Luminar 4 Review in 2024: Still a Contender, But is There a Better Option?

In 2020, Luminar 4 took the photo editing world by storm with its innovative AI-powered tools. It promised a one-click solution for common editing tasks, along with powerful features for more advanced users. But with the release of Luminar Neo in 2023, is Luminar 4 still worth considering in 2024?

Part 1: What is Luminar 4?

Before Luminar Neo took center stage in 2023, Luminar 4 (released in 2020) was the photo editing software making waves. Skylum (formerly MacPhun) broke away from the traditional mold set by Lightroom and Capture One. Luminar 4 offered a fresh approach, focusing on an AI-powered workflow.

Instead of a toolbox of individual adjustments, Luminar 4 lets you tell it your goal (improve a portrait, enhance a landscape). Its AI then suggests edits, making it user-friendly for all experience levels.

This innovative approach, coupled with a user-friendly interface and features like sky replacement and noise reduction, made Luminar 4 a favorite, especially for photographers new to editing. The addition of a library module in later versions solidified its place as a powerful tool for managing and editing photo collections.

Part 2: Luminar 4 Review

So, we've established what Luminar 4 is all about, but how does it perform in practice? Let's delve into its key features, and compatibility, and weigh the pros and cons to see if it's still a relevant option for your photo editing needs in 2024.

Main Features of Luminar 4:

Image Management: While not as comprehensive as dedicated library software, Luminar 4 offers basic image organization tools to manage your photo collection. You can import, sort, and browse your photos within the program.

AI Sky Replacement: This innovative feature allows you to replace dull or distracting skies with a library of presets or your own custom skies, completely transforming the mood of your landscape photos.

AI Augmented Sky: (Note: This feature might be absent in some versions of Luminar 4) Take your sky replacements a step further with AI Augmented Sky. This feature can add realistic elements like sun rays, birds, or clouds to enhance your chosen sky.

AI Skin Enhancer: Specifically designed for portrait editing, AI Skin Enhancer smoothens skin texture, reduces blemishes, and evens skin tones for a natural, flattering look.

Portrait Enhancer: A broader portrait editing tool, Portrait Enhancer goes beyond skin with features like eye enhancement, teeth whitening, and facial structure adjustments.

Creative Filters: Luminar 4 boasts a collection of creative filters that offer various stylistic effects. These filters can be applied with a single click and further customized for a unique look.

Product Compatibility:

Luminar 4 offers flexibility, working seamlessly on both Windows and Mac computers. It can function as a standalone photo editor or integrate as a plugin with Lightroom and Photoshop, allowing you to leverage its functionalities within your existing workflow.

Pros:

• AI-powered features save time and effort. Luminar 4 excels at suggesting edits and applying powerful AI effects, making photo editing efficient.

• A simple and user-friendly interface is perfect for beginners. The clean layout and intuitive controls make Luminar 4 a welcoming platform for those new to photo editing.

• "Looks" offers a great starting point for creative edits. Preset Looks provides a variety of stylistic options to jumpstart your creative vision.

• Effective tools for noise reduction and essential adjustments. Luminar 4 tackles noise reduction effectively and offers essential editing controls for core adjustments.

• Plugin compatibility with Lightroom and Photoshop adds flexibility. The ability to use Luminar 4 as a plugin within Lightroom and Photoshop expands your editing workflow.

Cons:

• Limited layer and masking capabilities compared to dedicated software. While offering basic layering and masking, Luminar 4 might not satisfy users who require more precise control in these areas.

• The subscription model might not be ideal for everyone (Luminar Neo offers a one-time purchase). Luminar 4 operates on a subscription basis, which might not suit everyone. Luminar Neo, its successor, offers a one-time purchase option.

• Some advanced features found in Luminar Neo are absent in version 4. Like the earlier version, Luminar 4 lacks some of the more advanced features introduced in Luminar Neo.

