Windows and MAC operating systems. Priced competitively at $70, you can avail of a special discount available right now. The vendor offers 60 days money-back warranty.
If you are not satisfied with the software, which I strongly doubt, uninstall it from your computer and request and receive a full refund.
Their website allows you to see how some of the slider filters work. Unfortunately, you cannot change the presets over there without purchasing the software. Also, the vendor does not offer a trial version. Therefore, I had to go for the 60 days money back option.
Lightroom
Let us proceed to check Adobe Lightroom in our Skylum Luminar 4 vs Lightroom 6 review.
Luminar Compared to Lightroom Classic
Although I no longer use Lightroom, I decided to download the trial version of Lightroom for my Luminar 2020 vs Lightroom Classic CC review purpose.
Adobe is famous for the quality of its products as well as the wide range of programs they offer. The vendor also offers Lightroom CC.
The difference between Lightroom Classis and CC is that the former is best suited for desktop purposes while the latter, a cloud-based service, is meant more for smartphones.
Also Runs on Android and iOSAs far as operating systems are concerned, my vote goes to Lightroom as it runs on Windows, MAC, Android, and iOS while Luminar runs on Windows and MAC.
A Look at Lightroom Classic (Desktop-based)
This photo editing program is now available in two distinct flavors: classic and CC. I shall be reviewing the former, which is a desktop-based version today, as it is the powerhouse, and it would be unfair to compare a smartphone version (CC) with a desktop version (Luminar).
Custom skies and sky objects
In the AI Sky Replacement and AI Augmented Sky tools, photographers can now comfortably access a custom folder of locally stored skies and sky objects. It's also now easy to copy and paste multiple skies in the sky folder in just a few clicks, for convenient editing.
Camera support
Luminar 4.3 brings new camera support to recently released cameras. Now Luminar supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (uncompressed only), FUJIFILM X100V, FUJIFILM X-T200, FUJIFILM X-T4, Leica SL2, Nikon Coolpix P950, Nikon D780, Nikon Z50, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Olympus E-PL10, Panasonic DC-S1H, and the Sony A9 Mark II.
New masking brush workflow
The masking tool is now extremely easy to use, as masked areas are visible mid-process thanks to a transparent red mask. Enjoy viewing the instant effect of the tool for pleasant and fast editing.
Improvements to localization
Luminar 4.3 includes improvements to translations for all supported languages, and understands German, Japanese, Korean, Italian, French, and Spanish better than ever!
How to update
Luminar 4.3 is a free update to current Luminar 4 users. On a Mac, click in the Top Menu Bar and choose Luminar 4 > Check for updates. If you purchased via the Mac App Store, simply open the App Store and go to the Updates tab. On Windows, in the Top Menu Bar choose Help > Check for updates.
If you are running Luminar as a plugin with Photoshop, Lightroom Classic or Photoshop Elements, it's also recommended you rerun the plugin installer.
An expanded user manual is also now available, making it easier than ever for users to search and find answers to questions they might have about the software.
Related posts:
Gone are the days when photographers depended on the traditional roll film to take snaps. Nowadays they depend on digital SLR cameras that offer them higher resolution, color correction, contrast, and many more options.
However, irrespective of the quality of the camera or the experience of the photographer, mistakes in light, focusing, and other aspects do occur.
The viewer does not get to see these errors, as the photographer removes all traces of errors and even adjusts the framing of the photograph by cropping out unwanted portions as well as removing objects from the photograph with the help of dedicated software.
Today we shall be pitting two of the best photo editors in this Luminar vs Lightroom review, and find out which one of them provides the best output, is easy to master, and can cope with all types of photographic errors.
Quickly Navigate to:
We shall also check the different types of photo formats they can import and export. This is extremely important as modern generation digital cameras capture images in RAW format.
Furthermore, we shall check the time each software takes to process photographs and how much they demand in terms of processor power and RAM.
We shall also check the different operating systems supported by the two programs in this Skylum Luminar vs Lightroom 2020 comparison.
Luminar Lightroom Comparison
Luminar
If you are looking for one of the best standalone photo editing software, look no further than Luminar. It boasts of all the bells and whistles you need to edit an image from the start to the finish.
The previous version of this program lacked a DAM (digital assist manager), or a digital image library, which allows users to organize their photographs in a manner like Adobe Lightroom.
Skylum has addressed this problem and has incorporated a DAM with the latest version of their program, which organizes photographs better than Lightroom.
The User Interface
The user interface looks akin to Lightroom. This software has sliders in its right-hand column that allow you to make adjustments to the photograph you are editing.
