We don't have any change log information yet for version 3.4.1 of Fotor Photo Editor for Windows. Sometimes publishers take a little while to make this information available, so please check back in a few days to see if it has been updated. Skylum has announced a new, AI-first version of its Lumiar photo editor. Dubbed Luminar AI, the program takes all of the machine-learning tools from Luminar 4, adds some more, and puts them all. 'Luminar 3 is an image editor, and photo library rolled into one. It's ideally suited for amateurs and professionals photographers alike.' iMore.com 'Luminar 3 is an outstanding prosumer editing alternative for people seeking abundant automation and creative options for a wide range of photos.'.
Developer(s) | Skylum Software |
---|---|
Initial release | November 17, 2016; 3 years ago |
Stable release | |
Operating system | Windows, macOS |
Type | Photo editing, image manipulation |
License | Proprietary |
Website | skylum.com/luminar |
Luminar is a universal photo editing software developed by Skylum (formerly Macphun) available for Windows and macOS.[1][2]
Luminar Photo Editor 1 1 3 As A Decimal
Luminar works as a standalone application and as a plugin for Adobe and Apple products. It integrates with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Photos for macOS.[3] In 2019, Luminar won a gold award at the Digital Camera Grand Prix for its innovation in the photo editing space. Luminar has also been recognized as the Best Photo Software Product in the 2019 and 2020 by EISA awards.[4] The application has filters, which can be used to edit images. The effects can be combined using layers and masks.[5] Luminar works directly with raw files.[6][7]
The latest version to be currently available is Luminar 4[8], which was released on 18th November 2019. This version of the software comes packaged which a number of AI tools, offering things such as automated sky replacement.[9]
History[edit]
Macphun launched Luminar in November 2016.[10] An update with new tools and features called Luminar Neptune was released in 2017.[1] Initially developed only for macOS, Macphun launched Luminar 2018 for Windows PC version in late 2017. At the same time, the company announced that it will change its name to Skylum.[11]
Luminar 2018, which was launched in November 2017, introduced a RAW develop module,[12][13] changed the user interface[14][6] and also added new filters.[15]
Reception[edit]
Luminar has generally received positive reviews. Tech Radar reviewed the beta version of the application in 2016 and gave it a 4.5 out of 5.[10] MyMac Reviews rated it 9 out of 10.[12]Digital Rev appreciated the number of features offered by the software writing that 'amateur Instagrammers and pro-photogs alike will feel like they're in an Aladdin's cave of wonders with what's on offer in that regard,' but pointed out that 'in general Luminar does suffer from some problems when greater editing functions are stacked up against Lightroom or Photoshop's.'[16]
In 2020, Macworld gave Luminar a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and named it an Editors' Choice, praising its 'breakthrough AI Sky Replacement feature' and saying that it offers 'intuitive, easy-to-use image editing.'[17] Digital Camera World gave Luminar 4 a rating of 4 out of 5 starts, pointing out as advantages its integrated image catalog, non-destructive editing, AI Sky Replacement tool, and included plug-in version.[18]Ghacks gave it a four out of five.[19] Writing about Luminar 2018, Digital Trends expressed that it 'is an excellent photo editor for beginners and hobbyists, with enough features to appease even some professional photographers.'[20]
Appreciating the simple interface of the software, TechRepublic wrote that 'Skylum's Luminar 2018, on the other hand, addresses common image issues—including color correction, brightening and darkening, cropping, and applying filters—without requiring you to become an expert in manipulating a variety of palettes, layers, and tools.'[21]
In 2017 Luminar and in 2019, Luminar Flex was named the Best Software Plugin in the Lucie Technical Awards. In the same years, Luminar was awarded the Best Imaging Software by TIPA. In 2018, Luminar was named an Editor's Pick by Outdoor Photographer.[22]
In October 2019, nature photography website Nature TTL reviewed the Luminar 4 software and gave it 5 out of 5.[23]
References[edit]
- ^ abCade, DL (November 1, 2017). 'Macphun unveils Luminar 2018, takes on Adobe Lightroom CC'.
- ^Eckel, Erik (December 31, 2016). 'Luminar: The only photo-editing tool most Mac users need'.
- ^Berube, Jennifer. 'Review of the New Luminar 2018'.
- ^'Skylum Luminar | EISA – Expert Imaging and Sound Association'. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
- ^Row, Jason (November 2, 2017). 'Luminar 2018 – First Impressions'.
- ^ abPierini, David (November 4, 2016). 'Luminar takes the negatives out of photo editing'.
- ^Ottke, Adam (December 10, 2017). 'Fstoppers Reviews Macphun'sLuminar 2018 Image Editor'.
- ^Nicholls, Will (2019-10-04). 'Luminar 4 Review: The Future of Photo Editing?'. Nature TTL. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
- ^TTL, Nature (2019-07-23). 'Luminar 4 is Coming: AI and Sky Replacement'. Nature TTL. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
- ^ abLawton, Rod (October 26, 2016). 'Low-cost photo editor Luminar will light up Mac owners' screens on November 17'.