Luminar 4 remains a capable photo editor, particularly for beginners and those seeking a streamlined AI-powered workflow. However, its limitations in layering and masking, coupled with the subscription model and absence of newer features introduced in Luminar Neo, are factors to consider. The next section will explore a free alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Part 3: The Alternative to Luminar 4 2024

Having explored Luminar 4's strengths and weaknesses, let's consider a free alternative for those on a budget.

1. The Free Alternative: GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editor offering a powerful feature set. While it has a steeper learning curve compared to Luminar 4, GIMP provides extensive image manipulation capabilities, layer management, and customizable tools. With its vast plugin library, you can expand GIMP's functionality to rival paid software. However, keep in mind that GIMP's interface might feel less intuitive for beginners.

2. Best Alternative: Evoto AI

While both Luminar 4 and Evoto AI offer AI-powered editing and user-friendly interfaces, Evoto takes a unique approach that prioritizes customization:

• Customization Reigns Supreme: Unlike Luminar 4's set feature list, Evoto allows you to build personalized editing workflows. You choose the specific tools you need, but instead of paying directly for those features, you purchase credits. These credits are then used to edit your photos.

• AI Focus on Portraits: Evoto boasts a robust AI portrait editing toolkit, potentially exceeding Luminar 4's capabilities in this area. Features like advanced skin smoothing, blemish removal, and even AI-powered makeup applications cater specifically to portrait photographers.

• Credit-Based System: Evoto uses a credit system for editing photos. This can be a cost-effective option if you only edit a small number of photos per month.

If you prioritize a comprehensive set of editing tools with a predictable monthly cost, Luminar 4 might be a better fit. However, if you value customization, a focus on portrait editing, and a pay-as-you-go approach with credits, then Evoto AI could be the winning alternative, especially for those who edit a smaller volume of photos.

3. Upgrade Alternative: Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo, released in 2023, builds upon the foundation laid by Luminar 4. It offers a significant leap in performance, boasts new and innovative features, and provides a more user-friendly editing experience. Here's a closer look at how Luminar Neo stands out from its predecessor:

Features Where Luminar Neo Shines:

• Engine & Performance: Luminar Neo features a completely revamped, modular engine. This translates to noticeably faster loading times, smoother editing workflows, and a more responsive interface compared to Luminar 4.

• AI-Powered Enhancements: While Luminar 4 offers a solid set of AI tools, Luminar Neo takes it a step further. It introduces groundbreaking features like:

a. Relighting AI: Analyze and adjust lighting within your photos for a more balanced exposure, perfect for correcting uneven lighting or creating dramatic effects.

b. Atmosphere AI: Enhance the mood and depth of your photos by adding atmospheric effects like haze, fog, or a dreamy glow.

• Advanced Editing Tools: Luminar Neo expands the editing toolbox compared to Luminar 4. It includes functionalities like:

a. Dust Spot Removal: Easily eliminate unwanted dust spots that appear on your lens, saving you time and tedious cloning.

b. Layers Mode: Offers greater control for precise local adjustments through layers and masking capabilities.

• Improved Workflow: Luminar Neo boasts a more intuitive interface with the ability to save edit states separately. This allows for greater flexibility and revisiting specific edits without affecting the entire workflow.

• Updates and Future Features: Unlike Luminar 4's subscription model with limited future updates, Luminar Neo operates on a one-time purchase. Skylum continues to develop and improve Luminar Neo, with the possibility of adding new features and functionalities through extensions.

The best alternative depends on your needs and budget. GIMP offers a powerful free option if you're willing to invest time in learning. Evoto AI caters to those seeking a customizable workflow with a focus on portrait editing, while Luminar Neo provides a familiar experience with Luminar 4, enhanced performance, and access to future features.

Conclusion

While Luminar 4 remains a capable photo editor, its limitations and subscription model might leave you searching for alternatives. We explored the free option of GIMP, the powerful features of Luminar Neo (Luminar 4's successor), and the unique approach of Evoto AI.

For those seeking a user-friendly interface and budget-conscious solution, Evoto AI stands out in 2024. Its focus on customization, potentially superior AI portrait editing, and credit-based system for photo edits make it a compelling alternative to Luminar 4.

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