Layer Masking, Filters, and LUT MappingIt is ahead of the offering by Adobe in the respect that it also offers layers akin to Photoshop along with layer masking, which includes luminosity masks, numerous filters, blend modes, as well as advanced options like LUT (Look Up Table) mapping.
This is, in essence, a digital file that transforms the tone and color of your image. It can, essentially, convert details and colors in the source file to the new destination file.
This option, in conjunction with the proprietary artificial intelligence filters of Luminar, permits you to fix common problems while optimizing tone, detail, and color.
Luminar Photo Editor vs Lightroom Comparison Continued
Make slight changes in the image you are processing by moving a single slider. If you want to get more (such as multiple masks and layers), you can do them effortlessly with Luminar.
You need not worry if you need a filter not included with the program, as you can use numerous third-party plugins too. Some of the popular filters included with the software include 'top and bottom lighting,' 'sunrays,' and the 'AI Sky Enhancer.'
Batch Process Editing AbilityThese are in addition to the standard editing tools such as 'black and white,' 'shadows and highlights,' 'curves,' 'raw develop,' and many more.
These tools and filters allow you endless opportunities for artistic and creative editing and have straight-up batch processing editing work (select several images and apply the same effects to them).
Skylum Luminar vs Lightroom 2020
The developers have made a provision for you to use this software as a plug-in. In case you do need to use the program as a plug-in, you will have to download a different program, Luminar Flex, which is available free of charge for those who already have Luminar 4.0 or Luminar 2018.
Luminar Can Also Be Used As A Plugin
Can Handle All File Types and RAW ImagesI always check for the types of files a photo editing software can handle, and Luminar did not disappoint me in this respect. You can process all types of image files with Luminar and there is also an advanced raw development module that contains extensive transformations and lens adjustment options.
Similar Interface and Easy to UseThose who are fully conversant with Lightroom will find the interface of Luminar quite intuitive and familiar. Apart from this, the software does not have a steep learning curve. Even first-time editors can pick up the ropes of this program in a few days.
The process is extremely simple. Open a picture, select your filters and/or workspace, and start adjusting the image with the help of sliders.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this program is infinitely adjustable. Once you locate a filter set or workspace that works for you, you have the ability to save it as a preset to use with other images.
Although Luminar was powerful in its previous avatar, the latest version contains enthralling new updates such as:
The First AI Sky Replacement Filter
Sky Replaced
And more:
• A library for editing, viewing and organizing multiple images
• The capability to synchronize adjustments between multiple images
• Multiple viewing options (filmstrip image view, gallery view, and single view)
• A brand new Accent artificial intelligence filter
• Unlike Lightroom, folders in Luminar stay in synchronization with what is on the hard disk drive
• Lost edits album… no more frustration over unsaved changes
• Organizing photographs automatically with 'smart' shortcuts
• View the pictures you took on a particular day and month in previous years through the 'on this day' feature
You can place images center and front with the help of the 'library.' The minimalist and sleek interface boasts of a single sidebar as well as a narrow strip for navigation. This helps maximize viewing space.
The main action takes place on the right-hand sidebar that permits you to toggle between the editing filters, library, and the photograph's information. You can select an empty workspace or create a new one for editing purposes.
Keeps Your Original Files (Does Not Alter Them)Luminar also boasts of the non-destructive feature of Lightroom. The original files are not altered. The software stores all of your changes and edits in a separate state file in the catalog.
RAW Images Processing Comparison
I also checked the Luminar RAW vs Lightroom RAW images handling capability, when I sat down to compare Luminar and Lightroom, and can safely say that Luminar excelled in this department. It can, conveniently, organize file pairs.
Price and OS Supported
Luminar is available both for the Windows and MAC operating systems. Priced competitively at $70, you can avail of a special discount available right now. The vendor offers 60 days money-back warranty.
If you are not satisfied with the software, which I strongly doubt, uninstall it from your computer and request and receive a full refund.
Their website allows you to see how some of the slider filters work. Unfortunately, you cannot change the presets over there without purchasing the software. Also, the vendor does not offer a trial version. Therefore, I had to go for the 60 days money back option.
Lightroom
Let us proceed to check Adobe Lightroom in our Skylum Luminar 4 vs Lightroom 6 review.
Luminar Compared to Lightroom Classic
Although I no longer use Lightroom, I decided to download the trial version of Lightroom for my Luminar 2020 vs Lightroom Classic CC review purpose.
Adobe is famous for the quality of its products as well as the wide range of programs they offer. The vendor also offers Lightroom CC.
