In this tutorial, I go over in detail, all the feature differences between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. Hopefully this video will help you Luminar 4 owners decide whether or not to upgrade to Luminar AI. For more info about Luminar AI and to order it, go here: bit.ly/3iySJ6M My Skylum discount code is: AM16 To get your free Photo Editing Software Comparison Guide, subscribe to my weekly newsletter. Once you do, you'll receive a link to down the guide. To subscribe to my newsletter, go to my website: OnlinePhotographyTraining.com Look on the right hand column for the newsletter signup box. Enter your email address and within a few minutes, you should receive, in your email, a link to download the guide. The guide is a PDF and you'll need a PDF reader to open it. The newsletter is sent out every Monday. You can unsubscribe at anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of the newsletter. I NEVER sell, share, or distribute anyone's email address or any other information. Image of my cat Rocky captured with: **As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases: Nikon Z6: amzn.to/2TIBGnR Nikon Z 24-70mm F4.0 Lens: amzn.to/2Z0hW55 Sony 120GB XQD Card: amzn.to/2HlfR8Y Sony XQD/SD Card Reader: amzn.to/2NBuSHB Image of Lighthouse captured with: **As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases: Nikon Z6ii: amzn.to/3399eS7 Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S: amzn.to/2JWo5IX Sony 120GB XQD Card: amzn.to/2HlfR8Y Sony XQD/SD Card Reader: amzn.to/2NBuSHB Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB: amzn.to/3oP6EZX Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications: At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor: Lightroom - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Capture One - captureone.38d4qb.net/y1Djy Luminar - bit.ly/2JUJxKw (Save with the Promo Code AM16) On1 Photo RAW - bit.ly/2zJmA9I (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM17) Exposure X6 - bit.ly/2U8UxrK (Save 10% with Promo Code: AnthonyMorganti) PhotoLab 4: tidd.ly/2HhiN9X (Save 15% off with Promo Code: Anthony15 - Valid until 2/2/2021 - May not work when product is on sale) At least one FULL Editing App: Photoshop - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Affinity Photo - affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ My MUST HAVE Plugins: Topaz Denoise AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Gigapixel AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Sharpen AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J *Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15 Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 - tidd.ly/3dc4gYm Save 15% off the Nik Collection with Promo Code: Anthony15 - Valid until 2/2/2021 My MUST HAVE Mac Utility: CleanMyMac X - Info: bit.ly/3jtVpU3 To save 10% on your purchase of CleanMyMac X: 1. Visit the CleanMyMac X store: bit.ly/3bEMuMx 2. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and click on "Enter it now" under "Already have a coupon code?" 3. Paste the promo code TONY10 and hit "Verify" 4. The prices will be reduced and you’ll be able to select the license and proceed with the payment ** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale product. *** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ Please follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/anthonymorganti/ View my recommended gear list: www.amazon.com/shop/anthonymorganti As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases I use this software to record my screen and make parts of my screen enlarge and zoom out so you can see it: Screenflow: telestream.pxf.io/DMrW2 Unsure of how to price your photography? Check the 2019 Guide to Pricing Your Photography: amzn.to/2S1CiU7 I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement here: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ Thank you!
@@shanec4441 i jumped from luminar 3 to luminar ai my concern now is if that luminar X subscription service will work for luminar AI or if they stopped the service on luminar 4 🤷🏻♂️
@@wesleybrilhante5989 I believe the Neo will be their standard platform software for a while. At least that is what I’m hearing. Hmmmm, will my Luminar 4 add-ons work with AI and Neo?
So far after a week, I'm underwhelmed with AI. Not that big of a difference. Since the sky reflections are not available yet, we'll there you go. If that is done well it would be worth the upgrade price but now, not feeling the love. BTW Photoshop sky replacement is far superior.
Bokeh Ai which was touted as coming is still sitting on the bench. But then again so are the former Bob McAdoo teammates but it looks like Buffalo may get the Jays back for 2021. But will they have DJLM?
Thanks Anthony, I made the decision not to upgrade early on and the more I've seen has confirmed that to be good decision. I'm using Luminar 4 less now that Photoshop has included sky replacement(Photoshop's implementation is far superior since Luminar seemed to relight the scene to some extent even when you didn't want it to).
Thank you Anthony. We all owe you once again. You are really reserving your seat in heaven :-). I was ready to take the AI leap. Now I think I will just stay with Luminar 4 and wait for Skylum to fire the developers of the new AI and revamp it to be a real improvement on Luminar 4. The more I see of Lum AI, the less I like it. In conclusion, your explanations run rings around the numerous other Lum AI videos on line. 10/10 :-) All Hail Tony :-)
Well done presentation Tony! I have to say that I find Adobe ACR somewhat difficult with new verbiage and functionality. I certainly don't find a reason to upgrade to Luminar AI and you've confirmed, thanks!
There’s a lot of frustration out there with Skylum on the differences. Hard to believe they had to start all over to make the changes from L4 to AI. There doesn’t seem to be value in the changes. And, to remove layers and luminosity masks was a poor decision. I may be uniquely slow, but having trouble switching. Almost ready to give up. Not sure how to use masks for image layers like adding a logo with a clear background. Or otherwise blending two layers. It’s a shame Skylum doesn’t have better leadership. They sure have talent just not direction. AI is more like a bad update to L4 than a total overhaul and redesign of a good app.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
@@sonicvboom Boy I wish I could help with an answer. So many things Skylum has said or done leaves me scratching my head. I believe Luminar 4 will not be supported after this year. That’s what they told us when we bought AI. AI was to be THE platform going forward and it “was not an upgrade” from L4 so catalogs are not compatible. However, this year AI is being replaced by Neo. Again a whole new application not compatible with AI. In addition, some of the features of Neo seem to resemble features we lost in L4 and complained about. I gave up and use AI only as a plug-in to Lightroom. I don’t trust that Skylum has a solid business plan, knows where they are going or appreciated how they continue to play games with our workflow every year with brand new applications instead of upgrades.
I've bought a Luminar 4 licence but i won't bite " we've changed every thing, we need your money to support us" the biggest flaw in Luminar is long term usage : once you've edited a picture you're stucked with where you've edited it. Every other RAW editing sofware comes with the ability of generating a sidecar file, kind of a script of all you've done in the software. So I can move both my RAW and it's "xmp" on any drives i want. And i can open it again years after as sofwrares evolve, days after when finally my client is not so sure about ... or just the next morning I'm still on a RAW and my starting point is when i thought it was right.
Thank you. Thank you! Once again, I am stunned by your honesty. How refreshing to know somebody produces TRUTHFUL reviews who is not on their knees with their lips firmly planted on Skylum's ... (Then again, I'm surprised you're still an affiliate and can offer discount codes. I would have thought Skylum would have kicked you to the curb by now! LOL). To the point: ABSOLUTELY NOT! No way in the world Luminar AI is worth the money they are asking for what I would call extremely small and insignificant changes. I think Skylum's marketing department has lost their grip. They are so focused on taking advantage of the latest trend - to call things AI - that they forgot to do what they are supposed to do: upgrade and improve their application! Perhaps now it's time for the folks in the development department to do what is necessary for the company to continue to survive - and that is to tie the marketing folks to their chairs and stuff a rag in their mouth. Again, I repeat: NOT WORTH THE UPGRADE! Thanks again, Anthony. You are far above the rest!
histogram is also slighty different, in AI its much smaller (almost too small) , you can get histogram from menu or placing mouse to pic and right click menu. I think this should be fixed, its kinda too small and badly placed.
