Hello! Glad to see you are continuing doing videos. This Luminar full version Neo version 1.0 is, in my opinion, the worse Luminar version to this point. I did not purchase Luminar AI. I still use Luminar 4 as a Lightroom plug-in. Although there is a lot of improvement in some areas in NEO over Luminar 4, there are a lot of missing features in Luminar Neo--many highlighted here in your video. Therefore, I would hesitate to give a full endorsement to NEO as a standalone to those wanting to use it as their complete image editing vis-a-vis other options RIGHT NOW. I also am not a fan of creating a NEW photo editor every year and withdrawing updates for previous versions and having missing features and limited compatibility from previous models. This is not a good business model. Skylum is known for overpromising some features and underdelivering some features. I am hoping that all promised features will be available before another product to be purchased is created. I have just started with NEO so I am using it as a Lightroom plug-in and am keeping my fingers crossed.
I really liked your free training course for Luminar AI so as a way to thank you for all your help I have ordered your Luminar Neo course. Looking forward to it.
I like the layers option back in the latest iteration. What I don't like and cannot work without is the dodge and burn tool. This needs to go back in and quickly.
I've played with it a bit since getting the early bird version a week ago. Overall I like it, but the first thing I noticed is the lack of a histogram. I don't consider that an optional tool so I don't understand why it wasn't added from the get-go. I've come to rely on the clipping warnings. I also preferred the sliding before/after tool, but not a deal breaker. Since I've waited this long, I personally would rather have waited another month or so in order to have these things included with my first installation. I like all the changes you're suggesting so please continue the conversations with them.
Thanks Vivian, will do. I agree the histogram and clipping warnings are MUST-HAVES and I have told them as much. But it's not just me in these meeting, several other partners have given the same feedback - so hopefully it will be in the first update.
Thank you Darlene. A couple of things I was hoping to see in version 1, but not available yet. 1. Tool to add watermarks 2. Auto detection of the camera/lens profile. If the profiles are not already downloaded, it should prompt to download. DXO Photolab 5 does an excellent job. All in all I think NEO has change the landscape of photo editing… We will be seeing other software companies starting to adopt and bring new features.
Hi Vimal - yes those would be nice to have as well. You can use layers to add a watermark now, but it doesn't recognize transparency I noticed so that needs to be fixed. But if your logo is black for example, just make the blend mode darken and it should work. I agree about camera profiles, needs an easy way to install them or update.
Thanks for the video Darlene! It does no good to "complain" but like many others, I will voice my opinion that Skylum should never have done a pre-order which resulted in a very delayed delivery date only to deliver a product that is incomplete. As a customer, I would have been preferred to be told "Coming in 2022, Luminar NEO which can do X,Y & Z" and have left it at that...then when it was tested and 99% finished, then sell it to us. I won't use it until it is finished, and I hope your NEO course will be based on a more completed version of the software, or at least give us updates as features get fixed/added in. Frankly, I am still having problems with Luminar AI after a year and a half of using it - it crashes a lot and sucks up my memory amongst other weird things. I hope Luminar AI continues to get attention and updates for those of us who want to keep using that product. I am a faithful customer and I also have no desire to use Photoshop or Lightroom so I will remain patient but due to the poor rollout of this product I think Skylum has to take a look at their marketing strategy and make better decisions in the future and perhaps put out a press release to their customers apologizing for the disappointments. There are a lot of people on the daily Luminar Coffee Break that have great ideas and can offer input (I'm sure many did using the beta-version) in the creation of this product. I'm not a CEO nor do I have a marketing degree but my common sense tells me all of this could have been avoided:). Back to being positive, I look forward to continuing my editing journey with you, Rob and all the DPM peeps.
Yeah I agree 100%. May I share your comment with them? Many of the team know you from the coffee breaks and I think your comments would have a lot of weight. As for my course - yes. I will start with what we have to work with now and add lessons later as features are updated. So you'll get ALL of it. But it makes my job of making this course hard - now can you see why I had to delay my release too?
Hi Darlene. I am an early subscriber and a windows user and not to mention always on Luminar coffee break. I really enjoyed your presentation. I already mentioned to Skylum that I would like a progress bar as sometimes it takes a several seconds for an edit change to appear or it is so fast that you are unsure if occurred more so if the edit is minor. For now I will continue to use Luminar AI and play with Neo. I am not a user of Photoshop or Lightroom and only got into editing in the last couple of years and still learning. I do like to use Templates as a starting point sometimes. I picked up on the fact that Presets (aka templates) affects edits already done. I wonder if perhaps Presets should be listed before tools and edits since it overrides edits. Thank you for the review.
I agree a progress bar or something to indicate it's working would be good. I also agree there are several issues with this version. It's incomplete but I'm hoping for an update fairly soon
Totally agree with your comment on the fact that when you reopen a tool under "Edits", the effect of all other tools on top of it disappears; i.e., it's very difficult to adjust a tool under "Edits" if you don't really know what the overall effect will be. I was hoping they would resolve this issue on 1.0.1; now I hope they will keep working on it and correct it asap because apart from it, I think Luminar Neo's got some very cool features.
I have the ore release copy, I find it interesting to say the least. One feature I would like would be the ability to rename edits in the history. In the case that I use an edit multiple times, to be able to name them, Foreground, Sky, People or whatever in case I need to revisit one. Thanks for your insights & taking the time to make these videos!
Yeah renaming, that's a great idea. I can see that being handy. For example applying a color edit to desaturate reds say, and masking it to one area. Then applying another color edit for something else. Did you mean "early release"?
