Review: PSKiss Contrast Farm and Viveda filters for Adobe CS5

This entry is a continuation from my last review on the PSKiss black and white filters for Adobe Photoshop CS5.

After that review, the owners of PSKiss has kindly agreed to pass me two of his most popular filters to try out. I was more than happy to help him with the review.

The image above as well as the rest in this entry were taken with my Canon Powershot S95 during my trip to Hong Kong and China in June. For the above image, I applied the Contrast Farm and Viveda filter to boost both contrast and vividness (duh) of the image.

Now take a look at the original image.

I like the fact that all it took was about three clicks to obtain my desired output.

Now check out the interface of the filters. As soon as you install the filters (the guys at PSKiss give very clear instructions on how to install em so no excuses), they are available in your ‘filters’ drop-down menu.

 The PSKIss filters as well as my collection of filters. Opps.

Upon selection of the Contrast Farm filter, you will be given up to four types of contrast adjustments (Lumacon, Satcon, Selectivecon, Colorbooster). The numbers indicate the intensity and you can choose based on your preference.

Based on my own preference, intensity level 1 or 2 is good enough. I never had to go beyond 2 in most… in fact all my photos.

This is how Viveda filter menu looks like.

The slider sounds like a good way to adjust and see immediate changes. However, with a maxed out Macbook Pro (2008 model), my image preview lagged for 1-2 seconds before seeing actual results. Therefore I’d prefer the ability to key my own values into a box instead of a slider.

Tal, if you are reading this, do take note!

Now for more images.

Normal

Contrast Farm + Viveda [not very obvious results but sometimes less is more ]

Normal

Contrast farm only

Normal

Verdict: If you are like me, someone who likes to edit his pictures one by one for best results, then these filters are great fun. You save considerable amount of time from doing trial and errors and finding the best output. The image took like what… 6 clicks to achieve the desired result? For those slightly more advanced photographers, a good understanding of masking will give you even better results. Lastly, at USD 6 a pop, each of these filters are not THAT expensive. So you can definitely consider getting one or two and have some fun with your photos.

PSKiss products are listed here.

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