Great review of Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. How do they interface? Are they both separated plug-Ins. I’m using Luminar 4 currently as a plug-in with Photoshop and Lightroom.
Very helpful video regarding the differences in the menus and functions of the two apps. However, do you have a video about whether or not the individual functions perform better in LuminarAI even though the sliders are the same? For instance, is the AI better for Sky Replacement in the newer app?
Anthony, I have a lot of Looks that I purchased for Luminar 4 and earlier. I think weeks ago I read that I would be able to convert the Looks for use in Luminar AI, but I haven't seen any descriptions of how that can be done. Do you have any info on the subject?
They should convert automatically when you first install AI. In the Templates module click on the star on the top left and look under Legacy. They should be listed there.
I'm pretty sure they will convert automatically over to AI from Luminar 4. I think Jim Nix covers this in one of his videos. When you go over to the Templates tab, on the right hand side it should be in the star category under I think it's "Legacy".
I have Luminar 4 and AI and did a comparison today. What I found in Luminar AI was the following, no ability to use Topaz software as a Luminar plug-in, no info tab in top right hand corner to show camera settings, no ability to show masking profiles for individual filters (i.e structure, colour, etc) and a very small histogram. In Luminar 4 there is a large histogram under the library / edit tabs and these three other items are available. This appears to be a step in the wrong direction and for the above reasons I have asked Skylum for a refund. As an aside I do have Luminar 2018 and Luminar 3.
I have both Luminar 4 and AI. Based on your comparison I fail to see the advantages of AI over 4, aside from the AI. If so, why not just add AI as a plugin?
Great video! Is there a clear cut "lightroom replacement" for say, wedding photographers? I bought AI last year and wanted to buy 4, but I can't really see a huge difference.
Except for the Optics Panel, it is basically old wine in a new bottle. I hope they come out with sky reflections soon, because next year, they will be ready to collect some more money from us. But the most important feature, the edge-aware brush is simply not available. I can't emphasise enough how much time will be saved if that one feature is made available. I would also appreciate some more methods of masking such as Magic Wand, Polygon or Lasso. These are simple things that make our lives easier.
Thanks for this good comparison. Yes, Luminar AI is not the big new editor I expected. If one works a lot with poträts it‘s worthwhile to upgrade I think, the rest is as you said equal and sometimes less (catalogue is a bad step back!). Histogram is a joke both in look and size and place... The only thing I experienced on my Mac is a better performance with my Olympus RAW files, this feels a lot faster. Excellent marketing, not the expected big result... sadly...
I'm frustrated by the heavy CPU reliance of Luminar AI, the GPU hardly gets used. Is it possible you did not notice this during access to the various beta copies?
Good that someone else saw this. Maybe you don’t notice it when you are working on a Mac or PC. But on my MacBook Pro (2019 16‘‘) the laptop gets so hot that I am afraid it can damage the hardware. Also the whole performance seems lower compared to Luminar 4. Maybe they implemented the heavy AI model evaluation not with Apples CoreML API or directly with Metal but with a cross platform library which is not optimized for the Apple hardware but can run on both platforms. And therefore use the CPU more as necessary. I thought it was only my computer but good that you have also recognized the heavy energy consumption.
Thank you Anthony for a very fair comparison, without the over enthusiasm for Luminar Ai found elsewhere. I didn't pre-order but I have been trying the trial for a few days. My PC only has an i3 processor but it does have 16Gb Ram and a SSD for the program and the catalog. Luminar Ai is faster to open a folder of say 400 images and to open my Sony Raw files but where similar sliders are used, the editing results are not as good, so I will stick with Luminar 4.3 and try again after the inevitable point updates to Ai in 2021. I agree with others that after all the advertising and the hype, Luminar Ai is underwhelming. One improvement though of Ai in addition to Antony's thoughts is that the Erase and Clone tools no longer require separate layers, so you can remove dust spots etc earlier in a workflow, without losing the ability to make later changes to edits made to a Raw file before the Erase or Clone tools were used (as in Luminar 4). One more observation about Skylum's approach to the catalog design, every other image browser that I have every tried has to create and cache thumbnails which takes a short time, then on next opening that folder, the thumbnails are already done. Not in Luminar 4.3, the thumbnails are regenerated every time the folder is opened. Maybe on a super fast computer, this is not noticeable, but it seems a crazy approach that wastes computer resources. So this was the first thing I tried in Ai, it is faster but, as you scroll down looking for an image, it starts regenerating the thumbnails again, nuts!! Creating a fast image browser should be easy, see the free Adobe Bridge or Faststone for example. The catalog part of ON1 Photo Raw 2021 is also so much better than in Luminar. A direct comparison video between Luminar Ai and ON1 Photo Raw 2021 would be helpful to many :-)
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
One difference you didn’t bring out is that whereas you could use both Orton Effect and Glow in L4, in AI you must decide on one or the other. Perhaps not a big deal but to me it seems to limit the ability to make subtle changes.
Thank you for your very clarifying tutorial. I will skip the AI version. This reminds me of the problems with Luminar 3, which was very bad and slow. Version 4 was way better. But now I fear history repeats itself.
nice to see the comparison but the lack of emphasis on Layers is a bit disconcerting. Just for fun -- can you put a mouse on top of the cat's head? Many folks like to do composites and while it is possible to add textures, they are not moveable and one can't add images. Still am trying to get the differences between MAC and PC and while I have a few I doubt I have them all. Too bad as I would like to invest in the program but no real point so far even though I have had L 2018 since inception. Then again I have a half dozen or more other digital image programs on the system too.
AM mentioned that you can't and showed what can be done which is very very limited via local masking. See the above comment by Waskhp on one method. Now of course you can use layers if you export and then do the rest of the edit in another program such as Affinity Photo or even the freeware version of PhotoScape X .
@@adriancoleman1120 you can load the texture with a very minor amount of movement of the file but there is no way to resize and move the image as I understand it from others including YT creators of tutorials, the manual or Skylum team. I asked AM if he could do a video showing a mouse on the head of his cat but so far have not seen any response. I just prefer to work in one program if possible. I have Affinity Photo which comes at a modest price and also the freeware version of PhotoScape X which allows me to use Layers. Yesterday I learned that one can cross use L4 with LAi and thus be able to move from LAi to work with Layers and Luminosity masking etc but then move back to LAi if necessary, I have asked the Skylum folk and I believe Jim Nix to do a video on the process of sharing between the two programs Skylum offers (well, 3 because if one has Aurora HDR the same applies) so we could all see the technique and the result. Now that I think of it I might also have asked Gary McIntyre to do a multi image tutorial with the above technique as he does some masterful work with this landscapes and layers.
@@adriancoleman1120 Wish that we could get images included in YT comments as I would love to see what you mention as I thought even Skylum said it was not possible. Maybe you could show and explain the procedure you took using links to a site where you can post images and text docs online. Also note whether you are using MAC or PC. Just as a fun example. Get a couple of unsplash images -- a cat and a mouse and put the mouse on the cat's head. Hope you don't mind the request but this is important to be able to pass on to folks either who own or may be thinking owning LAi. TIA
@@adriancoleman1120 I think with augmented sky you need a sky to put the augmentation in. The texture mask does not allow for very much of anything related to moving the texture. It can be useful but full layers are just not there as you said. What I have learned is that if one still has L4 or Aurora HDR, then an image can be moved between the two so that layers and luminosity masking can be applied. If not then do all one can with the components of the images to be used to create the composite and do that work in another program. I have done composites in PhotoScape X which is freeware and someone else mentioned using GIMP. A modest pay for program too is Affinity Photo which does a lot much like PS. PSX also has an option to purchase and have some added functionality -- very modest price. I have L2018 but have not moved since due to issues and also the fact that the program is not equal in capabilities between the MAC and W10 platforms. I keep hoping but I do view all the videos created by any and all creators I can find and keep them all by category in folders for future reference. Along with that I also try to have the user manuals available. What I can't always remember, I try to look up or hopefully learn from creators and folks like yourself who are kind enough to comment and assist other users of the products. TIA
@@adriancoleman1120 thanks Adrian -- it is one step in the long staircase for sure. I still would like to have the two platforms equal particularly when the cost is the same. I had the other options always available but preferred to be able to do it all in one or at least this way but now of course it would still mean purchasing two versions L4 & LAi. Support for L4 ends Dec. 2021 but maybe Skylum will adjust that if enough people request based upon this ability. I do have Aurora 2018 which might work. I tended to do multiple out of camera image blending via Affinity Photo which will handle both RAW and .jpg captures.
Hello Anthony, you forgot to mention (that is if you know) that Luminar AI (just like Luminar 4) doesn't have all the features available for Windows 10 as it does for the mac o/s. This was confirmed by skylum.
I have learned of quite a few differences but don't have them all as I have neither purchased Luminar since 2018 version nor ever owned an Apple product except for the ones I like to eat. Am trying to compile a list of differences. The one difference I can't find is the price.
@@phlotographer Many you-tubers are reviewing and making tutorials about Luminar AI but no one mentions or informs (especially Skylum) that the program is not full featured in the Windows operating system, I guess it’s all about selling the product.
@@Enrique-the-photographer until I began trying to indicate that things were missing from W10 compared to MAC I found that most of the creators of tutorials were using MAC and were not aware of the differences simply because they all were MAC users. I know that back in the mid 90's when I began with W95 there were no pro photographers using anything but MAC as it was deemed to be "king". I got my first digital camera in 2001 a year after I retired from the profession and began with a Microsoft product and continued with additional iterations for a number of years. The only creator I am aware of is Gary McIntyre that is using both platforms but I think there are a couple of other Windows users doing some tutorials but of course they are not aware of many differences either. Good thing there are folks that comment. I have to just take in the info as I have not upgraded Luminar since using 2018 simply because of the deficiencies but I keep hopeful that if enough users become as frustrated as I see currently that Skylum will modify its approach.
Thanks for that Anthony, I made up my mind months ago when I purchased ON1 and I don't regret it, Luminar 4 (windows version) was a dead duck for me, far too slow. On1 has all you want and more including Sky replacement. Don't worry I'm still subscribed lol. Stay Safe Man
Thanks for the comparisons Anthony great stuff 👍 .....I've heard that Skylum have committed to support for L4 for one more year (?) - whether that means updates or not who knows!....After that all I can see is that AI will continue to evolve (with reflections & Bokeh) and L4 will not. Frustrating for me as I've only had L4 for 3 months! 😒
I own both Luminar 4 and Luminar Ai. I thought that I would use Luminar AI more, but I feel like I have been sold a pup. The end of the day I prefer to use Lightroom and Photoshop even at $14.29 a month. When Skylum trys to sell me Luminar Ai 2 in 12 months time I will be saying no thanks.
No luminosity mask???? Wow, that was the reason I was looking to upgrade from my hard copy of Lightroom 5. As a, mainly, landscaper, I would really like that feature, but don't want to sub for a year to Adobe just for that. Can't believe they've left out one of the best reasons to buy this standalone product.
I am not happy with the requirement to create a new catalog AGAIN after Luminar 4, starting over with edits done there, the crippling of Histogram (it's much smaller and has to be opened for each image), or with the failure to deliver the promised water reflections on Sky Replacement or edge-aware brush. Some of the changes seem unnecessary, forcing users to relearn the UI all over again with no benefit in return. I don't use presets much so don't care about the new functionality there. I've stuck with and defended Skylum but am not feeling the love in return. I may well bail and request a refund shortly.
Hi Tony, This was a good comparison video. I have both Luminar 4 and Luminar Ai, Thus far, I don't think the A1 version of Luminar is spectacular but perhaps some of that may be my being unfamiliar with all of the new quirks. However, I think '4' works better for me and I kinda regret buying Ai now. I don't use either all that much I prefer to work with Lr. and Adobe Camera RAW and for b/w, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2. Having said all of that, Luminar Ai has a couple of glitches in that it doesn't save my work in the catalog for some reason. Fortunately I can export the particular image I'm working on in this instance and put it on my X-hard drive to save.
Another vote against. I was hesitating about moving up to AI, but your comprehensive comparison convinced me. Don’t do it! L4.3 is good for what it is, so waiting now for L4.4 - or maybe dumping Skylum altogether, because Adobe seems to have all that (what was Skylums) unique stuff.
@@mauriehill1131 Actually have emailed Skylum and asked for a refund on Al. As yet there has been no reply but I don't see much benefit to using it. Will keep Luminar 4 however even though I don't use it a lot.
Another thing, and perhaps it’s just my imagination, is that there are a lot more options with the built in Looks in L4 than there are with the AI templates.
I did pre-purchase, and have to say I'm a bit underwhelmed. Many of the "templates" that come with the software are not that impressive, and though I might be interested in the ones I can purchase, I hate to drop the money only to be disappointed. As others have commented, it seems that a lot of money was spent on promotion as opposed to listening to faithful customers (I've purchased each version since 2018.). We want it to succeed, but Skylum seem to be taking the approach, "We know what you need," as opposed to asking what we need. Sure, add the template "AI", but what about things like focus stacking or panoramic stitching? It would appear that they want to have an extension "niche" in the market, as opposed to being a serious option to LR - A subscription I am attempting to avoid. Skylum has said they will continue to support L4 for a year, but my experience with L3, that does not mean they will continued to update camera profiles. I had to purchase 4 since 3 did not support CR3 files, thought Skylum said they would.
Thanks. There is NO BATCH PROCESSING in Luminar Ai. In Windows 10 U can add Luminar Ai as a plugin to Luminar 4 if U manually edit a configuration file. Now Luminar Ai becomes a LAYER in Luminar 4. The Mac version has a different tool bar line at the top left of the screen. On a PC U must click the logo LUMINAR in the top left corner to get a drop down menu.
