Creative Photo Editing with DXO NIK Collection 6 -
Creative editing plays a crucial role in transforming ordinary images into extraordinary works of art in photography. And when it comes to creative editing, the DXO NIK Collection is a name that stands out. The NIK Collection has been a photographer's favourite for years with its powerful plugins and innovative tools. And now, with the release of DXO NIK Collection 6, there are even more exciting features and enhancements to explore.
The Evolution of NIK Collection 6
The NIK Collection has come a long way since its launch in the '90s. Over the years, it has changed ownership several times, but its reputation for its black-and-white and colour film looks has remained legendary. Today, DXO is the proud owner of the NIK Collection, and they continue to improve and enhance the software with each new version.
Introducing NIK Collection 6
NIK Collection 6 by DXO is the latest version of this powerful photo editing suite. Packed with new features and improvements, it offers photographers even more control and flexibility in their editing process. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, NIK Collection 6 has something to offer.
Enhanced U PointTM Tool
One of the standout features of NIK Collection 6 is the enhanced U PointTM tool. This innovative tool has been upgraded with new Control Lines, allowing you to combine the power of Control Points with the flexibility of linear gradients. With Control Lines, you can create graduated filter effects with precision and ease. Whilst this is an excellent addition to the plugin, I tend to make this type of adjustment in Lightroom before using NIK or refine it after using NIK.
In addition to Control Lines, the U PointTM tool now includes Color Selectivity filters. These filters allow you to tie the impact of Control Points and Control Lines to the brightness and colour of specific parts of your image. This level of control gives you unparalleled precision in your local adjustments.
Inverted and Diffused Adjustments
NIK Collection 6 introduces the ability to invert and diffuse your Control Points and Control Lines. This means you can apply adjustments to specific areas of your image and then easily reverse or soften those adjustments as needed. This level of flexibility allows you to experiment and fine-tune your edits confidently.
Improved Workflow Features
In addition to the enhancements to the U PointTM tool, NIK Collection 6 also brings a range of improvements to the overall workflow. One of the notable improvements is the ability to save and rename your local adjustments. This means you can keep track of all your fine edits and easily access them whenever you need further adjustments.
Another helpful feature is choosing where you want the adjustment sliders to appear. You can keep them in the sidebar for a clean interface or have them on top of your image for easy adjustments. NIK Collection 6 also allows you to save your local adjustments as part of your presets, making it even easier to apply quick changes to your images.
Smart Objects and Presets
NIK Collection 6 introduces new features that make your editing process even more non-destructive. You can now turn your edits into Smart Objects, allowing you to make adjustments without permanently altering your original image. This gives you the freedom to experiment and make changes without fearing losing any critical details.
Presets are another powerful tool in NIK Collection 6. You can now search for presets by name, making it easier to find your favourite edits. With just a few clicks, you can apply your saved presets to your images, saving you time and ensuring consistency in your edits.
Updated and Rebuilt Plugins
NIK Collection 6 brings updates and rebuilds to several of its plugins. Nik Color Efex, one of the most popular plugins in the collection, now includes a brand-new Hue/Saturation/Luminance tool. This tool gives you deeper and more accurate control over the colour and tone of your images.
Nik Dfine, another essential plugin in the collection, has received a complete visual overhaul. The new interface aligns it with the other plugins, creating a more refined editing experience. Additionally, you can save denoising profiles and easily return to them in just a few clicks.
Nik Perspective, known for its powerful geometric adjustments, now features the impressive ReShape tool. This tool allows you to warp and shape local areas of your image, giving you total precision in correcting geometry and creating artistic effects.
The Nik Sharpener plugin will receive a rebuild and interface overhaul in a future update, while Nik HDR Efex will get a fresh new interface in an upcoming release. These updates and improvements ensure that the NIK Collection remains at the forefront of photo editing technology.
DXO NIK Collection 6 - System Requirements and Pricing
NIK Collection 6 is available for both Windows and macOS platforms. The software is compatible with popular photo editing applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Affinity Photo. It can also be used as a standalone application.
The pricing for NIK Collection 6 is £135 for new customers while existing owners of NIK Collection 4 or 5 can upgrade at a special price of £69. The software can be installed on up to three computers and does not require a subscription.
Conclusion - DXO NIK Collection 6
With its enhanced U PointTM tool, improved workflow features, and updated plugins, NIK Collection 6 by DXO is a must-have for photographers seeking creative editing capabilities. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, NIK Collection 6 offers the tools and flexibility you need to bring your images to life.
So why wait? Upgrade to NIK Collection 6 and take your creative editing to new heights. Unleash your artistic vision and transform your photographs into true works of art. With NIK Collection 6, the possibilities are endless.