Also, a video on your Neo workflow would be great! Actually, a step or two before that. Maybe how to organize folders to get ready for Neo. Then identifying favs. I'm sure I'll come up with more ideas. Thanks
Very helpful, especially as I had not used Neo much since the early beta versions. I am not sure whether Presets were there back then and I didn't notice or realise they were the same as Templates, or if they added them since, but that plus quite a few other features that have been added or brought across from AI are positives. All the cons you mention are a concern, and I hope that those features which are still missing are returned quite soon. It does feel a bit faster than AI on my PC but the export stage is still slow, and I find it irritating that it waits quite a few seconds before asking if you want to replace the previous image file or create a new one. Like Vance in the previous comment, I'm not convinced by Luminar's marketing strategy, but some of the new tools like dust and power line removal and are worth the money I paid for the pre-realease.
Great video Darlene, that answered many of the questions I had after using it for a couple of hours, especially on how confusing the Edit history is being handled. This is really like serving pizza with just the base - not sure if many missing items are going to be straight forward, like adding the toppings, or it is going to be a compromise!! Based on your comment that the team is very receptive to feedback, I am hoping for the best. I really like the program and have been using this program since Luminar 4. Also, I noticed a different layout in your version where Menu items are neatly lined up on top row, like it is everywhere else. In my version, I have to click Luminar Neo logo on the top left hand corner that opens up the menu items like Fie, Image, View, etc., I find it very annoying - my version is 1.0.1 (9236). One of the other things that is missing is Image details including camera settings used for the photo, that I saw in the previous version of the Neo, before this launch version. I am really hoping that they will bring all these back. Eagerly waiting for your next video with whatever updates you are going to provide on adding missing items and thanking you in advance for your efforts! Just adding - I am using a Windows Laptop. When I click Preferences under File Menu, nothing gets shown up other than a check box agreeing to Skylum collecting data for analytical research purposes. There is no Histogram under Curves for me.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Yes, I was and even after reducing the size, I still do not see. In fact, Windows behaves differently in how they display menu bar compared to Macbook and I see where you are coming from. Thanks again.
I only downloaded it yesterday, after having not received an email as I used to do for earlier upgrades. The main reason I wanted this upgrade is the removal of telegraph lines b/c I've spent painstakingly long hours trying to do something similar in Photoshop. Apart from that, at this stage I can't ask for anything else. Thank you for your review
@@DigitalPhotoMentor I have been and picked up my copy. I tried to eradicate power lines and couldn't find out where to do that so it was timely that I'd seen your demonstration. All good to go now that I've revisited your video.
@@robynaldridge8304 It's in the Erase tool. Have you considered getting my course on Luminar Neo? I am releasing it this week. www.digitalphotomentor.com/luminar-neo-course/
I got NEO because of the advertsing about automatic masking and getting rid of power lines. I use ON1 Photo RAW now and I really like having blending modes on every Effect and can see the masking. I don't see me changing from ON1 because of the lack of mulitiple masks and the flexibility of blending options.
By multiple masks you mean the radial and graduated ones that are missing? They will be back soon. What do you mean about blend modes? I tested On1 and not sure what you mean.
Hi Darlene. Thanks for this preview. You mentioned that there will be/should be updates to the program. Will there be an additional cost for the updates?
No updates this year are all included. Usually it's a one year span and version 1.xx. For example 1.0.1 I believe is already coming out, and any that start with 1 are included. When they go to 2.0.0 then I think that's a paid upgrade, but again will be about a year at my best estimate.
Hi Darlene...great training video, there seems to be quite a few bugs that Luminar Neo will need to address...but I do like what I see. Working in layers is such a benefit. I have my copy of my Luminar Neo and have it loaded on my computer. I want to sign up for your training sessions with Neo...where should I look for the registration form. Thanks ...
The 3D adjustments in the Crop feature need to be put back!!! I got comfortable making adjustments in post with Luminar, but now I don't know... back to in camera, or, not use NEO at all. Darlene, I know you are an ambassador for the software and appreciate your tutorials; but buying NEW software with LESS functionality than the prior version it's supposed to replace doesn't make any sense, and there are many missing features. At least they brought layers back this time. I made the choice to go with Luminar several years ago to avoid the learning curve on Lightroom and the recurring fees. I've come to really doubt my choice given the frequent re-platforms made over the years by Skylum. You gotta admit... there have been many! I know they needed to re-platform given how cumbersome the code was getting, but jeez, they need to give their loyal customers a little appreciation. Gotta say, not feeling the love. Anyway, thanks for listening.
I totally get it! I'm not super impressed they released it with so much missing myself. How am I supposed to make a course and teach people how to use it when it's not complete? It's been frustrating from a partner's perspective as well. We were also not allowed to post videos about V1.0 until today - that's why you see so many now. But early-birds had it last week.
Darlene-Thanks for the review. I do have the release and would like to hear how the interface with PS and LR works. For example, in LR does Luminar Neo allow for the develop module to work in raw? What is the preferred workflow with LR and Neo? Same question for PS? Thanks.
I actually covered that in a video I did a while back. The same applies to Luminar Neo as what I demonstrated there with Luminar AI. ua-cam.com/video/biwk4jhmm58/v-deo.html
Thanks for the great overview, Darlene. Just one heads-up; Windows users CAN'T see the Histogram in the Curves Tool (inside Develop), only Mac users can. So, for us Windows folk the lack of a standalone Histogram is an especially frustrating omission in V 1.0....
Many thanks, Darlene. I do have one question. I'm a bit confused about the Layers function. In your demonstration you used a layer to add a texture. Can you use Layers to make an individual adjustment to contrast, for example, as you can with a Curve Layer in Photoshop?
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Many thanks, Darlene. I appreciate you and others pushing Skylum. Hopefully, true layers will be one of the features they will add to the software. Also, as for Neo as it exists, I don't know how they can call it professional level photo editing software without a histogram. I will probably purchase in the future if and when improvements are added -- especially if they work on a PC platform. But, for now, I'll save my money.
@@johna.benigno4172 I actually think it's not aimed at professionals. Does it say that in their marketing somewhere? I think it's aimed at amateurs and hobby photographers. But fair points. Take care
@@DigitalPhotoMentor You may be right about "professional", Darlene. I vaguely remember a reference to this in very early marketing materials, but I could be mistaken.