@@bruceatkinson932 Here is the Windows 10 info. You can find the Luminar AI plugin under Windows here: "C:\Program Files\Skylum\Luminar AI\LuminarAI.8bf". Unfortunately the plugin is not shown permanently in Luminar 4. This can be changed if you edit the following file: "C:\Users\XYZ\AppData\Roaming\Luminar 4\CommonSettings.xml" and add there under the following: C:\Program Files\Skylum\Luminar AI\LuminarAI.8bf. When you get it working on the MAC, please post the info here!
When you say "batch processing", do you mean Luminar AI can not/ does not have the capacity to apply photo editing "presets" to a batch of photos simultaneously like Adobe Lightroom?
I've been using L4 for sometime now and it is very good but watching your video here I don't see the advantage of upgrading. As far as Luminar being slow to those whom say it is, is probably your computer. My older Mac Pro was slower but upgrading to the M1 it is very fast. Prob just intel dogging it.
I have both Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. I am mildly disappointed with paying $70 more for Lmn AI. There is really not much that Lmn AI can do beyond Lmn 4 (in fact some important things are missing). I keep in mind Sky Reflections and the Bokeh filter should be soon coming but not available now. Perhaps recoding Luminar AI from the ground floor is what this is all about. The bells and whistles may come later after getting the AI foundation efficiently ready to go. I think of Photoshop with an ancient code foundation, very much bloated, but year after year adding new cutting edge features. Hopefully, Skylum develops a base model they can stick with for several years and just simply focus on advancing the features.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
Mac user. I got an answer from Skylum today and a Luminar 4 installer. The below is a response to Luminar Ai not accepting ’Looks’ from Luminar 4 (3). OMG! I just spent 4 hours today and another hour this evening on just how to move ‘Looks’ from Luminar 4 to ‘Templates in Luminar Ai as Ai does not use ‘Looks’ anymore. If you have Luminar 3 you must use Luminar 4 for an automatic adaption to a different format that ‘then’ Luminar Ai can read/import as ‘User templates’. I spent hours reading Skylum’s manual, website and any forums I could come up with to do this. It is not clear in the Luminar 4 manual nor the Luminar Ai manual on how this is accomplished. ugh. I finally found the answer tonight. First, you must have Luminar 4 installed. If you do NOT, and install Luminar Ai first as I did, as I did not have v4 just v3….Luminar Ai will not find them. As I say, you cannot install v4 AFTER Ai and be able to convert these ‘Look’. What you MUST do is uninstall Luminar Ai first, have v4 installed and then install Ai. It will read then and install the ‘Looks’ into the templates legacy templates. YAY, they are all there…however…they are no longer hierarchal, nor will they have an icon other than a generic one. Just a long list of templates, but at least you will have them, eh. To uninstall on a Mac, use the lil software app called ‘App Cleaner’ to get rid of the Luminar Ai by drag and dropping on the application window. There are two files you DON’T want to remove, but the application will not have them check marked for removal. All went perfectly fine to uninstall. And then just do a reinstall…ya it will have to download again and it will self accept your email address as activation key to open the application. I know this will be a godsend to all you folks. Your welcome.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
As far as basic panel is concerned. No real difference. AI is no big deal either. Changing names of identical features is obviously a marketing spin to justify the price. The moment they do not provide trial software, it made me suspicious. But thank you for giving us the facts.
You can download in trial form if you already have a Skylum account. You get 7 days. I deleted after 2! I'll stick with On1 and maybe do the occasional sky replacement in L4. Even that doesn't always work well, without tweaking: original skies bleed through if they have sharply etched clouds, replacement sky bleeds through into foreground, can't replace a sky seen through a window or doorway. None of this was addressed in the AI iteration of sky replacement , even though I and others have been pointing it out to Skylum for months.
Someone arranged a free licence to Luminar 3 to all who wanted it. It took seconds to just change focus between 5Ds raw files, so I stopped right there. I heard Luminar 4 was slow, so I didn't bother. One of my misgivings about this so-called AI (I really think it's just machine learning, no intelligent thought involved) is that it tends to make everyone's photos the same. One of my delights in photography is to make photos other people don't. I prefer interesting over pretty, I regularly disguise my subject.
This product is an example of software product management gone wild (mad). Removing the catalog facilities is a slap to those who are pros or want pro features. I will now stop using Luminar and focus (pun intended) on the likes of Capture One, On1 Raw, and Exposure X6; those products are not dumbing down in the guise of making smarter (i.e., "intelligent"). Skydumb has really messed up this time! Even us "keen armatures" want the features that have been left out for tagging photos: BIG MISTAKE SKYDUMB! Luminar AI over Luminar 4 is a BIG LETDOWN IMHO! Oh, and for those of us your and my age group, renaming so many things was a major stupid product management move!
Agreed. If that. I would prefer a free feature upgrade to current Luminar 4 owners like so many software companies offer. Not going to pay $100 CDN for reflective skies. ;-(
I'll pass on the upgrade as will many others, and I have an offer for a free upgrade! No layers equals no-go! And I see nothing else that I consider importantly better than Luminar 4.
Skylum should have just created an upgrade from 4 to ai. I see no point in creating a whole new Luminar software that has minor menu changes with some additional features
I am very disappointed. Luminar AI adds some AI tools but we lost others already in Luminar 4, renames same tools, moves and hides many tools under the new menu items, for me it's a mess, I am frustrated, I don't like at all the Skylum strategy.
The positive change I’ve noticed is the better stability on my MacBook Pro 2018 but other things it’s just a cheating they’ve in fact just renamed and hidden some features in different menus and removed some features I’ve used frequently I’m not happy with the upgrade.
Im stay with Luminar 4, because,i upgraded from Luminar 3, and again it looks like downgrade. Luminar 4 become buggy, slow, can freez PC or sometimes even force me to cut of power to reset PC. While C1, or Adobe products never force me to do this. Skylum act as SCAM in case of reliability. I was forced to made basic edit ln Capture One, then only add some final tweaks for few last shots.
@@sonicvboom its custom build streaming PC with watercooling ;) Holding with ease encoding 40min 4k high quality files and streaming high bitrate video whitout drop frames in modern AAA games.
I bought AI recently with high expectations after all the hype... Tried to edit 3 or something 4 of the my head images and discovered several serious bugs within 45 minutes. Very disappointed 😥 - have requested refund.
That bad, huh...? Which photo editing software/ cataloging would you recommend instead that allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without the lag?
In this tutorial, I go over in detail, all the feature differences between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. Hopefully this video will help you Luminar 4 owners decide whether or not to upgrade to Luminar AI.
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Thank you!
After watching Peter McKinnon playing around with Luminar AI, I think you missed all of the great new features like adding mountains.
Was on the fence on whether to buy or not as I’m a Luminar 4 user. I’ve decided to pass. Thank you!
Same here but they should have created a version upgrade option
@@shanec4441 i jumped from luminar 3 to luminar ai my concern now is if that luminar X subscription service will work for luminar AI or if they stopped the service on luminar 4 🤷🏻♂️
@@wesleybrilhante5989 I believe the Neo will be their standard platform software for a while. At least that is what I’m hearing. Hmmmm, will my Luminar 4 add-ons work with AI and Neo?
