Luminar Neo - Detailed Review

Luminar Neo Overview

Luminar Neo, developed by Skylum, is a powerful photo editing software that leverages AI to simplify and enhance the editing process. Here are the main features and how they work:

AI-Powered Masking

Luminar Neo’s AI Masking tool uses artificial intelligence to automatically identify and select different elements within an image. This feature saves time by eliminating the need for manual masking, although it may occasionally require manual adjustments to perfect the selection. The AI examines the image, correctly selects elements like water or other objects, and allows for further refinement using the brush tool.

AI Enhancement

The Enhance AI feature is a quick solution for improving images without extensive editing. It uses two sliders to adjust the image, often resulting in a more vibrant, HDR-style photo. However, it can oversaturate the image, so it’s best used judiciously.

Sky Replacement

The SkyAI tool allows for seamless sky replacement. It analyzes the image, adjusts reflections in water, and corrects overexposed or blown-out skies. Users can choose from various sky options to add drama and color to their photos.

Structure AI

Structure AI enhances the clarity and detail of an image. It works by analyzing the image and applying adjustments to bring out more texture and depth, making it particularly useful for landscape and architectural photography.

Powerlines and Dust Removal

This feature uses AI to remove unwanted elements like power lines and dust from images. It substitutes pixels seamlessly, ensuring the erased sections blend naturally with the rest of the image.

Sunrays

The Sunrays tool lets you add realistic sun rays or glow to your images. You can manually place and adjust the sunrays, changing settings like length, radius, warmth, and penetration. This feature is useful for fixing blown-out light areas and adding a natural sun effect.

Magic Light AI

Magic Light AI, available with the extension pack, manipulates artificial light sources like street lamps. It identifies light sources accurately and allows for refinement using mask settings, simulating the effect of costly lenses.

Relight AI

Relight AI analyzes the scene in three dimensions, creating a 3D map to spread light naturally across the 2D image. While it can achieve good results, it may not always outperform simpler methods like using masks in Photoshop.

Portrait Tools

Luminar Neo includes several tools for portrait photography. The Face AI tool identifies and selectively works on the eyes, mouth, teeth, and skin, allowing for enhancements like adding Bokeh and improving facial features. Other tools like Skin AI and Body AI further refine the portrait editing process.

Panorama Stitching

This feature allows you to combine panoramic photos at different exposures. It is particularly useful for drone photography and other scenarios where panoramic shots are common.

Object Erasure

The Erase tool removes unwanted elements from images using a sophisticated algorithm. It substitutes pixels seamlessly, ensuring the erased sections integrate naturally with the rest of the image. This tool is accessed via the editing menu and uses a brush shape to erase unwanted parts.

Photo Sharpener

The Supersharp AI extension distinguishes between different types of blur (like camera shake or subject motion) and sharpens the image accordingly. It adjusts the depth of field to keep the main subject in focus while maintaining a soft background.

Color Grading With AI

Luminar Neo’s color grading tools allow you to alter the visual tone of your images. You can manipulate colors, apply filters for color correction and cinematic grading, and save presets for future use. This feature makes color grading effortless and creative.

Background Remover

The Background Remover tool uses AI to distinguish between the subject and the background. You can remove the background, swap it for a solid color, or blur it. This tool works well with other features like Sky Replacement and Object Removal.

Integration with Lightroom and Photoshop

Luminar Neo can be integrated with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, allowing for round-trip editing. You can export images from Lightroom to Luminar for AI-enhanced editing and then return the edited images to your Lightroom catalog.

Non-Destructive Editing

Luminar Neo offers non-destructive editing, similar to Lightroom. All edits are applied to new layers, allowing you to go back and edit them at any time. This feature ensures that your original image remains intact while you experiment with different edits.

Each of these features leverages AI to streamline the editing process, making it easier and faster to achieve professional-looking results, whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer.