anyone before the rework
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So v2.3.2 and earlier you mean ? 
You should never trust Autopilot because it often picks the wrong model/setting.
Some users complain about the quality of output from TPAI in these forums, mainly due to Autopilot selecting the wrong model/setting. If users manually choose the appropriate model/setting, TPAI often produces much better results.
Here are some examples from users that demonstrate how Autopilot can mess up the output image.
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Oh ok. Thanks for the explanation. Will take a look and maybe i just wait and see what the next updates will be about.
yep right
Remember there’s a setting to make PAI force use only a certain model (standard/graphic/high detail) Standard works best most of the time, so I have it set to always use it.
I beta-tested Photo AI from day 1 (about 2 years ago).
Autopilot was part 2 of the original 2-part mandate for PAI (1, integrate the existing flagship apps and 2, offer autopilot).
IMO Topaz should have perfected the first step before even going near the second.
And now we have part 3: Glom on other random not-quite-ready AI functionality into a difficult interface… 
That said, the recent sudden addition of Recovery to Gigapixel is a definite step in the right direction. Fantastic results (see my recent posts over there). That app is way more fun to use.
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One of the big problems is part 3 - trying to turn Photo AI into a photo editor
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My guess is that the various full-suite offerings from “the competition” are adding some commercial pressure. Even though when you try these suites, as full of impressive stuff as they are, in the areas where they compete with Topaz they fall short: Facial enhancement, upsizing, etc.
I have some of these apps and have done comparisons. Topaz always comes out on top in the tasks they share in common.
So let’s keep encouraging Topaz to keep a tight focus on what they do best and not to waste time and development effort on the peripheral stuff. It might be awkward to start removing underwhelming fluff from PAI to get back to basics, but if this helps the quality and reliability of the app, that should be enough to keep users happy.
Or better yet, add a few of the best PAI bits to Gigapixel and that should be enough to make a new flagship app!
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In Photoshop, where are these older Topaz Filter references hiding? I cannot find them anywhere on my system (Mac), visible or invisible. Photoshop also gives an error if trying to run them, obviously because they don’t exist as installed apps anymore.
I was about to endorse your comment, and then you spoiled the thought with the suggestion that they should add these impurities back into Gigapixel.
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I agree except for the last sentence. It seems to me that Gigapixel is now moving in the right direction. I’m surprised that Topaz didn’t cancel it like standalone Sharpen and Denoise (but hopefully no one there will think of it). Making a well-functioning Gigapixel a “flagship” could end up being (at least for me) another useless tool. Let Gigapixel develop in its own direction and let a good tool become even better (it can be improved in many ways, especially the Recovery function, if it succeeds… don’t speak too soon!).
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524 / 5,000
Well, that cannot be ruled out when at the same time it is offered to use a better standalone version of TGAI. Now two versions of TGAI are forced to be maintained (because they would have to differ in some way to make sense). As for TPAI… it reminds me of a situation where the complexity of the whole (and thus error-proneness) increases much faster than linearly with the number of components, as is often the case. That’s why evolution would probably be better than revolution (too many big changes at once). But that’s just theoretical contemplation, one can’t see the Topaz cards, but they’ve already been dealt out. And the unfortunate user has to watch with tension what awaits her/him again next time…
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Thanks for the feedback – I was not specific with what I was thinking. GP has the better UI, the quality upscaling (and now Recovery) and face recovery. I was thinking only of more control over sharpening/denoising but the various models already have that!
I was NOT thinking of any type of auto-pilot, lighting or exposure correction, or preserve text (but I still think a basic Levels dialog could be a big help).
To sum it up, Topaz has great tech under the hood but seems to be struggling with how to present it in a workable and reliable manner.
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I too was surprised to see it revived, but I’m happy to have it!
I suppose GP and PAI each have their places but there seems to be so much overlap that a single app makes more sense – assuming it is presented well and works properly.
Perhaps a single app with full manual override or other full user control over which features are presented (or not) is best.
A lot of it comes down to the type of work you are trying to do with each app. For instance, I don’t ever batch process, but wedding and event photographers (for example) really need this feature.
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To me, there are 2 main features devs of GAI should improve and focus on until resolved (not mess around with integrating PAI features that could blank up a well designed - including the UI - essentially solid image upscaling product):
1- Increase the preview & rendering time for high quality Recovery outputs exponentially beyond what it is now. And, have that be true for everyone whose systems meet the product’s “recommended” specs (not just those with NASA or Pixar creator-calibre workstations).
2- Fix the (Ps) Plugin so that it automatically returns GAI outputs to a new, labeled, host layer w/out users having to manually click close (“x” out) a message box (& do so without crashing Ps - or any other host). Sans Topaz logos that wreck the msg box text formatting.
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I think autopilot will always be less than ideal, because perception of quality is largely subjective, For example, some people like smooth images with minimum texture, while others prefer the original photo ‘film grain’ and texture. When the software decides for you (even if it does a good job), you lose some control. But, then again, it might be good enough for some. Personally, I like to tweak it to my liking.
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Here is a site that Topaz should strive for. Magnific AI — The magic image Upscaler & Enhancer I think it is overpriced at $39/month for the lowest tier but using the examples, it works fantastic. It not only sharpens and/or upscales the image but fills in details.
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There are selections in preferences for the strength that AI should attain for various items
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nice enhancement on their home page, except it’s different plant species.
