Photo Software News for October 19

A new browser-based version of Luminar has been released, bringing RAW processing and several of Skylum’s familiar editing tools to the web. There are also a couple of smaller releases worth knowing about: fixes to Exposure’s rendering on Apple Silicon Macs and a revised preview system in Topaz Gigapixel.

Luminar brings RAW editing to the browser

Skylum launched Luminar on Web on 15 October, offering browser-based RAW editing alongside tools including GenErase, photo restoration, sky replacement and Light Depth lighting adjustments. Its launch announcement also states that there will be cross-device synchronisation, with basic functionality available free and full access advertised at US$69.

For photographers who move between different computers or devices, it’s easy to understand why this might be useful: being able to access your editing software without having to install an application. Whether it becomes useful for more demanding work will depend on how well it works, and things like camera support, export quality, responsiveness and how reliably edits move between devices.

I had a quick try of it, and it does work, but the Free trial requires you to sign up with a credit card, so - not doing that - and the basic edits are a bit slow (but still usable), to be honest. Still, in a pinch, if you’re a Luminar user, I can see this being quite useful. I haven’t really been keeping up with Luminar recently, but I must have another look at it. If you use it regularly, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Exposure X7 addresses incorrect rendering on Apple Silicon

Exposure X7 version 7.3.1, released on 14 October, fixes a problem with Shadow and Highlight adjustments not rendering correctly when using GPU acceleration on Apple Silicon Macs. The update also addresses scattered white pixels in the shadows of monochrome RAW files, including those from the Leica Q2 Monochrom. Both changes appear in the official release notes. Exposure Software. The release also fixes preset-related error messages when Exposure is used as a Photoshop or Lightroom plug-in, addresses several crashes and adds Canon EOS R3 support.

I actually thought that they stopped making this application. I used to use it ages ago, and it showed promise, but then for a while they hadn’t updated it. I miss the old alien skin plug-ins that Exposure evolved from, but I must give the application itself another try. They seem to be a bit slow at adding camera support, mind you. My Canon R6II was only added this year, and that’s a three-year-old camera that has already been superseded. And incidentally, I tried the trial version, and despite supposedly being supported, it still doesn’t see RAW files from my Canon.

Gigapixel moves previews to the GPU

Topaz released Gigapixel 1.4.0 on 12 October, with changes aimed at making large-image previews faster. The updated preview system uses the GPU, while a preference allows users to return to the previous behaviour. The release also fixes Autopilot stalling when reloading an image and updates Topaz’s processing backend for Mac support. Topaz’s announcement describes this as a performance and reliability release. Topaz Community

For photographers preparing large prints, preview speed can have a considerable effect on the editing process. Comparing settings becomes tedious when every adjustment requires a lengthy wait, so a faster preview could be useful even without a new enhancement model.

There are still limitations to bear in mind. Topaz lists known colour issues involving images with Apple’s wide-colour sharing profile and CMYK export-queue thumbnails. Those make colour consistency worth checking when evaluating the update, alongside the speed improvements.

Bonus Gear News!! Fujifilm updates its square-format Instax camera

Fujifilm announced the instax SQUARE 2 on 14 October, with availability scheduled from 28 October. It is joined by SOFT HAZE square-format film, which Fujifilm says uses a newly developed emulsion to produce softer light effects and warmer colour tones. The official announcement covers both products. Funnily enough, I never actually dipped my toe in the Instax pool, being more of a Polaroid man myself!

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