So far after a week, I'm underwhelmed with AI. Not that big of a difference. Since the sky reflections are not available yet, we'll there you go. If that is done well it would be worth the upgrade price but now, not feeling the love. BTW Photoshop sky replacement is far superior.
Bokeh Ai which was touted as coming is still sitting on the bench. But then again so are the former Bob McAdoo teammates but it looks like Buffalo may get the Jays back for 2021. But will they have DJLM?
Thanks Anthony, I made the decision not to upgrade early on and the more I've seen has confirmed that to be good decision. I'm using Luminar 4 less now that Photoshop has included sky replacement(Photoshop's implementation is far superior since Luminar seemed to relight the scene to some extent even when you didn't want it to).
Thank you Anthony. We all owe you once again. You are really reserving your seat in heaven :-). I was ready to take the AI leap. Now I think I will just stay with Luminar 4 and wait for Skylum to fire the developers of the new AI and revamp it to be a real improvement on Luminar 4. The more I see of Lum AI, the less I like it. In conclusion, your explanations run rings around the numerous other Lum AI videos on line. 10/10 :-) All Hail Tony :-)
Well done presentation Tony! I have to say that I find Adobe ACR somewhat difficult with new verbiage and functionality. I certainly don't find a reason to upgrade to Luminar AI and you've confirmed, thanks!
There’s a lot of frustration out there with Skylum on the differences. Hard to believe they had to start all over to make the changes from L4 to AI. There doesn’t seem to be value in the changes. And, to remove layers and luminosity masks was a poor decision. I may be uniquely slow, but having trouble switching. Almost ready to give up. Not sure how to use masks for image layers like adding a logo
with a clear background. Or otherwise blending two layers. It’s a shame Skylum doesn’t have better leadership. They sure have talent just not direction. AI is more like a bad update to L4 than a total overhaul and redesign of a good app.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
@@sonicvboom Boy I wish I could help with an answer. So many things Skylum has said or done leaves me scratching my head. I believe Luminar 4 will not be supported after this year. That’s what they told us when we bought AI. AI was to be THE platform going forward and it “was not an upgrade” from L4 so catalogs are not compatible. However, this year AI is being replaced by Neo. Again a whole new application not compatible with AI. In addition, some of the features of Neo seem to resemble features we lost in L4 and complained about. I gave up and use AI only as a plug-in to Lightroom. I don’t trust that Skylum has a solid business plan, knows where they are going or appreciated how they continue to play games with our workflow every year with brand new applications instead of upgrades.
Thanks for doing a great comparison between the two similar products from Skylum. I have both, and so far I still prefer Luminar 4.
I've bought a Luminar 4 licence but i won't bite " we've changed every thing, we need your money to support us"
the biggest flaw in Luminar is long term usage : once you've edited a picture you're stucked with where you've edited it.
Every other RAW editing sofware comes with the ability of generating a sidecar file, kind of a script of all you've done in the software.
So I can move both my RAW and it's "xmp" on any drives i want.
And i can open it again years after as sofwrares evolve, days after when finally my client is not so sure about ... or just the next morning
I'm still on a RAW and my starting point is when i thought it was right.
Thank you. Thank you! Once again, I am stunned by your honesty. How refreshing to know somebody produces TRUTHFUL reviews who is not on their knees with their lips firmly planted on Skylum's ... (Then again, I'm surprised you're still an affiliate and can offer discount codes. I would have thought Skylum would have kicked you to the curb by now! LOL). To the point: ABSOLUTELY NOT! No way in the world Luminar AI is worth the money they are asking for what I would call extremely small and insignificant changes. I think Skylum's marketing department has lost their grip. They are so focused on taking advantage of the latest trend - to call things AI - that they forgot to do what they are supposed to do: upgrade and improve their application! Perhaps now it's time for the folks in the development department to do what is necessary for the company to continue to survive - and that is to tie the marketing folks to their chairs and stuff a rag in their mouth. Again, I repeat: NOT WORTH THE UPGRADE! Thanks again, Anthony. You are far above the rest!
histogram is also slighty different, in AI its much smaller (almost too small) , you can get histogram from menu or placing mouse to pic and right click menu. I think this should be fixed, its kinda too small and badly placed.
Great review of Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. How do they interface? Are they both separated plug-Ins. I’m using Luminar 4 currently as a plug-in with Photoshop and Lightroom.
Very helpful video regarding the differences in the menus and functions of the two apps. However, do you have a video about whether or not the individual functions perform better in LuminarAI even though the sliders are the same? For instance, is the AI better for Sky Replacement in the newer app?
Anthony, I have a lot of Looks that I purchased for Luminar 4 and earlier. I think weeks ago I read that I would be able to convert the Looks for use in Luminar AI, but I haven't seen any descriptions of how that can be done. Do you have any info on the subject?
They should convert automatically when you first install AI. In the Templates module click on the star on the top left and look under Legacy. They should be listed there.
I'm pretty sure they will convert automatically over to AI from Luminar 4. I think Jim Nix covers this in one of his videos. When you go over to the Templates tab, on the right hand side it should be in the star category under I think it's "Legacy".
@@jordanking7711 Yes, I found them. Thank you.
I have Luminar 4 and AI and did a comparison today. What I found in Luminar AI was the following, no ability to use Topaz software as a Luminar plug-in, no info tab in top right hand corner to show camera settings, no ability to show masking profiles for individual filters (i.e structure, colour, etc) and a very small histogram. In Luminar 4 there is a large histogram under the library / edit tabs and these three other items are available. This appears to be a step in the wrong direction and for the above reasons I have asked Skylum for a refund. As an aside I do have Luminar 2018 and Luminar 3.
@@adriancoleman1120 On my copy the tab in the bottom right hand corner is the history tab
@@adriancoleman1120 Thank you. Any ideas on the other points I mentioned.
@@adriancoleman1120 How far have you got with your refund for Luminar AI ?
@@adriancoleman1120 Wow. That's excellent. At least they're refunding. I'm still waiting.
I have both Luminar 4 and AI. Based on your comparison I fail to see the advantages of AI over 4, aside from the AI. If so, why not just add AI as a plugin?
Great video! Is there a clear cut "lightroom replacement" for say, wedding photographers? I bought AI last year and wanted to buy 4, but I can't really see a huge difference.
Except for the Optics Panel, it is basically old wine in a new bottle. I hope they come out with sky reflections soon, because next year, they will be ready to collect some more money from us. But the most important feature, the edge-aware brush is simply not available. I can't emphasise enough how much time will be saved if that one feature is made available. I would also appreciate some more methods of masking such as Magic Wand, Polygon or Lasso. These are simple things that make our lives easier.
Hi Anthony...Do you personally recommend the upgrade
Can i purchase 4 and ai later if i need it?
Thanks for this good comparison. Yes, Luminar AI is not the big new editor I expected. If one works a lot with poträts it‘s worthwhile to upgrade I think, the rest is as you said equal and sometimes less (catalogue is a bad step back!). Histogram is a joke both in look and size and place... The only thing I experienced on my Mac is a better performance with my Olympus RAW files, this feels a lot faster. Excellent marketing, not the expected big result... sadly...