Thanks for this video, that clearly gives a clear picture of some of the strengths and some of the cons. What I would like to know about is how to integrate Neo into a LR Classic workflow, since many of the tools Neo provides are not in LR, but the tools that are similar seem to me to have a more professional approach with LR. I'm an experienced photographer with some editing knowledge and really wish to keep Neo as an add-on, not as a main developer tool. So I'd like to know how best to achieve that.
I have bought neo on pre order, could you do a run through from importing to the library to simple adjustment. To see your workflow. Many thanks James.
I have purchased Neo but haven’t had time to explore it. I am also new to any kind of photo editing, having only used Luminar AI and only for a few months. I have a question about ‘layers’ . Will this work as a kind of focus stacking? Can I shoot , say, 2 landscapes one with foreground in focus and one the distant object and merge them in layers? Also, could I shoot maybe 6/7 macro shots at different focus and combine them in layers?
Thanks for the information and tutorial. I just purchased NEO and so far it appears to be okay. One item I cannot find information on is how to remove the background in a photo. there is a 30-second one-click instruction but there is no way to locate or determine how this is used. How is this done?
Hi Wayne, that feature hasn't been added yet. It will be coming with the first major update. But when that happens is unsure now because of the current situation in Ukraine - that is where Skylum is based and most of their staff live and work. Have you bought my Luminar Neo course yet? It's being recorded right now and and the first few videos will be out in a day or two. It's available for pre-order here: www.digitalphotomentor.com/luminar-neo-course/
Darlene, this is Ed - I just downloaded Neo and ready to start editing. I use Windows so wondering how I can maintain my file structure when I pull all my photos into catalog. Great review video like do Develop first! Thanks
I have a couple of questions. Can it be used as a plug in for PS? Also, is the catalog like Lightroom where you have to import your file into the catalog or can you just open files like you do in ACR. Thanks.
Yes you can use it as a plug in for Photoshop and Lightroom. And yes it's a catalog like LR. You can add a single image and edit it. But you have to export to have the edits apply, again same as LR
Yes I have taken a leap of faith and bought NEO on the strength of what I hope it will become. I like Skylum and I have used Luminar 4 and Aurora for some time along side Adobe photoshop. I really want neo to succeed and I really want to escape the clutches of the adobe subscription trap. It has a number of much improved AI features over Luminar4 so I’m hopeful that it acquires the other good features of Luminar4. However both still lack a couple of crucial functions if it is to offer a proper alternative to PS and LR. Maybe you have some insight ? I need to be able to exposure merge using layers. I need to focus stack using layers. Auto - ok but manually is my preference using a layer mask. Both require the ability to auto align layers - like Aurora already does, but their other editors do not. Is this likely to appear at some point do you think ? A pano tool would be great also. The software needs a complete set of functional tools (even if they are manual) before it needs all the bells and whistles of the AI enhancements, as welcome as these are, they are for nought if the car has no wheels !
As far as I know, exposure blend, pano, and focus stacking are not currently on the roadmap for Neo. Exposure merge with layers, you can kinda do that now. You can add an image as a layer on top, change the blend mode, and mask it. I agree auto-align is needed.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Thanks for the reply 😊 … it would be a shame if neo falls down on the few missing essentials. It kinda relegates it to a supporting role as a plug-in rather than the stand alone suite that it could be. 🤷♂
Hi Darlene . I have been a Adobe P Shop and Light room Subscriber but now I have retired on Pension I am looking at getting something that doesnt cost me every month >> watching the pennies!! QUESTION I do Landscape Panoramas >> can Luminar NEO do Stitching , for example and Stacking with Sequator etc ??
I pre-ordered luminar neo. But I'm such a beginner, my question might not make sense. But could I put my raw image into luminar ai, and then import it into neo and work on it there?
No, and you wouldn't want to do that. Pick one software and run with it. For now I'd say open it in Luminar AI and do your edits there. Neo is still missing a lot of stuff - have you signed up for my Luminar Neo course? I will be covering EVERYTHING you'll need to know to use it, and as new things get added I'll add new videos to the course. www.digitalphotomentor.com/product/luminar-neo-the-complete-course/
Thanks for the overview. The Layers implementation is weak. You cannot even duplicate a layer. Also, when adding a layer Neo does not respect the original size or orientation of the image but crops it to the layer below. PRESETs WARNING: if you add any filters and make adjustments before trying a Preset when clicking on a Preset ALL OF YOUR EDITS are ERASED! This is very poor design. For now, you need to make a duplicate layer by loading the original image as a new layer and applying the Preset to the new layer. Also, Presets are black boxes. In LR, for example, Presets are like macros that move a bunch of sliders at once. In Neo you have NO IDEA what the Preset did because it acts more like a LUT in that you cannot see any filters used or sliders moved.
The audio is really bad with a booming noise that should like the MIc on a desk that makes it hard to watch this video. Great info about NEO. Luminar needs to add Watermarks and Bulk processing like Adobe Lightroom plus all the missing tools from Luminar AI. NEO is great hobby photographer editing for digital photo processing
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Really great info and I have been sending Skylum every time they ask the same response of what they need to add and now after 4 years of no Watermarks and Bulk processing like Adobe Lightroom its time, just like the Italian's always say is "forget about it" Plus Adobe is listening and adding real photographer tools for bulk processing and have had watermarks for years.
@@GoapprStudios That is true but for many people (hobby photographers for the most part) Adobe is more than they need and they don't want to pay the ransom to have it.
Skylum come across as a company that are clueless. Lost count of all the messages I have sent and seen from other users with same continuous crashes that I experience. This would be my 3rd Lumiinar product and already in the video we find out it is missing absoliute basics like histogram. I am not going to move to a sub model but it is likely I will leave luminar for a competitor (question is finding the best one) as a great producty on paper is no good if it keeps breaking down in practise. So frustrating and the company seems to not care less given the same issues remain unresolved for at least 4 years
I totally get it. I reviewed On1 raw hoping to find something suitable for people in your camp. I really disliked it. I have ACDSee and will be testing it soon.
