PhotoKit OutPut Print Sharpener vs. Nik 7 Output sharpener

[Josh-H]

Has anyone done a direct comparison? Just wondering how Nik stacks up as an alternative given that PK is no longer supported in current versions of PS CC.

Edit - Ive just done an initial comparison (can still get PK working in PS 2025) using Nik's default of 100% vs. PK Output shows that they are extremely close viewed under a graphic lite workstation - blind test, impossible to pick. I'll need to spend more time on more prints with a loupe to make any definitive decision.

One thing I quite like in Nik's offering is the optional local contrast slider. It's one more thing to set - but local contrast can often help optimise a print and it's a nice option to have there.

[Ryan Mack]

I’ve been using nik output for years on all my prints. I can’t compare but I’m happy with the results as long as you are watching for things getting too sharp and dial it down or mask out some regions. Especially with sharpening happening earlier in the process like enhanced DNG or topaz you can end up with crunchy noisy stuff that doesn’t look natural.

[JCD]

PhotoKit sharpener has been a part of Lightroom for years now.

If you know how to use it Topaz Photo Ai has unbelievable capability. It’s difficult to judge on the screen but prints beautifully on my 9570. Need to do print tests initially to get a feel for it. And it’s only going to improve.







quote author=Josh-H link=topic=144084.msg1262016#msg1262016 date=1730578031]
Has anyone done a direct comparison? Just wondering how Nik stacks up as an alternative given that PK is no longer supported in current versions of PS CC.

Edit - Ive just done an initial comparison (can still get PK working in PS 2025) using Nik's default of 100% vs. PK Output shows that they are extremely close viewed under a graphic lite workstation - blind test, impossible to pick. I'll need to spend more time on more prints with a loupe to make any definitive decision.

One thing I quite like in Nik's offering is the optional local contrast slider. It's one more thing to set - but local contrast can often help optimise a print and it's a nice option to have there.
[/quote]

[wickedweather]

PhotoKit sharpener has been a part of Lightroom for years now.

If you know how to use it Topaz Photo Ai has unbelievable capability. It’s difficult to judge on the screen but prints beautifully on my 9570. Need to do print tests initially to get a feel for it. And it’s only going to improve.







quote author=Josh-H link=topic=144084.msg1262016#msg1262016 date=1730578031]
Has anyone done a direct comparison? Just wondering how Nik stacks up as an alternative given that PK is no longer supported in current versions of PS CC.

Edit - Ive just done an initial comparison (can still get PK working in PS 2025) using Nik's default of 100% vs. PK Output shows that they are extremely close viewed under a graphic lite workstation - blind test, impossible to pick. I'll need to spend more time on more prints with a loupe to make any definitive decision.

One thing I quite like in Nik's offering is the optional local contrast slider. It's one more thing to set - but local contrast can often help optimise a print and it's a nice option to have there.

I'm pretty annoyed at DXO for removing the negative control points from the NIK collection. It made applying sharpening to certain parts a lot easier/intuitive.