Very thorough and very helpful, thanks. As with many others I will be sticking with L4 for the time being.
Very thorough! Thank you so much for going through that...!
I'm frustrated by the heavy CPU reliance of Luminar AI, the GPU hardly gets used. Is it possible you did not notice this during access to the various beta copies?
Good that someone else saw this. Maybe you don’t notice it when you are working on a Mac or PC. But on my MacBook Pro (2019 16‘‘) the laptop gets so hot that I am afraid it can damage the hardware. Also the whole performance seems lower compared to Luminar 4. Maybe they implemented the heavy AI model evaluation not with Apples CoreML API or directly with Metal but with a cross platform library which is not optimized for the Apple hardware but can run on both platforms. And therefore use the CPU more as necessary. I thought it was only my computer but good that you have also recognized the heavy energy consumption.
You are a good man. Thank you for the detailed comparison. I have saved $100.
Thank you Anthony for a very fair comparison, without the over enthusiasm for Luminar Ai found elsewhere. I didn't pre-order but I have been trying the trial for a few days. My PC only has an i3 processor but it does have 16Gb Ram and a SSD for the program and the catalog. Luminar Ai is faster to open a folder of say 400 images and to open my Sony Raw files but where similar sliders are used, the editing results are not as good, so I will stick with Luminar 4.3 and try again after the inevitable point updates to Ai in 2021. I agree with others that after all the advertising and the hype, Luminar Ai is underwhelming.
One improvement though of Ai in addition to Antony's thoughts is that the Erase and Clone tools no longer require separate layers, so you can remove dust spots etc earlier in a workflow, without losing the ability to make later changes to edits made to a Raw file before the Erase or Clone tools were used (as in Luminar 4).
One more observation about Skylum's approach to the catalog design, every other image browser that I have every tried has to create and cache thumbnails which takes a short time, then on next opening that folder, the thumbnails are already done. Not in Luminar 4.3, the thumbnails are regenerated every time the folder is opened. Maybe on a super fast computer, this is not noticeable, but it seems a crazy approach that wastes computer resources. So this was the first thing I tried in Ai, it is faster but, as you scroll down looking for an image, it starts regenerating the thumbnails again, nuts!! Creating a fast image browser should be easy, see the free Adobe Bridge or Faststone for example. The catalog part of ON1 Photo Raw 2021 is also so much better than in Luminar. A direct comparison video between Luminar Ai and ON1 Photo Raw 2021 would be helpful to many :-)
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
Absolutely fantastic review, I really enjoyed it
Is there a difference in use of either programme? For example is it easier to drop in a sky with Ai?
same process but it is a bit more accurate at time you do it in the edit.
One difference you didn’t bring out is that whereas you could use both Orton Effect and Glow in L4, in AI you must decide on one or the other. Perhaps not a big deal but to me it seems to limit the ability to make subtle changes.
Thank you for your very clarifying tutorial. I will skip the AI version. This reminds me of the problems with Luminar 3, which was very bad and slow. Version 4 was way better. But now I fear history repeats itself.
Considering Skylum sells both as a package, is AI really an upgrade to 4? Wouldn't AI be something you would use with 4?
nice to see the comparison but the lack of emphasis on Layers is a bit disconcerting. Just for fun -- can you put a mouse on top of the cat's head? Many folks like to do composites and while it is possible to add textures, they are not moveable and one can't add images. Still am trying to get the differences between MAC and PC and while I have a few I doubt I have them all. Too bad as I would like to invest in the program but no real point so far even though I have had L 2018 since inception. Then again I have a half dozen or more other digital image programs on the system too.
Can you add an image layer in AI? Haven't noticed that in any video so far.
Thanks for all the great videos.
AM mentioned that you can't and showed what can be done which is very very limited via local masking. See the above comment by Waskhp on one method. Now of course you can use layers if you export and then do the rest of the edit in another program such as Affinity Photo or even the freeware version of PhotoScape X .
@@adriancoleman1120 you can load the texture with a very minor amount of movement of the file but there is no way to resize and move the image as I understand it from others including YT creators of tutorials, the manual or Skylum team. I asked AM if he could do a video showing a mouse on the head of his cat but so far have not seen any response. I just prefer to work in one program if possible. I have Affinity Photo which comes at a modest price and also the freeware version of PhotoScape X which allows me to use Layers. Yesterday I learned that one can cross use L4 with LAi and thus be able to move from LAi to work with Layers and Luminosity masking etc but then move back to LAi if necessary, I have asked the Skylum folk and I believe Jim Nix to do a video on the process of sharing between the two programs Skylum offers (well, 3 because if one has Aurora HDR the same applies) so we could all see the technique and the result. Now that I think of it I might also have asked Gary McIntyre to do a multi image tutorial with the above technique as he does some masterful work with this landscapes and layers.
@@adriancoleman1120 Wish that we could get images included in YT comments as I would love to see what you mention as I thought even Skylum said it was not possible. Maybe you could show and explain the procedure you took using links to a site where you can post images and text docs online. Also note whether you are using MAC or PC. Just as a fun example. Get a couple of unsplash images -- a cat and a mouse and put the mouse on the cat's head. Hope you don't mind the request but this is important to be able to pass on to folks either who own or may be thinking owning LAi. TIA
@@adriancoleman1120 I think with augmented sky you need a sky to put the augmentation in. The texture mask does not allow for very much of anything related to moving the texture. It can be useful but full layers are just not there as you said. What I have learned is that if one still has L4 or Aurora HDR, then an image can be moved between the two so that layers and luminosity masking can be applied. If not then do all one can with the components of the images to be used to create the composite and do that work in another program. I have done composites in PhotoScape X which is freeware and someone else mentioned using GIMP. A modest pay for program too is Affinity Photo which does a lot much like PS. PSX also has an option to purchase and have some added functionality -- very modest price.
I have L2018 but have not moved since due to issues and also the fact that the program is not equal in capabilities between the MAC and W10 platforms. I keep hoping but I do view all the videos created by any and all creators I can find and keep them all by category in folders for future reference. Along with that I also try to have the user manuals available. What I can't always remember, I try to look up or hopefully learn from creators and folks like yourself who are kind enough to comment and assist other users of the products. TIA
@@adriancoleman1120 thanks Adrian -- it is one step in the long staircase for sure. I still would like to have the two platforms equal particularly when the cost is the same. I had the other options always available but preferred to be able to do it all in one or at least this way but now of course it would still mean purchasing two versions L4 & LAi. Support for L4 ends Dec. 2021 but maybe Skylum will adjust that if enough people request based upon this ability. I do have Aurora 2018 which might work. I tended to do multiple out of camera image blending via Affinity Photo which will handle both RAW and .jpg captures.
Thanks for the review. I own L4. Since I use my Adobe subscription I have no intent to purchase L AI. All in the interest of simplifying my life.
Hello Anthony, you forgot to mention (that is if you know) that Luminar AI (just like Luminar 4) doesn't have all the features available for Windows 10 as it does for the mac o/s. This was confirmed by skylum.
I have learned of quite a few differences but don't have them all as I have neither purchased Luminar since 2018 version nor ever owned an Apple product except for the ones I like to eat. Am trying to compile a list of differences. The one difference I can't find is the price.
