If you’ve ever had an image that wasn’t quite as sharp as you’d like it to be, Topaz Sharpen AI (aff) might be just what you need. In this review, I’ll show you some before and after examples and give you my honest opinions on it including the pros and cons.
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What is Topaz Sharpen AI?
Topaz is a software company that makes several different photo editing products. They are each designed to do one thing, and do that one thing really well.
Topaz Sharpen AI (aff) (artificial intelligence) is the only AI-powered image sharpening software on the market. It’s simple to use as either a stand-alone product or as a plugin for Lightroom or Photoshop.
Its claim to fame is its ability to fix blurry images quickly and easily, and rescue shots that otherwise may end up in the trash bin.
Does it really work?
That’s the 1000 dollar question isn’t it?
Watch the video below now, then scroll down to see my final summary and thoughts on Sharpen AI.
So, what do you think? Were you impressed? For the right images, this software can perform what was previously, the seemingly impossible.
PROS AND CONS
Is it worth the cost? That’s the next question you’ll likely ask. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons and you can decide if it’s worth it for you.
The pros of Sharpen AI
#1 – The overwhelming pro is that it works, and works pretty darn well on a lot of images. So you might be able to save an image that isn’t sharp but has great meaning for you.
A photo of someone who’s passed on, old photos of your kids that you can’t duplicate now. Or special travel or family photos you took in years past when your photography skills aren’t what they are today.
#2 – Secondly, it’s super easy to use. With only a couple of Auto setting toggles and three sliders, you pretty much can’t get it wrong.
You’ll notice that the cost is listed below as a con, but if you decide to grab it now you’ll be able to get it at what I consider a reasonable price for a very unique product.
If you go to their website I also recommend checking out DeNoise AI (aff), which is another one I will be testing and reviewing soon but I’ve seen and heard good things. They also have bundles available if you want to buy a few products together and save even more
The cons of Sharpen AI
#1 – It’s a big memory drain and it’s SLOW! I have a brand new MacBook Pro that’s tricked out with all the top bells and whistles and it still took over 2-minutes sometimes for it to process one image.
However, having said that, if you know that going in then just be prepared to wait. Apply the filter and walk away. If it’s the only thing that can save a precious image, it’ll be worth the wait right?
#2 – At $79.99 USD it’s a little on the pricey side for something that only does one thing.
But again, it’s the only software that I know of that does this kind of magic and if you need it – just get it. Once you have it I’m sure you’ll find other images to use it on.
Note: Skylum is about to release their newest image editing software Luminar Neo, with a release date of early 2022, possibly even March. Read my review of Luminar Neo here, and keep up to date with all the details. I’m also developing a Luminar Neo course to get new users up to speed as soon as possible. Is Luminar AI dead? Do you need both Luminar AI and the new Luminar Neo? Is it a replacement for Photoshop? Watch my initial run-through of the latest “technical build” and my thoughts on who Luminar Neo is FOR and who it’s NOT for.
Links to related articles
Here are a few links to some of the other things I mentioned in the video.
- Layer Masking in Photoshop – What is it and how do you use it?
- How to do Nondestructive Editing in Photoshop Using Layers
- How to Get Sharper Photos – 6 Essential Settings You Need to Know (to work on your camera technique!)
Summary
After testing Topaz Sharpen AI on a few of my images I can say with confidence that I would recommend this product with a couple of caveats.
First, just keep in mind that it’s not a magic pill and it can’t fix every problem or every image. So set realistic expectations.
Secondly, have patience and don’t yell at it when it’s taking too long. Know that going in and have something to read handy, or go take a break and come back in a few minutes.
Otherwise, if you have images that are less than desirable in the sharpness area, give Topaz Sharpen AI a try.
Topaz offers a 30-day free trial so you can download Sharpen AI and test it out before you make a commitment to buy it. That means you have nothing to lose.
CLICK HERE (aff) to buy it or try it now!
Cheers,
