New Remarkable Image Resizing Application

I am back with another digital imaging app recommendation.

When I posted about Topaz Sharpen AI I feel that some folks dismissed it out-of-hand because it has "AI" in the name. I encourage anyone who might feel that way to reconsider and keep an open mind. The truth is that Topaz app images are not different than other filters which are used but everyone. For example, if you use any Epson scanner you will notice that by default the Epson scanner app has 'Unsharpen Mask' on by default. Anyone using Epson default setting is already applying a sharpening filter to all their scans. (FYI, everyone should use the Epson 'Unsharpen Mask', it helps Epson scans a lot.

And before I offer a new review of another Topaz application, I recognize that in general image filters have a time and place they can be used. For example, if you are trying to present an image of a double transfer; you typically would not use a 'sharpen' filter. Other times (ala many questionable sellers on eBay) the over-use of color 'Saturation' filters is quite common. A buyer pulls the trigger on a purchase due to the vibrant colors in the image but when they get the stamp it is dull and washed out. This is true for ANY digital filters, they have to be used appropriately.

I download and installed the Topaz app named Gigapixel AI which is a single function filter; it's only purpose in life is to resize images. Note that resizing images is a very common process whether it is to reduce file sizes (i.e. SCF image optimizer) or to increase the size. The resizing of an images (especially noticeable in trying to increase an image size) typically results loss of image quality.

Never in several decades of working with image files, have I seen an app filter have the ability to increase an image file and IMPROVE the quality of the original image. I will not post my opinion of the 'bits and bytes' of how they are doing this but I feel strongly that this innovation will eventually become the way all image resizing will work in the future.

The current most popular (and probably well respected) graphics app is Adobe Photoshop. So here is a comparison, increasing the same original image 400%, between PhotoShop resize filter and the Topaz Gigpixal filter (Topaz of left, Adobe on right).


Even more impressive is that there is very little file size different between the Adobe resized image and the Topaz resized image. I recommend that anyone who finds themselves needing to increase/resize images to run, not walk, and give this app a try (demo version available).

Here are the full images (click on them to see 100% size) that I used.

Original - 491 x 319 pixels


Adobe - 1964 x 1276 pixels


Topaz - 1964 x 1276 pixels

Don

That's incredible, especially what it does to the lettering in the red vertical sign at upper right.

I just downloaded the trial version, and Wow, I like it. Easily brought out the details that I was looking for.

I still can't see the Tasmanian Tiger.

I did some testing on this and even though it does introduce some artifacts, it looks like it could be really good for creating reference images for plate varieties (double transfers, etc.).

First, scanning at 3200dpi on my Epson Perfection V600 takes FOREVER and really isn't that much of an improvement over 1600dpi. While I can use my DSLR and get great detail, the surface reflections are annoying, even using a diffuser, and the workflow is cumbersome.

The screenshot below shows numerous images viewed at the same approximate size, although at different zoom levels. From top to bottom:

1. Epson 800-dpi scan viewed @ 300%

2. Epson 1600-dpi scan viewed @ 150%

3. Epson 3200-dpi scan viewerd @ 75%

4. Above 1600-dpi scan processed through Topaz using "Low-Res" profile to 2x size, viewed @ 75%

5. Above 800-dpi scan processed through Topaz using "Low-Res" profile to 4x size, viewed @ 75%

6. Photo shot with my Canon DSLR viewed @ 75%

For plate variety reference images, even though #6 (the DSLR) gives the most accurate surface textures, I think I like #5 (800 dpi Epson scan processed through Topaz to 4x) the best, and is a MUCH easier and less time-consuming workflow.

However, there are some places in the image where I prefer the results of #4 (1600 dpi Epson scan processed through Topaz to 2x) over #5.

(Click to view full size)

I also like the 'split' screen view (shown below) where you can see the original and filter image in real time (dragging the split line back and forth to see impact).


I also like the fact that you can batch jobs, simply open multiple files at once and the app can process them all in one step.

Don

Rather than the split line, I prefer just clicking and holding the "Original" button at top. It's an on/off toggle so you can intantly flip from pre to post and back for the entire screen.

Downloaded the trial version, it really put my newer X1 Carbon laptop to work... Win11 pro, i7 1.8GHz processor, solid state disk and 32GB RAM.

It did great on some older digital pics from around 1999.