The difference between Lightroom Classis and CC is that the former is best suited for desktop purposes while the latter, a cloud-based service, is meant more for smartphones.
Also Runs on Android and iOSAs far as operating systems are concerned, my vote goes to Lightroom as it runs on Windows, MAC, Android, and iOS while Luminar runs on Windows and MAC.
A Look at Lightroom Classic (Desktop-based)
This photo editing program is now available in two distinct flavors: classic and CC. I shall be reviewing the former, which is a desktop-based version today, as it is the powerhouse, and it would be unfair to compare a smartphone version (CC) with a desktop version (Luminar).
Obviously, I shall also touch the cloud version during the course of this Luminar 4 vs Lightroom CC review. This will help you better compare Luminar and Lightroom to determine if Lightroom is better than Luminar or not.
Version CC is designed for users who wish to access their photographs online as well as use some organizing and editing tools.
Luminar 4 vs Lightroom Classic Comparison Continued
Compared to Lightroom speed, Luminar is, somewhat, slower. However, this is because all the processing is done in the cloud, leaving your computer's resources free.
Only Fujifilm ProfilesI was disappointed by the fact that this offering from Adobe only has Fujifilm profiles. These are typically applied to the raw files during the camera calibration level. Frankly, I had expected more profiles.
By the way, I would like to point out that the CC still lacks the power of the classic version because it lacks basic features such as printing of photos.
In terms of Artificial Intelligence
Like Luminar, Lightroom, too, boasts of artificial intelligence capabilities, but the results of the offering from Skylum were better than that of Adobe.
The program contains nifty profile features that determine the way in which RAW files will be converted into viewable images.
I was pleasantly surprised by the launch time of the current version of the application. The new version also has additional features such as:
• Ability to accelerate image editing with GPU (graphics processor unit) support
• Support for new cameras and lenses
• Ability to organize your photo collections with color labels
• Batch merge for HDR and panoramas
• Performance improved in library mode
• Index number in a filmstrip
• Responsive brushing
• Moving from one photo to the other in develop module
• Switching between develop and library module
• Import selection workflow with 'Sidecar and Embedded' preview option
You now have the ability to make an extremely accurate tone and color based selections for local adjustments.
You can also use graduated filters, radial, or the adjustment brush for defining a rough mask, after which you can refine that selection with the help of the new 'Range Marking' options, which is found at the bottom of each Local Adjustment panel.
Adobe has put in a lot of work in its CC version to ensure that you get the power you need without having to go through a steep learning curve.
Cloud-based EditingLuminar 4 Review 2020
As it is cloud-based, you get the same photo editing experience across web, mobile, and desktop. In simple terms, all of your photographs are on the cloud and you can access and edit them with any device, including smartphones.
Luminar 4 Review 2020
Everything that you do is synchronized to the cloud, meaning different persons around the globe can make changes to the file and others will be able to access the latest updated image to work with.
Retains Original Files TooLike Luminar, Lightroom does not alter the original files but saves the edited one separately.
You can also organize your photographs using searchable keywords applied automatically without the hassle of tagging. By the way, this software makes use of machine learning to recognize the people as well as the other content in your photographs and inserts searchable keywords automatically.
Photo Storage SpaceThe vendor provides you with 1TB of cloud space for storing your images. However, you have the option to purchase more storage space. This means that you can store your entire photo library on the cloud and access them through your smartphone while on the move.
You can also post your photographs directly to social media sites or share them with your friends with the help of Adobe Spark, included with the membership of Lightroom. This is one advantage over Luminar.
Pricing for Lightroom
The cost of Lightroom is as follows:
• Lightroom plan: 1TB storage at $9.99 per month
• Photography plan: 20GB of storage at $9.99 per month
• Creative Cloud Plan: 100GB of storage at $52.99 per month
NOTE: The photography plan requires Photoshop to transform photos.
Is Luminar Better Than Lightroom?
You might be asking 'which is better of the two… Luminar or Lightroom?'.
In this Skylum Luminar 2020 vs Lightroom review and comparison, I found the former to have a slight edge over the latter as none of its plan is dependent on any other software. It has many more profiles, which is in stark contrast to Lightroom that only has the Fujifilm profile.
Apart from this, Luminar handled RAW images much better than Lightroom does.
Adobe Lightroom vs Luminar 2020
I sincerely hope that this Skylum Luminar vs Adobe Lightroom comparison has shed light and helps you to decide which of the two programs suits you better.
I was particularly impressed by several features of the former, including its provision for you to be able to view the pictures taken on a particular day and month (but in previous years) through the 'on this day' feature.