al range, and relative color sensativity, when selecting a pre-set button. Contrast control filter effects can be applied to the entire image or selected areas using Nik’s U Point technology. Nik stressed ease of use for both experienced Photoshop users and film traditionalists who are not comfortable with Photoshop’s complexity. Additional tools include vignetting, toning controls that emulate the effect of different toners and alternative processes, and a “structure” tool that helps more clearly define details in an image and can be used to further refine the grain structure of your favorite film.
Film emulsion characteristics were determined by Nik by having film processed. “One photographer gave us his entire freezer full of Panatomic-X so we could get that look,” noted Tony Corbell of Nik. The film was processed by a lab using its default developer–HC110, Xtol, or D-76 depending on the film. Is it possible, we wondered, if users could refine the grain structure further to reflect the effect of their preferred off-the-beaten-path developer, the look of condenser or diffusor enlarger heads, and push- and pull-processing? According to Josh Haftel, Nik Product Manager, users can use the Structure tool to emulate the film/developer/enlarger head look of choice.
A zone system selector tool highlights specific zone areas of the photo. Click on “Zone 3” for example, and all of the areas that fall in zone 3 are highlighted. We think Ansel would have liked this. Nik Silver Efex Pro will list for $199, and will be available in August through retailers.
For details, read the Nik press release:
Nik Software Announces Silver Efex ProTM
for Creating Powerful Black and White Images
New plug-in for Photoshop® and ApertureTM incorporates proprietary
U Point® Technology for precise selective tonal and contrast control
San Diego, CA – July 10th, 2008 – Nik Software today announced the new Silver Efex Pro
photographic plug-in for use with Adobe® Photoshop® and Apple® ApertureTM, the most
advanced, complete, and straightforward black and white solution. Silver Efex Pro uses a range
of advanced imaging algorithms that protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive
collection of 18 emulated black and white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain engine that
truly mimics the silver halide process and creates the highest quality black and white images
possible from scanned or digital color photographs.
With Nik Software’s patented U Point technology, Silver Efex Pro provides easy-to-use tools for
direct on-image control of tonality, contrast, and structure. Precisely controlling specific areas
of a photo can be achieved easily using just a few mouse clicks without the need to create
complicated selections and layer masks. Silver Efex Pro combined with U Point technology offers
users unprecedented control over selective tonal and contrast adjustment in black and white
images.
“For many photographers, black and white is their preferred outlet for creative expression.
Previously available tools often required acceptance of a one-size-fits-all solution or complex
conversion techniques and endless fine tuning,” said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik
Software. “Silver Efex Pro is truly a comprehensive and easy to use software product that is
specifically designed to address the challenges that photographers face when converting images
to black and white.”
Working seamlessly within Photoshop and Aperture, Silver Efex Pro begins by presenting
photographers with a basic “neutral” conversion of their color image to black and white. One-
click adjustments can be made from a choice of over 20 preset styles from nostalgic processes
like the ambrotype and tin type to classic artistic renderings, trendy high contrast, soft focus or
grainy images that emulate the most popular film types and shooting styles.
This initial set of creative options can be used as is or as a starting point for photographers who
wish to create and even share their own customized black and white styles. In addition, color
filters, variable toning controls (includes sepia, selenium, split-toning and user-defined colors for
maximum flexibility), vignettes, and more only add to the number of advanced stylistic effects
photographers will enjoy with Silver Efex Pro.
Additional sliders for global brightness, contrast, and structure, as well as Smart Filter
compatibility within Photoshop and multi-image support in Aperture provide the ultimate level of control. With U Point powered Control Points photographers have the flexibility to specifically
fine tune tonality, contrast, and structure and create stunning black and white images.
Pricing, Availability, & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers
Silver Efex Pro is available now for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software
(www.niksoftware.com). Boxed versions will be available from Nik Software and through
specialty camera retailers in August 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at
www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
Through September 15th, 2008, every copy of Silver Efex Pro sold in North America will include a
free sample pack of the Gekko Fine Art Collection of papers from Pictorico. Designed especially
for black and white prints and for use with inkjet printers, the sample pack has a retail value of
$15.99 and includes two sheets each of 4 paper types: Gekko Green (Glossy) winner of the 2008
DIMA Award for best black and white print from a color inkjet printer%3B Gekko Blue (Luster)%3B
Gekko Red (Cotton)%3B and Gekko Black (Matte).
The suggested retail price of Silver Efex Pro is $199.95. Silver Efex Pro installs as a plug-in for
either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh
operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about Silver Efex Pro,
including video tutorials showing the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free
15-day fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro.
