Artificial intelligence (AI) opens up new possibilities in image processing. Providers such as Adobe, Topaz and Magnific.AI promise that classic retouching techniques may soon be a thing of the past. We looked at what is possible today.
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Colorize black and white images
One focus is on colorizing black and white images. The neural filter “Color” in Adobe Photoshop makes this process much easier. Author Tilo Gockel attests that the filter gives good results, especially on skin tones. However, he recommends a brief manual post-processing to correct color errors.
Portrait Retouching and Accessories
The neural filter for Photoshop portrait retouching offers “skin smoothing”. Gockel recommends manually removing major skin imperfections before using the filter. What’s also new is that accessories such as glasses or jewelry can be added later using the “generative filling” function.
Enhance images and bokeh effects
The Generative Expand feature lets you enlarge images beyond their original boundaries. Gokel demonstrates this using the example of a square photo, which it expands to a 3:2 format. Errors in the generated areas can be corrected by replaying.
The neural filter “Depth of Field” is available for the bokeh effect. Although the result is not perfect, according to Gockel it gives good results.
Enlarge and enhance images
AI-based upscalers like Magnific.AI make it possible not only to enlarge images, but also to make them look better. We show how to create high-quality images even from low-quality templates.
New AI functions in image editing offer promising possibilities, but also require a certain level of control and post-processing.
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Bernhard Lang Portfolio
Other topics in the issue
Camera test: Nikon Z6III
With the Z6III, Nikon is launching the third generation of the mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera. The model offers several improvements:
- Partially stacked 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor for improved performance
- Improved autofocus with 299 measurement points and subject detection for people, animals and vehicles
- Bright OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million pixels
- Rotating and rotating touchscreen
- Two card slots for CFexpress/XQD and SD
- Video features: 6K 60p, N-Raw, ProRes, up to 125 minutes recording time per clip
At 2,800 euros, the Z6III offers a strong overall package as a hybrid camera for photos and videos.
What does my photo show?
Do you have old photos that you don’t know what’s in them? You can easily identify motifs using smartphone apps like Google Lens, Merlin Bird ID or Flora Incognita.
The apps compare recordings with huge image databases. They recognize plants, animals, landmarks and more. This saves you from tedious research.
Important: Serious apps often come from science and use image data for research purposes. However, with Google & Co., it’s not clear what happens to your photos.
Hence, the following tip: use compressed copies of your images for motif recognition, then no high-resolution originals will end up on the Internet.
Lens test: The new 35S
Canon and Nikon have introduced new 35mm fixed focal lengths that are similar at first glance, but are targeted for different areas of use.
This is also reflected in the price: the Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM costs 1900 euros and is designed for high imaging performance, fast autofocus and video features. It is suitable for landscape, street and documentary photography and is best equipped for filming.
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is significantly cheaper at 700 euros and doesn’t miss out on sharpness and features in the slightest. It is a good choice for street and reportage photography and, due to its price, is interesting for a wide user group.
Customize Mirrorless
Mirrorless system cameras can be customized to your own ideas using the function keys, quick menus and user profiles. This means that photographers have important functions immediately available. Configuration takes time, but it’s worth it: you can get to know the camera better and focus more on image design rather than searching for settings in a jungle of menus. We offer tips on how to assign important functions to quickly accessible keys and avoid duplication. If you often photograph different situations, it is advisable to have optimized user profiles for landscapes, sports and portraits, for example.
Over time you will discover which setup works best for you and your photography. Be open to changes.
Table of Contents of C’t Photography 5/2024
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