- ^Aldred, John (November 1, 2017). 'SKYLUM LUMINAR 2018 NOW HAS NATIVE RAW SUPPORT AND A BIG PERFORMANCE BOOST'.
- ^ abBlanchard, Curt (November 9, 2017). 'Luminar 2018 – Review'.
- ^'Luminar 2018 is a Your New Alternative to Adobe Lightroom'. November 2, 2017.
- ^Stapley, Jon (November 17, 2017). 'Luminar 2018 now shipping for Mac and Windows'.
- ^Nicholls, Will (November 1, 2017). 'Macphun Unveils Luminar 2018 to Take on Adobe Lightroom'.
- ^Boost, Rick (November 18, 2016). 'Luminar Photo Editor Hands-On First Impressions'.
- ^Bookwalter, J.R. (January 9, 2020). 'Luminar 4 review: AI brings huge creative possibilities to affordable image editor'.
- ^Lawton, Rod. 'Skylum Luminar 4 review'. digitalcameraworld. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
- ^Brinkmann, Martin (July 18, 2017). 'Luminar Photo Editor for Windows: first look'.
- ^Grigonis, Hillary (November 1, 2017). 'MacphunLuminar 2018 review'.
- ^Eckel, Erik (November 30, 2017). 'Luminar 2018 adds new tools and filters to the powerful photo-editing app'.
- ^Roa, Holly (November 1, 2017). 'Aiming For Lightroom Users, Luminar 2018 Brings New Features, User Interface, Now For Windows'.
- ^Nicholls, Will (2019-10-04). 'Luminar 4 Review: The Future of Photo Editing?'. Nature TTL. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
Skylum have recently announced their latest piece of software which is known as Luminar AI. In releasing this piece of software it created a number of concerns amongst users around the direction of the company given that Luminar 4 was released on the 18th of November 2019 and had a number of features that were listed as in the works based on the roadmap. Given this piece of software was less than one (1) year old at the time of announcement of Luminar AI, people were frustrated and concerned that it felt like the previous product was not fixed before the next one was announced.
In a recent community post, Alex Tsepko Tsepko wrote;
When we launched Luminar 3, we made a mistake: we said that our goal was to develop a great Lightroom alternative. Therefore some people have purchased Luminar as a subscription-free alternative to Adobe products.
We quickly understood that we're not in love with that mission statement. Moreover, that idea to make a subscription-free Lr alternative has no value for most artists around the world. The world doesn't need a cheap Lightroom clone (there are already several companies who make those).
Luminar 3 Vs Luminar 4
Our goal is to make something much bigger than just another photo editor. To bring unique solutions to the most challenging problems creative storytellers face.
There are many photo editing tools out there that look the same, offer the same features (including IPTC & EXIF), and create the same problems. Traditional photo editors take a lot of time, with several manual and repetitive tasks.
This helps explain the change in direction, to create a tool that is not a digital asset manager or lightroom clone (which Luminar 4) in some ways was trying to be, but rather creating a tool that allows visual communicators to make great photos, faster than traditional photo editors, and free up time. In essence it is about creating a product that helps people get the results, without worrying about the path that is required to be taken to get the results (e.g. the compex, repetitive photo editing).
So with the change in direction understood, that is LuminarAI and how does it differ from Luminar 4?
Luminar AI is not an upgrade to Luminar 4, it is a brand new product which has been built from the ground up to offer a new, non-conventional approach to the world of photo editing. It is designed to simplify repetitive and complex editing tasks without sacrificing the professional quality. In short it lets visual communicators focus on the results to get great pictures rather than worry about the process which is required.
As Luminar AI is rebuilt from the ground up, your catalogue in Luminar 4 will not be transferable to LuminarAI. You will see a number of tools you already know as well as some changes in process, but also the addition of a number of new tools within LuminarAI which include AtmosphereAI, BodyAI, FaceAI, IrisAI. Hider 2 app.
As the software is not yet released, I can't show much more detail however, once it becomes available I will write some more posts and do up a few YouTube videos.
Skylum's Luminar AI is currently open for pre-orders, whilst the layout and design has not been fully finalized it is reported to be slated for release over the holiday season.
For those that are interested in pre-ordering LuminarAI;
Inmr 6 0 5. • LuminarAI is starting from just US$59 with the loyalty discount (for those who have purchased any previous version of Luminar or Aurora HDR) and includes access to the LuminarAI Insiders community.
• LuminarAI is starting from just US$69 for new customers and includes access to the LuminarAI Insiders community.
• Once 30,000 copies have been sold, LuminarAI will start from US$74 for new customers. A US$10 loyalty discount will continue to be offered.
Luminar 4 Photo Editing Software
You can pre-order using the link here.