This is by far the worst release of a program in the history of my lifetime. I have seen horrible video game releases, No Man's Sky, Cyberpunk, but LUMINAR NEO has got to take the cake as the Battlefield 2042 of editing software releases. You have singlehandedly killed your market and I will now stop supporting due to the COMPLETE AND EASY TO SPOT money grab that Luminar Neo is. This is literally Luminar AI copy pasted with some edits... Literally nothing changed. Sorry but this is honest feedback. Looking at 99% of the comments, it's OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE. Everyone across the board agrees that this is a money grab... Please do not buy!
You are entitled to your opinion, and I have given several of the cons and talked about what is missing and issues. Could they have waited to release it - sure. But then people would be complaining that they want it faster. 99% of the comments on my video here I actually see as positive so let's do a list: Positives: - one click dust and powerline removal - layers is back - Skylum is a company you can actually reach and talk to, that asks their partners like me for input and listens. Adobe has NEVER asked me for my opinion, nor have I ever had a zoom meeting with 3 Adobe team members on the call, including the CEO - I have been on such meetings with Skylum - now you can use one tool multiple times, like we could in Luminar 4 - you can now get it for less than $60/year, Adobe is double that as are most other editing software. If you want stuff faster and better - are you willing to pay twice as much so they can double their team? Negatives: - lots of stuff missing in this version for sure - a few bugs have been found - it's slower than expected Neutral - people complain about Skylum support but have you ever tried to get any help at all from Adobe? It's almost impossible or they want you to pay for it. And their photography package is twice the price. So it's up to you if you if you want to stick with Luminar Neo - if not, that's totally fine. But just understand that others may make a different choice based on their own individual needs.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor if I go into edit and I want for example change the develope values then I can see other step (changes) that I did in a later time in the edit. How stupid is that? That's only one of the many flaws in Neo.
Typical affiliate review! Tell it how it is with Neo at the moment. People are going to invest in this software and a lot of them will be severely disappointed. Like many many users are already.
I did do that. I gave pros and cons and said what is missing. If you look at the comments below though, there are maybe 3 negative ones including yours. So my subscribers seem to be having a good or better experience. Yes many people are disappointed and unhappy. But in my experience after 33 years in business - it's usually ONLY the people who are unhappy that tell others about it. People who are happy just don't talk about it, because they're too busy just doing the thing. So it often seems skewed to "most" users are unhappy when in fact that is not the case.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor hmmmmm ok!? Have a look at the comments on Jim Nix's channel. Also have you seen Matt Suess's review? If you believe having only a few negative comments on your channel, means nothing, that's up to you. You're only going to impact your credibility as an "honest" reviewer. But you're not being totally honest. Skylum should have delayed the launch of Neo. Yes they would have gotten flack for it. But no where near as much as they are now. Have a good day.
@@keithk9472 I didn't say I didn't agree with that, and yes I've seen both of their videos. If you watched Jim's you'll notice he didn't give a scathing review either. Matt tends to go to the other end of the spectrum. I tend to be optimistic. I've also pre-sold almost 100 copies of a Neo course I'm currently building. So you do you, and I'll do me. But don't come to my channel and try to discredit me with my fans. If you are not a fan - that's fine. Go watch someone else's videos. But you do not have the right to come here and tell me that DO like my videos and my teaching otherwise. Good day.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor I'm not tying to discredit you. You'll discredit yourself promoting an unfinished, underwhelming release of neo. That, at the moment, a lot of users who buy it now, will be disappointed. I haven't said anything about your business skills. I'm merely pointing out, your review is flawed and omitting the fact of the missing basic adjustments that are in payed and even free image editor's. These adjustments should be in there as standard. I'm not trying to troll you posting in your channel. I'm posting to let other possible purchases of neo to beware and wait until it's fixed before they buy it.
They should never released this crap. In windows a lot of stuff missing like Undo Redo. Clone and a lot of other stuff that are simple but necessary in editing.
The program is unusable in its current form, when compared to AI or L4. I've bailed on it and asked for a refund. Let's see where this program is in a year.
Hello! Glad to see you are continuing doing videos. This Luminar full version Neo version 1.0 is, in my opinion, the worse Luminar version to this point. I did not purchase Luminar AI. I still use Luminar 4 as a Lightroom plug-in. Although there is a lot of improvement in some areas in NEO over Luminar 4, there are a lot of missing features in Luminar Neo--many highlighted here in your video. Therefore, I would hesitate to give a full endorsement to NEO as a standalone to those wanting to use it as their complete image editing vis-a-vis other options RIGHT NOW. I also am not a fan of creating a NEW photo editor every year and withdrawing updates for previous versions and having missing features and limited compatibility from previous models. This is not a good business model. Skylum is known for overpromising some features and underdelivering some features. I am hoping that all promised features will be available before another product to be purchased is created. I have just started with NEO so I am using it as a Lightroom plug-in and am keeping my fingers crossed.
You have valid points for sure.
No dodge and burn option. Not for me.
I really liked your free training course for Luminar AI so as a way to thank you for all your help I have ordered your Luminar Neo course. Looking forward to it.
Thanks so much. Working on it!!
Thanks, Darlene, this was a big help. I wasn't sure how to use Layers ... you cleared that up. I'll be back!
You're welcome
I like the layers option back in the latest iteration. What I don't like and cannot work without is the dodge and burn tool. This needs to go back in and quickly.
You can just use the Develop tool add in lower exposure for burning, mask where you want it. Do another woth increased exposure for dodging
I've played with it a bit since getting the early bird version a week ago. Overall I like it, but the first thing I noticed is the lack of a histogram. I don't consider that an optional tool so I don't understand why it wasn't added from the get-go. I've come to rely on the clipping warnings. I also preferred the sliding before/after tool, but not a deal breaker. Since I've waited this long, I personally would rather have waited another month or so in order to have these things included with my first installation. I like all the changes you're suggesting so please continue the conversations with them.