@@phlotographer Many you-tubers are reviewing and making tutorials about Luminar AI but no one mentions or informs (especially Skylum) that the program is not full featured in the Windows operating system, I guess it’s all about selling the product.
@@Enrique-the-photographer until I began trying to indicate that things were missing from W10 compared to MAC I found that most of the creators of tutorials were using MAC and were not aware of the differences simply because they all were MAC users. I know that back in the mid 90's when I began with W95 there were no pro photographers using anything but MAC as it was deemed to be "king". I got my first digital camera in 2001 a year after I retired from the profession and began with a Microsoft product and continued with additional iterations for a number of years. The only creator I am aware of is Gary McIntyre that is using both platforms but I think there are a couple of other Windows users doing some tutorials but of course they are not aware of many differences either. Good thing there are folks that comment. I have to just take in the info as I have not upgraded Luminar since using 2018 simply because of the deficiencies but I keep hopeful that if enough users become as frustrated as I see currently that Skylum will modify its approach.
Great information. I was on the fence trying to decide if I should upgrade. I have decided not to.
Thanks for that Anthony, I made up my mind months ago when I purchased ON1 and I don't regret it, Luminar 4 (windows version) was a dead duck for me, far too slow.
On1 has all you want and more including Sky replacement.
Don't worry I'm still subscribed lol. Stay Safe Man
Thanks for the comparisons Anthony great stuff 👍 .....I've heard that Skylum have committed to support for L4 for one more year (?) - whether that means updates or not who knows!....After that all I can see is that AI will continue to evolve (with reflections & Bokeh) and L4 will not. Frustrating for me as I've only had L4 for 3 months! 😒
Wonderful explanation. Thank you.
I own both Luminar 4 and Luminar Ai. I thought that I would use Luminar AI more, but I feel like I have been sold a pup. The end of the day I prefer to use Lightroom and Photoshop even at $14.29 a month. When Skylum trys to sell me Luminar Ai 2 in 12 months time I will be saying no thanks.
Why? Since you own both software programs, they are "free" to use, no?
I paid in advance for AI ages ago, but I've decided to stick with 4. I requested a refund three days ago and they haven't got back to me.
I have also requested a refund. Can you let me know when they get back to you.
No luminosity mask???? Wow, that was the reason I was looking to upgrade from my hard copy of Lightroom 5. As a, mainly, landscaper, I would really like that feature, but don't want to sub for a year to Adobe just for that. Can't believe they've left out one of the best reasons to buy this standalone product.
What happened to the clone tool in Luminar AI? I was told it’s in composition, but I checked there and it’s nowhere to be found.
clone tool is in pro settings
@@Anttihii Thank so much. Found it. Strange place for it though.
I am not happy with the requirement to create a new catalog AGAIN after Luminar 4, starting over with edits done there, the crippling of Histogram (it's much smaller and has to be opened for each image), or with the failure to deliver the promised water reflections on Sky Replacement or edge-aware brush. Some of the changes seem unnecessary, forcing users to relearn the UI all over again with no benefit in return. I don't use presets much so don't care about the new functionality there. I've stuck with and defended Skylum but am not feeling the love in return. I may well bail and request a refund shortly.
You don’t need to you can import the catalog
Hi Tony,
This was a good comparison video. I have both Luminar 4 and Luminar Ai, Thus far, I don't think the A1 version of Luminar is spectacular but perhaps some of that may be my being unfamiliar with all of the new quirks. However, I think '4' works better for me and I kinda regret buying Ai now. I don't use either all that much I prefer to work with Lr. and Adobe Camera RAW and for b/w, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2. Having said all of that, Luminar Ai has a couple of glitches in that it doesn't save my work in the catalog for some reason. Fortunately I can export the particular image I'm working on in this instance and put it on my X-hard drive to save.
Another vote against. I was hesitating about moving up to AI, but your comprehensive comparison convinced me. Don’t do it! L4.3 is good for what it is, so waiting now for L4.4 - or maybe dumping Skylum altogether, because Adobe seems to have all that (what was Skylums) unique stuff.
@@mauriehill1131 Actually have emailed Skylum and asked for a refund on Al. As yet there has been no reply but I don't see much benefit to using it. Will keep Luminar 4 however even though I don't use it a lot.
Another thing, and perhaps it’s just my imagination, is that there are a lot more options with the built in Looks in L4 than there are with the AI templates.
I did pre-purchase, and have to say I'm a bit underwhelmed. Many of the "templates" that come with the software are not that impressive, and though I might be interested in the ones I can purchase, I hate to drop the money only to be disappointed.
As others have commented, it seems that a lot of money was spent on promotion as opposed to listening to faithful customers (I've purchased each version since 2018.). We want it to succeed, but Skylum seem to be taking the approach, "We know what you need," as opposed to asking what we need. Sure, add the template "AI", but what about things like focus stacking or panoramic stitching? It would appear that they want to have an extension "niche" in the market, as opposed to being a serious option to LR - A subscription I am attempting to avoid.
Skylum has said they will continue to support L4 for a year, but my experience with L3, that does not mean they will continued to update camera profiles. I had to purchase 4 since 3 did not support CR3 files, thought Skylum said they would.
Thanks. There is NO BATCH PROCESSING in Luminar Ai. In Windows 10 U can add Luminar Ai as a plugin to Luminar 4 if U manually edit a configuration file. Now Luminar Ai becomes a LAYER in Luminar 4. The Mac version has a different tool bar line at the top left of the screen. On a PC U must click the logo LUMINAR in the top left corner to get a drop down menu.
Is the configuration file on a Mac? And if so what are the details please?
@@bruceatkinson932 Not a Mac owner. I am sure same file is on Mac but U will have to find it.
@@wa8khp-468 Too bad but thanks anyway. BTW, what’s the file name?
@@bruceatkinson932 Here is the Windows 10 info.
You can find the Luminar AI plugin under Windows here:
"C:\Program Files\Skylum\Luminar AI\LuminarAI.8bf". Unfortunately the plugin is not shown permanently in Luminar 4. This can be changed if you edit the following file:
"C:\Users\XYZ\AppData\Roaming\Luminar 4\CommonSettings.xml" and add there under
the following:
C:\Program Files\Skylum\Luminar AI\LuminarAI.8bf.
When you get it working on the MAC, please post the info here!
When you say "batch processing", do you mean Luminar AI can not/ does not have the capacity to apply photo editing "presets" to a batch of photos simultaneously like Adobe Lightroom?
I've been using L4 for sometime now and it is very good but watching your video here I don't see the advantage of upgrading. As far as Luminar being slow to those whom say it is, is probably your computer. My older Mac Pro was slower but upgrading to the M1 it is very fast. Prob just intel dogging it.
I have decided to upgrade from 4.3 to AI because they offered me Luminar AI and Photographic Storytelling for bargain price 29 £ .
