It has been a few years since we last reviewed the Nik Collection, but with the recent launch of a new version that includes updates to some of its component plugins, it’s a good time to take another look. While there is no single user interface for the eight component plugins in Nik Collection 6, most of them have a similar feel. Additionally, two of the plugins, HDR Efex and Sharpener, will soon be overhauled at no extra cost.
If you’re not familiar with the Nik Collection, it originated from Nik Software’s Sharpener and Color Efex tools for Photoshop in the mid-1990s. Since then, new features have been added and ownership of the plugin suite has changed hands twice – first to Google and then DxO. The Nik Collection now consists of eight photography-oriented tools that can be used standalone or as plugins in applications like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Affinity Photo.
The suite offers easy-to-use presets, but also allows for manual tweaking to achieve desired results. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and the Mac version now has near-total compatibility with Apple silicon hardware, with 100% compatibility coming in a free upgrade later this summer.
Key features of Nik Collection 6 include a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing color, black and white, or HDR imagery, support for both Windows and macOS (including Apple silicon), compatibility with popular photo editing applications, the option for both local and global adjustments, numerous manual controls, and a range of presets to get started. Unlike subscription-based models, Nik Collection 6 offers a perpetual license, meaning there are no ongoing subscription costs.
Nik Collection 6 is available for purchase immediately, with a price of $149. Upgrades from versions 4 or 5 are available at a reduced price of $79. European pricing is set at €149 for new customers or €79 for upgrades, and UK customers will pay £135 for a new purchase or £69 for an upgrade. A free 30-day demo of Nik Collection 6 can be downloaded from the DxO website.
Due to the size of the suite, we won’t be able to cover every single feature in this review. Instead, we will provide a quick overview of what can be achieved with the individual apps, as well as a more detailed look at the recently-added features and how they enhance the editing experience.
The component plugins in Nik Collection 6 are Analog Efex, Color Efex, HDR Efex, Silver Efex, Dfine, Perspective, Sharpener, and Viveza. The Efex tools allow you to recreate film looks, control color, tone and contrast, and create high dynamic range or monochrome images. The other plugins offer noise reduction, perspective correction, sharpening, and tonality adjustments.
In terms of updates, there are significant changes to localized editing controls and the overall user interface. One notable addition is the control lines tool, which complements the existing control point technology. Control lines allow for linear gradient selections, making it easier to select and apply adjustments to specific areas of an image. The HSL tool in Color Efex 6 is another new feature that allows for hue, saturation, and lightness adjustments. While it has some limitations in terms of targetability, it can still be useful for fine-tuning specific color ranges.
Overall, Nik Collection 6 offers a range of powerful tools for enhancing and editing photos. The updates in this version enhance the localized editing capabilities and provide a user-friendly interface. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, Nik Collection 6 provides a comprehensive toolkit to take your images to the next level.