Discover the Differences: Luminar 4 vs Luminar AI
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Library Module: Luminar 4 vs Luminar AI
- Presets: Looks vs Templates
- Edit Panel: Tools and Adjustments
- Creative Panel: Controls and Effects
- Portrait Panel: AI Enhancements
- Professional Panel: Advanced Adjustments
- Optics and Lens Corrections
- Layers and Masking
- Raw File Support
Article:
Luminar 4 vs Luminar AI: A Detailed Comparison
Introduction
Luminar, the popular photo editing software, has been a favorite among photographers for its powerful features and user-friendly interface. With the release of Luminar AI, Skylum Software introduced a new generation of artificial intelligence-powered editing tools. In this article, we will compare the features of Luminar 4 to Luminar AI, exploring the differences and helping You decide if upgrading to Luminar AI is worth it.
Library Module: Luminar 4 vs Luminar AI
The library module is where you import and organize your images. In Luminar 4, this module is called the Library Module, while in Luminar AI, it is called the Catalog Module. While both modules serve the same purpose, there are some differences in functionality. In Luminar 4, you can give images star ratings, color labels, and favorites using keyboard shortcuts. However, in Luminar AI, you can only mark images as favorites, making the catalog module a watered-down version of the library module in Luminar 4.
Presets: Looks vs Templates
Luminar 4 and Luminar AI both offer presets or looks that allow you to Apply different styles and effects to your images. In Luminar 4, these presets are called Looks, while in Luminar AI, they are called Templates. The main difference is that Luminar AI's Templates utilize the built-in artificial intelligence to examine the elements in a scene and recommend templates Based on the image content. This AI-based recommendation feature is not present in Luminar 4's Looks. However, the overall functionality and variety of presets are similar in both versions.
Edit Panel: Tools and Adjustments
The Edit panel in both Luminar 4 and Luminar AI provides a wide range of tools and adjustments for editing your images. While there are slight differences in the placement and naming of some tools, most of the controls remain the same. For example, both versions offer a crop tool, with Luminar 4 providing additional accessibility in the library and canvas panels. Luminar AI's Edit panel also includes the enhanced AI-powered Composition tool, which suggests cropping options based on scene analysis.
Creative Panel: Controls and Effects
In the Creative panel, both Luminar 4 and Luminar AI offer various controls and effects to add creative enhancements to your images. While Luminar AI's Creative panel features an additional AI-powered Atmosphere tool for adjusting fog and haze based on scene depth, Luminar 4's Creative panel includes the Orton effect that enhances image glow and softness. The general functionality and usage of these controls are similar, with both versions providing ample options for creative editing.
Portrait Panel: AI Enhancements
The Portrait panel in Luminar 4 and Luminar AI is specifically designed for enhancing portrait photos. In Luminar 4, there are AI-powered tools like Skin Enhancer and AI Portrait Enhancer. In Luminar AI, these tools are replaced with Face AI and AI Portrait Enhancer, which offer additional features like iris adjustments and body reshaping. Luminar AI's Face AI has improved significantly, making it a more powerful tool for portrait editing compared to Luminar 4.
Professional Panel: Advanced Adjustments
The Professional panel in both Luminar 4 and Luminar AI provides advanced adjustments for fine-tuning your images. While there are some differences in the naming of certain controls, the overall functionality remains the same. Luminar AI includes an enhanced Super Contrast tool, which is equivalent to Luminar 4's Advanced Contrast, along with other essential adjustments like color harmonies, split toning, and color balance. Both versions offer a comprehensive set of tools for advanced editing.
Optics and Lens Corrections
In Luminar 4, the Optics panel allows you to correct lens distortions and apply lens-specific adjustments. Luminar AI, on the other HAND, splits this functionality between the Composition AI Tool and the Professional panel. The Composition AI tool includes controls for correcting verticals and horizontals, while the Professional panel offers lens corrections, defringing, and other optics adjustments. The naming and placement of these controls may differ, but the overall functionality is similar in both versions.
Layers and Masking
One significant difference between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI is the availability of layers. Luminar 4 supports layers, allowing you to Create adjustment layers and edit specific parts of an image. Luminar AI, however, does not have a dedicated layers feature. Instead, it offers local masking, which allows you to create up to 10 different local masks. While local masking provides similar functionality to layers, it may not be as flexible and versatile as working with layers in Luminar 4.
Raw File Support
Another crucial factor to consider when comparing Luminar 4 and Luminar AI is raw file support. Luminar AI's compatibility with different camera models and raw file formats may vary compared to Luminar 4. It is recommended to check if your camera model is supported by Luminar AI before making a decision. Raw file support determines the quality and flexibility of photo editing, as working with raw files allows for more control over image adjustments and preserves higher image quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luminar AI brings several improvements and new AI-powered features compared to Luminar 4. However, it also comes with some limitations, such as the absence of layers and certain adjustments. Before upgrading to Luminar AI, consider your specific editing needs, including the availability of raw file support, the importance of layers, and the advantages of AI-powered enhancements. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on the individual preferences and requirements of each photographer.
Highlights:
- Comparison of features between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI
- Differences in library module, presets, edit panel, creative panel, portrait panel, professional panel, optics, layers, and raw file support
- Luminar AI's AI-powered enhancements and template recommendations
- Considerations for upgrading to Luminar AI based on individual editing needs and preferences
FAQ:
Q: Does Luminar AI support layers like Luminar 4?
A: No, Luminar AI does not have a dedicated layers feature. Instead, it offers local masking for editing specific parts of an image.
Q: Can I still use presets from Luminar 4 in Luminar AI?
A: Yes, you can use the same presets in Luminar AI, but they are referred to as templates in the new version.
Q: Are there any differences in the portrait editing capabilities between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI?
A: Luminar AI's Portrait panel offers enhanced AI-powered tools, including iris adjustments and body reshaping, making it more advanced for portrait editing.
Q: Does Luminar AI support the same raw file formats as Luminar 4?
A: Luminar AI's raw file support may differ compared to Luminar 4. It is recommended to check if your camera model is supported before upgrading.
