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nik Sharpener Pro!
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nik multimedia produces some amazing filters. Just when you thought you had it all, nik has a funny way of coming up with a new kind of filter you just never imagined, but find indispensible. While nik filters are plug-ins, which can work in nearly any program that supports Adobe Photoshop plug-ins, these additions to an existing fully functional image editing program are added enhancements that in the case of Dfine 1 will get a great deal of use, especially for professionals.
With most filters, the idea involves altering the image in some drastic way, or creating some stunning visual effect that would take hours using a photo editing program out of the box. The savings in time, effort and sweat is the real value of this type of plug-in. Dfine version 1 is really a way to fine tune images, rather than create dramatic visual effects.
If you are looking for an effect that will be dramatic, or a special effect, that is not what Dfine is all about. This program is designed specifically with the idea of reducing problems that can occur when working with digital cameras. In short it removes "noise" from digital camera images.
Noise, as defined by nik Multimedia, is this, "Noise is image detail that does not appear as it was intended. This can cause flaws in a digital image, and create an over all "unnatural" appearance in your finished work." The elements in photography, digital that is in this case, are the ways digital cameras capture images and the factors that take place when a picture is taken. Temperature, lighting and the actual sensor in the camera, can accidentally create unwanted distortions. Dfine comes to the rescue by allowing you to adjust luminance noise, which is dark small spots that can look like film grain, and chromatic noise that appears as small off colored spots that create small dots that impair image quality.
With all of that in mind, nik allows you to remove the small imperfections that can impact digital camera output. Now in order for this type of plug-in to work effectively, Dfine needs to know exactly what camera was used in order to adjust elements in the digital photo as they relate to the camera. Naturally with this type of detailed refinements, you are going to need some detailed information related specifically to the camera that you are using. To allow this type of customization, nik allows you to "purchase" camera profiles that allow you to customize the application to take into consideration the ways your specific camera operates. Naturally, if you use more than one digital camera, you can purchase profiles for each camera and add them to the program. Of course, nik does support the major camera makers with profiles for many digital cameras. Just contact nik for information about profiles before purchase.
The actual process of doing this is broken down into Luminance Noise Feature, The Chromatic Noise and Artifacts Feature, Contrast and Light Feature and the Color Cast and Balance Option. The menus visually resemble those of the other nik programs, so you will not feel like you are walking into strange territory if you are familiar with other nik offerings. There is even a quick fix button that allows you to make changes fast. The level of customization is impressive and the power of the program comprehensive. Even the amateur can work his or her way around to understand how this all works. As is the case with all nik products, it is well designed well considered and designed for the professional.
For photographic professionals who want to create digital images that are rich, well crafted and work seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, nik Multimedia’s Dfine version 1 is a welcome addition. I can easily see professionals and hardcore shutter bugs wanting, if not demanding, this application. The only downside is that you do have to purchase the filters specific to your camera separately, which means you have to make two purchases instead of one in order to get the most out of the program. Naturally, if you are working with more than one camera, more than one filter is needed. While I suppose you can work without the profiles, the serious pros will want to have them, if not need them.
The only audience that I do not see for Dfine is the hobbyist, or the occasional photographer who is not interested in this type of detailed image manipulation. It does require time and effort to get the most out of the program, but as is the case with every nik product, the end results are worth the effort. For those that are into high end image manipulation, professionals and those with high end digital cameras, this is going to be a valuable tool. For those that are really "into" fine tunning images, by all means do get Dfine. For the average shutter bug, you may want to balance price points, detail and time. For those with the most basic of cameras that do not want to invest this type of time in digital image manipulation, you can safely pass on this powerhouse for the high end user.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
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