DxO Nik Collection 9 Review: Three Stellar Plug-ins Carry

Nik Collection 9 costs $179.99 for a new license, with an upgrade priced at $99.99 for existing users of versions 7 or 8. According to a review by Digital Camera World, the suite's value hinges on three outstanding plug-ins: Analog Efex, Color Efex, and Silver Efex.

The publication states these core tools adopt a consistent interface, making it easy to swap between them. Presets and filters are in a left sidebar, with a filter stack for editing on the right. Version 9 introduces new AI masking options for basic object and area selection, which the reviewer found both powerful and simple.

Plug-in Performance and Results

Speed was acceptable but not instantaneous on a high-end Mac Studio. The results from the top three plug-ins, however, were described as stellar. Analog Efex excels at recreating the look of old analog processes. Color Efex offers a vast range of contemporary photo effects and film simulations. The new blend modes feature allows each filter to interact with the image in completely new ways.

Silver Efex continues to be praised as perhaps the best tool for black and white photography, revealing depth and tonality hard to replicate elsewhere. It uses adjustments that speak to darkroom photographers.

Other Components and Limitations

HDR Efex is deemed effective and useful, though the craze for the style has faded. Viveza is described as an oddity with limited value, as its core color adjustments are now included in Color Efex. Dfine is called distinctly disappointing, being a relic of older noise reduction technology that cannot reconstruct lost detail like modern AI tools. Sharpener is considered a fairly specialized tool, potentially useful for prints but not much else.

The reviewer notes, "The Nik Collection does feel like a plug-in suite of two halves."

System Requirements and Compatibility

The plug-ins work within several host applications and can also run as standalone programs. The compatible software includes:

Value and Alternatives

While not cheap, the creative tools in the three core plug-ins are so good the reviewer argues they carry the whole suite. The upgrade price is considered fair for a substantial update. The review mentions ON1 Photo RAW 2026 MAX as an alternative with a rival Effects module, though its AI masking can be complex. Adobe Lightroom is noted for its wide range of presets within a non-destructive workflow but doesn't match the Nik Collection for creative tools.

The final assessment from Digital Camera World is clear: "Would I buy the Nik Collection for Analog Efex, Color Efex and Silver Efex alone? Yes, I probably would."