Thanks Vivian, will do. I agree the histogram and clipping warnings are MUST-HAVES and I have told them as much. But it's not just me in these meeting, several other partners have given the same feedback - so hopefully it will be in the first update.
Thanks Darlene. This sure helps navigate the changes from Luminar 4.
Welcome
Thank you Darlene. A couple of things I was hoping to see in version 1, but not available yet.
1. Tool to add watermarks
2. Auto detection of the camera/lens profile. If the profiles are not already downloaded, it should prompt to download. DXO Photolab 5 does an excellent job.
All in all I think NEO has change the landscape of photo editing… We will be seeing other software companies starting to adopt and bring new features.
Hi Vimal - yes those would be nice to have as well. You can use layers to add a watermark now, but it doesn't recognize transparency I noticed so that needs to be fixed. But if your logo is black for example, just make the blend mode darken and it should work.
I agree about camera profiles, needs an easy way to install them or update.
Thanks for the video Darlene! It does no good to "complain" but like many others, I will voice my opinion that Skylum should never have done a pre-order which resulted in a very delayed delivery date only to deliver a product that is incomplete. As a customer, I would have been preferred to be told "Coming in 2022, Luminar NEO which can do X,Y & Z" and have left it at that...then when it was tested and 99% finished, then sell it to us. I won't use it until it is finished, and I hope your NEO course will be based on a more completed version of the software, or at least give us updates as features get fixed/added in. Frankly, I am still having problems with Luminar AI after a year and a half of using it - it crashes a lot and sucks up my memory amongst other weird things. I hope Luminar AI continues to get attention and updates for those of us who want to keep using that product. I am a faithful customer and I also have no desire to use Photoshop or Lightroom so I will remain patient but due to the poor rollout of this product I think Skylum has to take a look at their marketing strategy and make better decisions in the future and perhaps put out a press release to their customers apologizing for the disappointments. There are a lot of people on the daily Luminar Coffee Break that have great ideas and can offer input (I'm sure many did using the beta-version) in the creation of this product. I'm not a CEO nor do I have a marketing degree but my common sense tells me all of this could have been avoided:). Back to being positive, I look forward to continuing my editing journey with you, Rob and all the DPM peeps.
Yeah I agree 100%. May I share your comment with them? Many of the team know you from the coffee breaks and I think your comments would have a lot of weight.
As for my course - yes. I will start with what we have to work with now and add lessons later as features are updated. So you'll get ALL of it. But it makes my job of making this course hard - now can you see why I had to delay my release too?
Hi Darlene. I am an early subscriber and a windows user and not to mention always on Luminar coffee break. I really enjoyed your presentation. I already mentioned to Skylum that I would like a progress bar as sometimes it takes a several seconds for an edit change to appear or it is so fast that you are unsure if occurred more so if the edit is minor. For now I will continue to use Luminar AI and play with Neo. I am not a user of Photoshop or Lightroom and only got into editing in the last couple of years and still learning. I do like to use Templates as a starting point sometimes. I picked up on the fact that Presets (aka templates) affects edits already done. I wonder if perhaps Presets should be listed before tools and edits since it overrides edits. Thank you for the review.
I agree a progress bar or something to indicate it's working would be good. I also agree there are several issues with this version. It's incomplete but I'm hoping for an update fairly soon
Totally agree with your comment on the fact that when you reopen a tool under "Edits", the effect of all other tools on top of it disappears; i.e., it's very difficult to adjust a tool under "Edits" if you don't really know what the overall effect will be. I was hoping they would resolve this issue on 1.0.1; now I hope they will keep working on it and correct it asap because apart from it, I think Luminar Neo's got some very cool features.
Yeah it's a bit clunky for sure. We've (Skylum partners) have given them that feedback
I have the ore release copy, I find it interesting to say the least. One feature I would like would be the ability to rename edits in the history. In the case that I use an edit multiple times, to be able to name them, Foreground, Sky, People or whatever in case I need to revisit one.
Thanks for your insights & taking the time to make these videos!
Yeah renaming, that's a great idea. I can see that being handy. For example applying a color edit to desaturate reds say, and masking it to one area. Then applying another color edit for something else. Did you mean "early release"?
Also, a video on your Neo workflow would be great! Actually, a step or two before that. Maybe how to organize folders to get ready for Neo. Then identifying favs. I'm sure I'll come up with more ideas. Thanks
Okay thanks
Very helpful, especially as I had not used Neo much since the early beta versions. I am not sure whether Presets were there back then and I didn't notice or realise they were the same as Templates, or if they added them since, but that plus quite a few other features that have been added or brought across from AI are positives. All the cons you mention are a concern, and I hope that those features which are still missing are returned quite soon. It does feel a bit faster than AI on my PC but the export stage is still slow, and I find it irritating that it waits quite a few seconds before asking if you want to replace the previous image file or create a new one. Like Vance in the previous comment, I'm not convinced by Luminar's marketing strategy, but some of the new tools like dust and power line removal and are worth the money I paid for the pre-realease.
Yeah fair enough. There are issues for sure. But the fact I've had meetings with their team is hopeful.
Great video Darlene, that answered many of the questions I had after using it for a couple of hours, especially on how confusing the Edit history is being handled. This is really like serving pizza with just the base - not sure if many missing items are going to be straight forward, like adding the toppings, or it is going to be a compromise!! Based on your comment that the team is very receptive to feedback, I am hoping for the best. I really like the program and have been using this program since Luminar 4.
Also, I noticed a different layout in your version where Menu items are neatly lined up on top row, like it is everywhere else. In my version, I have to click Luminar Neo logo on the top left hand corner that opens up the menu items like Fie, Image, View, etc., I find it very annoying - my version is 1.0.1 (9236). One of the other things that is missing is Image details including camera settings used for the photo, that I saw in the previous version of the Neo, before this launch version. I am really hoping that they will bring all these back. Eagerly waiting for your next video with whatever updates you are going to provide on adding missing items and thanking you in advance for your efforts!