I have both Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. I am mildly disappointed with paying $70 more for Lmn AI. There is really not much that Lmn AI can do beyond Lmn 4 (in fact some important things are missing). I keep in mind Sky Reflections and the Bokeh filter should be soon coming but not available now. Perhaps recoding Luminar AI from the ground floor is what this is all about. The bells and whistles may come later after getting the AI foundation efficiently ready to go. I think of Photoshop with an ancient code foundation, very much bloated, but year after year adding new cutting edge features. Hopefully, Skylum develops a base model they can stick with for several years and just simply focus on advancing the features.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
Thank you sir I just liked the video and sub to the channel
Mac user. I got an answer from Skylum today and a Luminar 4 installer.
The below is a response to Luminar Ai not accepting ’Looks’ from Luminar 4 (3).
OMG! I just spent 4 hours today and another hour this evening on just how to move ‘Looks’ from Luminar 4 to ‘Templates in Luminar Ai as Ai does not use ‘Looks’ anymore. If you have Luminar 3 you must use Luminar 4 for an automatic adaption to a different format that ‘then’ Luminar Ai can read/import as ‘User templates’. I spent hours reading Skylum’s manual, website and any forums I could come up with to do this. It is not clear in the Luminar 4 manual nor the Luminar Ai manual on how this is accomplished. ugh. I finally found the answer tonight. First, you must have Luminar 4 installed. If you do NOT, and install Luminar Ai first as I did, as I did not have v4 just v3….Luminar Ai will not find them. As I say, you cannot install v4 AFTER Ai and be able to convert these ‘Look’. What you MUST do is uninstall Luminar Ai first, have v4 installed and then install Ai. It will read then and install the ‘Looks’ into the templates legacy templates. YAY, they are all there…however…they are no longer hierarchal, nor will they have an icon other than a generic one. Just a long list of templates, but at least you will have them, eh. To uninstall on a Mac, use the lil software app called ‘App Cleaner’ to get rid of the Luminar Ai by drag and dropping on the application window. There are two files you DON’T want to remove, but the application will not have them check marked for removal. All went perfectly fine to uninstall. And then just do a reinstall…ya it will have to download again and it will self accept your email address as activation key to open the application. I know this will be a godsend to all you folks. Your welcome.
So... If one does not own Luminar 4, should I buy the 4, or AI? Also, does Luminar AI allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without crashing all the time? Or do you recommend an alternative software that will be less laggy, less buggy, less clunky like DarkTable?
Thank you
As far as basic panel is concerned. No real difference. AI is no big deal either. Changing names of identical features is obviously a marketing spin to justify the price. The moment they do not provide trial software, it made me suspicious. But thank you for giving us the facts.
You can download in trial form if you already have a Skylum account. You get 7 days. I deleted after 2! I'll stick with On1 and maybe do the occasional sky replacement in L4. Even that doesn't always work well, without tweaking: original skies bleed through if they have sharply etched clouds, replacement sky bleeds through into foreground, can't replace a sky seen through a window or doorway. None of this was addressed in the AI iteration of sky replacement , even though I and others have been pointing it out to Skylum for months.
@@LondinenseThat bad, huh...? Any Luminar AI/ Adobe Lightroom alternatives you'd recommend?
Used in combination with other program,photoshop or affinity photo its perfect for me.
Someone arranged a free licence to Luminar 3 to all who wanted it. It took seconds to just change focus between 5Ds raw files, so I stopped right there.
I heard Luminar 4 was slow, so I didn't bother.
One of my misgivings about this so-called AI (I really think it's just machine learning, no intelligent thought involved) is that it tends to make everyone's photos the same. One of my delights in photography is to make photos other people don't. I prefer interesting over pretty, I regularly disguise my subject.
why didn't they just improve laminar?
All they did was change the names of the menus. WTH?!
This product is an example of software product management gone wild (mad). Removing the catalog facilities is a slap to those who are pros or want pro features. I will now stop using Luminar and focus (pun intended) on the likes of Capture One, On1 Raw, and Exposure X6; those products are not dumbing down in the guise of making smarter (i.e., "intelligent"). Skydumb has really messed up this time! Even us "keen armatures" want the features that have been left out for tagging photos: BIG MISTAKE SKYDUMB! Luminar AI over Luminar 4 is a BIG LETDOWN IMHO! Oh, and for those of us your and my age group, renaming so many things was a major stupid product management move!
For a Luminar 4 owner the update represents a value of 25 € most.
Agreed. If that. I would prefer a free feature upgrade to current Luminar 4 owners like so many software companies offer. Not going to pay $100 CDN for reflective skies. ;-(
Still too much. At today's rate 25 pounds = $33.41 U.S.D. If Skylum offers me $20 USD I will still have to think hard, but probably take it.
@@Mimiclobster I was thinking 20 Loonies would be exorbitant especially with all the features the MAC has that is not available for PC users.
great sharing
I'll pass on the upgrade as will many others, and I have an offer for a free upgrade! No layers equals no-go! And I see nothing else that I consider importantly better than Luminar 4.
Skylum should have just created an upgrade from 4 to ai. I see no point in creating a whole new Luminar software that has minor menu changes with some additional features
I am very disappointed. Luminar AI adds some AI tools but we lost others already in Luminar 4, renames same tools, moves and hides many tools under the new menu items, for me it's a mess, I am frustrated, I don't like at all the Skylum strategy.
The positive change I’ve noticed is the better stability on my MacBook Pro 2018 but other things it’s just a cheating they’ve in fact just renamed and hidden some features in different menus and removed some features I’ve used frequently I’m not happy with the upgrade.
Thanks!
I have hdr luminar4 and AI only one I use is”luminar 4 “ professional photographer I just want to cheat and make it easy
Im stay with Luminar 4, because,i upgraded from Luminar 3, and again it looks like downgrade. Luminar 4 become buggy, slow, can freez PC or sometimes even force me to cut of power to reset PC. While C1, or Adobe products never force me to do this. Skylum act as SCAM in case of reliability. I was forced to made basic edit ln Capture One, then only add some final tweaks for few last shots.
That bad, huh...? May I ask: How old is your current PC?
@@sonicvboom its custom build streaming PC with watercooling ;) Holding with ease encoding 40min 4k high quality files and streaming high bitrate video whitout drop frames in modern AAA games.
@@jakubstrumilloI see... So it's definitely a software optimization on their end then.
@@sonicvboom they stack ram usage, its error ocured when you have Hardware Support ON on Windows 10
Luminar 4 has issues and they didn't fix it they just moved on to AI, I am guessing thats how they did it with Luminar 3 etc. Kinda disappointing.
I bought AI recently with high expectations after all the hype... Tried to edit 3 or something 4 of the my head images and discovered several serious bugs within 45 minutes.
Very disappointed 😥 - have requested refund.
I have also requested a refund. Have you received any response from Luminar
That bad, huh...? Which photo editing software/ cataloging would you recommend instead that allows one to apply edit presets to a batch of photos (like Lightroom) all in one go without the lag?
there are also promised two new AI features coming, bokeh AI and skY/water AI I think, which adds reflections to water.
Adobe will beat Skylum with sky replacement reflections. They are working on it right now... plus more!
Skylum had so much to improve on and update in luminar 4 and they just jumped to luminar ai and left it behind. I wouldn't buy any Skylum products.
No Thanks. New is old it appears. Bad decision Skylum not downgrading.
weak software