Just adding - I am using a Windows Laptop.
When I click Preferences under File Menu, nothing gets shown up other than a check box agreeing to Skylum collecting data for analytical research purposes.
There is no Histogram under Curves for me.
Good to know thanks. Is it possible you're in full screen mode?
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Yes, I was and even after reducing the size, I still do not see. In fact, Windows behaves differently in how they display menu bar compared to Macbook and I see where you are coming from. Thanks again.
@@vsnrao36 Sorry not sure then. Emai support@skylum.com
I only downloaded it yesterday, after having not received an email as I used to do for earlier upgrades. The main reason I wanted this upgrade is the removal of telegraph lines b/c I've spent painstakingly long hours trying to do something similar in Photoshop. Apart from that, at this stage I can't ask for anything else. Thank you for your review
No problem. Did you find your copy? Just log into skylum into your account and go to "my software" should be a download there
@@DigitalPhotoMentor I have been and picked up my copy. I tried to eradicate power lines and couldn't find out where to do that so it was timely that I'd seen your demonstration. All good to go now that I've revisited your video.
@@robynaldridge8304 It's in the Erase tool. Have you considered getting my course on Luminar Neo? I am releasing it this week. www.digitalphotomentor.com/luminar-neo-course/
I got NEO because of the advertsing about automatic masking and getting rid of power lines. I use ON1 Photo RAW now and I really like having blending modes on every Effect and can see the masking. I don't see me changing from ON1 because of the lack of mulitiple masks and the flexibility of blending options.
By multiple masks you mean the radial and graduated ones that are missing? They will be back soon. What do you mean about blend modes? I tested On1 and not sure what you mean.
Excellent video.
Thanks
Hi Darlene. Thanks for this preview. You mentioned that there will be/should be updates to the program. Will there be an additional cost for the updates?
No updates this year are all included. Usually it's a one year span and version 1.xx. For example 1.0.1 I believe is already coming out, and any that start with 1 are included. When they go to 2.0.0 then I think that's a paid upgrade, but again will be about a year at my best estimate.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor thank you.
Hi Darlene...great training video, there seems to be quite a few bugs that Luminar Neo will need to address...but I do like what I see. Working in layers is such a benefit. I have my copy of my Luminar Neo and have it loaded on my computer. I want to sign up for your training sessions with Neo...where should I look for the registration form. Thanks ...
You can sign up here www.digitalphotomentor.com/product/luminar-neo-the-complete-course/#description
The 3D adjustments in the Crop feature need to be put back!!! I got comfortable making adjustments in post with Luminar, but now I don't know... back to in camera, or, not use NEO at all.
Darlene, I know you are an ambassador for the software and appreciate your tutorials; but buying NEW software with LESS functionality than the prior version it's supposed to replace doesn't make any sense, and there are many missing features. At least they brought layers back this time.
I made the choice to go with Luminar several years ago to avoid the learning curve on Lightroom and the recurring fees. I've come to really doubt my choice given the frequent re-platforms made over the years by Skylum. You gotta admit... there have been many!
I know they needed to re-platform given how cumbersome the code was getting, but jeez, they need to give their loyal customers a little appreciation. Gotta say, not feeling the love.
Anyway, thanks for listening.
I totally get it! I'm not super impressed they released it with so much missing myself. How am I supposed to make a course and teach people how to use it when it's not complete? It's been frustrating from a partner's perspective as well. We were also not allowed to post videos about V1.0 until today - that's why you see so many now. But early-birds had it last week.
Darlene-Thanks for the review. I do have the release and would like to hear how the interface with PS and LR works. For example, in LR does Luminar Neo allow for the develop module to work in raw? What is the preferred workflow with LR and Neo? Same question for PS? Thanks.
I actually covered that in a video I did a while back. The same applies to Luminar Neo as what I demonstrated there with Luminar AI. ua-cam.com/video/biwk4jhmm58/v-deo.html
Thanks for the great overview, Darlene. Just one heads-up; Windows users CAN'T see the Histogram in the Curves Tool (inside Develop), only Mac users can.
So, for us Windows folk the lack of a standalone Histogram is an especially frustrating omission in V 1.0....
Ah okay good to know thanks
Many thanks, Darlene. I do have one question. I'm a bit confused about the Layers function. In your demonstration you used a layer to add a texture. Can you use Layers to make an individual adjustment to contrast, for example, as you can with a Curve Layer in Photoshop?
Not currently no. That's something many of us have asked for.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Many thanks, Darlene. I appreciate you and others pushing Skylum. Hopefully, true layers will be one of the features they will add to the software. Also, as for Neo as it exists, I don't know how they can call it professional level photo editing software without a histogram. I will probably purchase in the future if and when improvements are added -- especially if they work on a PC platform. But, for now, I'll save my money.
@@johna.benigno4172 I actually think it's not aimed at professionals. Does it say that in their marketing somewhere? I think it's aimed at amateurs and hobby photographers. But fair points. Take care
@@DigitalPhotoMentor You may be right about "professional", Darlene. I vaguely remember a reference to this in very early marketing materials, but I could be mistaken.
Thanks for this video, that clearly gives a clear picture of some of the strengths and some of the cons. What I would like to know about is how to integrate Neo into a LR Classic workflow, since many of the tools Neo provides are not in LR, but the tools that are similar seem to me to have a more professional approach with LR. I'm an experienced photographer with some editing knowledge and really wish to keep Neo as an add-on, not as a main developer tool. So I'd like to know how best to achieve that.
Yes you can use it as a plugin. I explain that in this video. It's with Luminar AI but it's the same process.
ua-cam.com/video/biwk4jhmm58/v-deo.html
Darlene, for your list of FAQs: Does Luminar Neo have AI masking (like Lightroom, e.g., for masking the main subject automatically)? Thanks!
Short answer on that - no not yet but I am hoping that's something they will be adding.
I have bought neo on pre order, could you do a run through from importing to the library to simple adjustment. To see your workflow. Many thanks James.
I will be doing a full tutorial in my Luminar Neo course and will do some quick tips and shorter ones here on UA-cam
I have purchased Neo but haven’t had time to explore it. I am also new to any kind of photo editing, having only used Luminar AI and only for a few months. I have a question about ‘layers’ . Will this work as a kind of focus stacking? Can I shoot , say, 2 landscapes one with foreground in focus and one the distant object and merge them in layers? Also, could I shoot maybe 6/7 macro shots at different focus and combine them in layers?
No focus stacking is not the same as layers. You need Photoshop or another program for that. Neo doesn't currently do focus stacking
Thanks for the information and tutorial. I just purchased NEO and so far it appears to be okay. One item I cannot find information on is how to remove the background in a photo. there is a 30-second one-click instruction but there is no way to locate or determine how this is used. How is this done?
Hi Wayne, that feature hasn't been added yet. It will be coming with the first major update. But when that happens is unsure now because of the current situation in Ukraine - that is where Skylum is based and most of their staff live and work. Have you bought my Luminar Neo course yet? It's being recorded right now and and the first few videos will be out in a day or two. It's available for pre-order here: www.digitalphotomentor.com/luminar-neo-course/
Darlene, this is Ed - I just downloaded Neo and ready to start editing. I use Windows so wondering how I can maintain my file structure when I pull all my photos into catalog. Great review video like do Develop first! Thanks
Not sure what you mean by maintaining your file structure? Neo doesn't alter your file or folder arrangement
I have a couple of questions. Can it be used as a plug in for PS? Also, is the catalog like Lightroom where you have to import your file into the catalog or can you just open files like you do in ACR. Thanks.
Yes you can use it as a plug in for Photoshop and Lightroom. And yes it's a catalog like LR. You can add a single image and edit it. But you have to export to have the edits apply, again same as LR
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Thank you.
Where do you get the camera profiles from like Canon Profiles
You need to google the name of your camera and look for it there. Sorry that was beyond the scope of this video
@@DigitalPhotoMentor thank you 😊
Yes I have taken a leap of faith and bought NEO on the strength of what I hope it will become. I like Skylum and I have used Luminar 4 and Aurora for some time along side Adobe photoshop. I really want neo to succeed and I really want to escape the clutches of the adobe subscription trap.
It has a number of much improved AI features over Luminar4 so I’m hopeful that it acquires the other good features of Luminar4. However both still lack a couple of crucial functions if it is to offer a proper alternative to PS and LR.
Maybe you have some insight ?
I need to be able to exposure merge using layers.
I need to focus stack using layers.
Auto - ok but manually is my preference using a layer mask.
Both require the ability to auto align layers - like Aurora already does, but their other editors do not.
Is this likely to appear at some point do you think ?
A pano tool would be great also.
The software needs a complete set of functional tools (even if they are manual) before it needs all the bells and whistles of the AI enhancements, as welcome as these are, they are for nought if the car has no wheels !
As far as I know, exposure blend, pano, and focus stacking are not currently on the roadmap for Neo. Exposure merge with layers, you can kinda do that now. You can add an image as a layer on top, change the blend mode, and mask it. I agree auto-align is needed.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Thanks for the reply 😊 … it would be a shame if neo falls down on the few missing essentials. It kinda relegates it to a supporting role as a plug-in rather than the stand alone suite that it could be. 🤷♂
Hi Darlene . I have been a Adobe P Shop and Light room Subscriber but now I have retired on Pension I am looking at getting something that doesnt cost me every month >> watching the pennies!! QUESTION I do Landscape Panoramas >> can Luminar NEO do Stitching , for example and Stacking with Sequator etc ??
Hi Peter-my friend bought Affinity as a replacement for Photoshop. Something to check out.
No it doesn't do those things. I haven't heard them mentioned. Perhaps look at ON1 Photo raw it does all that.
Just started using it, pre-ordered in Sep. How to copy the treatment from one image to another or how to save a preset.
Currently those features aren't available but should be added in one of the next updates.
I pre-ordered luminar neo. But I'm such a beginner, my question might not make sense. But could I put my raw image into luminar ai, and then import it into neo and work on it there?
No, and you wouldn't want to do that. Pick one software and run with it. For now I'd say open it in Luminar AI and do your edits there. Neo is still missing a lot of stuff - have you signed up for my Luminar Neo course? I will be covering EVERYTHING you'll need to know to use it, and as new things get added I'll add new videos to the course. www.digitalphotomentor.com/product/luminar-neo-the-complete-course/
Also luminar neo doesn't recognize PNG transparency fil on layers???
I just noticed that today after I did the video. I tried to add my logo. So yes you are right
I now have Luminar Neo and Luminar 4. Is there any reason to keep Luminar 4 installed on my PC?
I'd hang on to it until the conversion tool is made so you can convert your catalog over
No stamp layer in luminar neo???
You can't use eras edit function on a layer???
Stamp layer? Not sure what you mean
@@DigitalPhotoMentor stamp layer to pot all layers together in one layer available in luminar 4.
Thanks for the overview. The Layers implementation is weak. You cannot even duplicate a layer. Also, when adding a layer Neo does not respect the original size or orientation of the image but crops it to the layer below.
PRESETs WARNING: if you add any filters and make adjustments before trying a Preset when clicking on a Preset ALL OF YOUR EDITS are ERASED! This is very poor design. For now, you need to make a duplicate layer by loading the original image as a new layer and applying the Preset to the new layer.
Also, Presets are black boxes. In LR, for example, Presets are like macros that move a bunch of sliders at once. In Neo you have NO IDEA what the Preset did because it acts more like a LUT in that you cannot see any filters used or sliders moved.
I agree with all that.
Can you edit a JPG? They do not appear when I try to add a photo
Yes no problem. I have several in my catalog. Contact support if yours isn't working
No way to find the black or White points !
thanks for the video
No not currently. It's been raised as a big issue to the team
The audio is really bad with a booming noise that should like the MIc on a desk that makes it hard to watch this video. Great info about NEO. Luminar needs to add Watermarks and Bulk processing like Adobe Lightroom plus all the missing tools from Luminar AI. NEO is great hobby photographer editing for digital photo processing
Sorry I did add a note about the audio. My mic was on my desk and pick up keyboard noise. My apologies
@@DigitalPhotoMentor Really great info and I have been sending Skylum every time they ask the same response of what they need to add and now after 4 years of no Watermarks and Bulk processing like Adobe Lightroom its time, just like the Italian's always say is "forget about it" Plus Adobe is listening and adding real photographer tools for bulk processing and have had watermarks for years.
@@GoapprStudios That is true but for many people (hobby photographers for the most part) Adobe is more than they need and they don't want to pay the ransom to have it.
Skylum come across as a company that are clueless. Lost count of all the messages I have sent and seen from other users with same continuous crashes that I experience. This would be my 3rd Lumiinar product and already in the video we find out it is missing absoliute basics like histogram. I am not going to move to a sub model but it is likely I will leave luminar for a competitor (question is finding the best one) as a great producty on paper is no good if it keeps breaking down in practise. So frustrating and the company seems to not care less given the same issues remain unresolved for at least 4 years
I totally get it. I reviewed On1 raw hoping to find something suitable for people in your camp. I really disliked it. I have ACDSee and will be testing it soon.
This is by far the worst release of a program in the history of my lifetime. I have seen horrible video game releases, No Man's Sky, Cyberpunk, but LUMINAR NEO has got to take the cake as the Battlefield 2042 of editing software releases. You have singlehandedly killed your market and I will now stop supporting due to the COMPLETE AND EASY TO SPOT money grab that Luminar Neo is. This is literally Luminar AI copy pasted with some edits... Literally nothing changed. Sorry but this is honest feedback. Looking at 99% of the comments, it's OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE. Everyone across the board agrees that this is a money grab... Please do not buy!
You are entitled to your opinion, and I have given several of the cons and talked about what is missing and issues. Could they have waited to release it - sure. But then people would be complaining that they want it faster. 99% of the comments on my video here I actually see as positive so let's do a list:
Positives:
- one click dust and powerline removal
- layers is back
- Skylum is a company you can actually reach and talk to, that asks their partners like me for input and listens. Adobe has NEVER asked me for my opinion, nor have I ever had a zoom meeting with 3 Adobe team members on the call, including the CEO - I have been on such meetings with Skylum
- now you can use one tool multiple times, like we could in Luminar 4
- you can now get it for less than $60/year, Adobe is double that as are most other editing software. If you want stuff faster and better - are you willing to pay twice as much so they can double their team?
Negatives:
- lots of stuff missing in this version for sure
- a few bugs have been found
- it's slower than expected
Neutral - people complain about Skylum support but have you ever tried to get any help at all from Adobe? It's almost impossible or they want you to pay for it. And their photography package is twice the price.
So it's up to you if you if you want to stick with Luminar Neo - if not, that's totally fine. But just understand that others may make a different choice based on their own individual needs.
The workflow is sooooo bad. I did ask my money bad.
Do you mean the history? Yeah it's a lot different.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor if I go into edit and I want for example change the develope values then I can see other step (changes) that I did in a later time in the edit. How stupid is that? That's only one of the many flaws in Neo.
@@MacEffie It is a bit unusual for sure. I'm waiting to see how they handle the feedback on it.
Typical affiliate review! Tell it how it is with Neo at the moment. People are going to invest in this software and a lot of them will be severely disappointed. Like many many users are already.
I did do that. I gave pros and cons and said what is missing. If you look at the comments below though, there are maybe 3 negative ones including yours. So my subscribers seem to be having a good or better experience. Yes many people are disappointed and unhappy. But in my experience after 33 years in business - it's usually ONLY the people who are unhappy that tell others about it. People who are happy just don't talk about it, because they're too busy just doing the thing. So it often seems skewed to "most" users are unhappy when in fact that is not the case.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor hmmmmm ok!? Have a look at the comments on Jim Nix's channel. Also have you seen Matt Suess's review? If you believe having only a few negative comments on your channel, means nothing, that's up to you.
You're only going to impact your credibility as an "honest" reviewer. But you're not being totally honest. Skylum should have delayed the launch of Neo. Yes they would have gotten flack for it. But no where near as much as they are now.
Have a good day.
@@keithk9472 I didn't say I didn't agree with that, and yes I've seen both of their videos. If you watched Jim's you'll notice he didn't give a scathing review either. Matt tends to go to the other end of the spectrum. I tend to be optimistic. I've also pre-sold almost 100 copies of a Neo course I'm currently building. So you do you, and I'll do me. But don't come to my channel and try to discredit me with my fans. If you are not a fan - that's fine. Go watch someone else's videos. But you do not have the right to come here and tell me that DO like my videos and my teaching otherwise. Good day.
@@DigitalPhotoMentor I'm not tying to discredit you. You'll discredit yourself promoting an unfinished, underwhelming release of neo. That, at the moment, a lot of users who buy it now, will be disappointed. I haven't said anything about your business skills. I'm merely pointing out, your review is flawed and omitting the fact of the missing basic adjustments that are in payed and even free image editor's. These adjustments should be in there as standard.
I'm not trying to troll you posting in your channel. I'm posting to let other possible purchases of neo to beware and wait until it's fixed before they buy it.
They should never released this crap. In windows a lot of stuff missing like Undo Redo. Clone and a lot of other stuff that are simple but necessary in editing.
Mac version doesn't have them either. Many people agree that it was released too early and is incomplete.
The program is unusable in its current form, when compared to AI or L4. I've bailed on it and asked for a refund. Let's see where this program is in a year.
Fair enough