Nik Collection 8 Review: Is DxO’s Photo Editing Suite Worth It? [2025 Review]

The Nik Collection 8 by DxO is the latest version of one of the most respected suites of photo editing plugins available today. For over a decade, it has been trusted by photographers for enhancing images with creative filters, precise adjustments, and powerful editing tools.

Long-time users may remember the collection’s journey; originally developed by Nik Software, then acquired (and briefly offered for free) by Google in 2012, only to be discontinued before DxO Labs stepped in to revive and evolve it in 2017. Since then, DxO has steadily improved the suite, with Nik Collection 5 and 6 becoming go-to tools for many professional and enthusiast photographers.

But what’s new in Nik Collection 8? Are the latest updates and features worth the upgrade? And how does it stack up against today’s best photo editing tools?

In this Nik Collection 8 review, we’ll dive into what’s included in the suite, explore the new features and improvements, and help you decide whether it deserves a place in your photography post-processing workflow.

DxO has also provided CaptureLandscapes readers with an exclusive 15% discount on all new purchases. You’ll find the details at the end of this review, but first, let’s take a closer look at whether the Nik Collection 8 is the right choice for you

Table of Contents (Click to Expand)

• What is Nik Collection 8?
• What are the Requirements for Nik Collection 8?
• What’s New in Nik Collection 8?
• How to Install Nik Collection 8
• How to Use the Nik Collection 8
• My Experience with the Nik Collection
• Is the Nik Collection Worth the Price Tag?
• Should you upgrade if you own Nik Collection 7?
• Conclusion
• Nik Collection Discount Code

What is Nik Collection 8?

If you’re not yet familiar with DxO or the Nik Collection, let’s start with a quick overview of what this powerful photo editing suite is all about.

The Nik Collection 8 is a set of seven professional photo editing plugins designed to enhance your images with creative effects, precise adjustments, and time-saving workflows. These tools can be used as plugins for Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, DxO PhotoLab, and Serif Affinity Photo, or as standalone applications, making them versatile options for any editing setup.

Each plugin in the Nik Collection serves a specific purpose, and as you use them, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the ones that best fit your photography workflow. Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy one-click filters or a seasoned pro needing fine control over local adjustments and masking, Nik Collection 8 offers tools for every skill level.

The full list of plugins included in Nik Collection 8 is:

1. Nik Analog Efex – Emulate classic film looks and vintage camera effects.
2. Nik Color Efex – Add creative filters and color enhancements for dramatic results.
3. Nik Dfine – Advanced noise reduction tailored to your camera and ISO settings.
4. Nik HDR Efex – Create natural or artistic high dynamic range images.
5. Nik Silver Efex – Industry-leading black and white photo conversion and editing.
6. Nik Sharpener – Precision sharpening for both screen and print output.
7. Nik Viveza – Intuitive selective editing of color and tone without masks or layers.

We’ll explore each plugin in more detail later in this Nik Collection 8 review, and you’ll also find in-depth standalone articles on each tool for those who want to go deeper.

What are the Requirements for Nik Collection 8?

The Nik Collection 8 is designed to run smoothly on most modern computers, whether you’re on Windows or macOS. However, as with any advanced photo editing software, better hardware means better performance; particularly when working with high-resolution files or applying complex filters.

While most users won’t run into major issues, some tools may operate more slowly on older systems. For the best experience, it’s recommended to meet or exceed DxO’s suggested system specs.

Here are the official Nik Collection 8 system requirements for 2025:

Microsoft Windows	Apple macOS
Minimum system configuration: Intel® Core™ or AMD Ryzen™ with 4 cores 8 GB RAM 10 GB available disk space 1280 x 768 display Microsoft Windows 10 or 11, version 22H2 (64-bit) Recommended system configuration: Intel® Core™ or AMD Ryzen™ with 8 cores 16 GB RAM 50 GB available disk space 1920 x 1080 display Microsoft® Windows® 11, version 24H2 (64-bit)	Minimum system configuration: Any CPU 8 GB RAM 10 GB available disk space 1280 x 768 display macOS 14 (Sonoma) Recommended system configuration: M1 16 GB RAM 50 GB available disk space 1920 x 1080 display macOS 15 (Sequoia)

Plugin Compatibility & Standalone Use

Nik Collection 8 can be used in two ways:
– As a plugin for popular editing software
– As a standalone photo editor

If you prefer to keep everything within your existing workflow, the plugins integrate seamlessly with:

• Adobe Photoshop 2024–2025
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024–2025
• Adobe Lightroom Classic 2024–2025
• DxO PhotoLab 7 and 8
• Serif Affinity Photo (v1.8 and later, including v2.0)

Don’t own any of those? No problem. Each of the seven Nik Collection tools can be launched and used independently, offering the exact same features as the plugin versions. The only difference is workflow convenience. For example, using Nik Color Efex inside Photoshop allows you to apply filters without switching apps.

You can install and activate Nik Collection 8 on up to three computers with a single license, ideal for photographers working across devices.

What’s New in Nik Collection 8?

Nik Collection 8 by DxO introduces several significant upgrades that enhance both functionality and user experience, particularly for those using Adobe Photoshop in their post-processing workflow. Whether you’re focused on creative edits or efficient professional output, this version brings new tools, smarter integration, and improved performance.

Here are the key new features in Nik Collection 8:

1. Advanced Masking Workflow Between Nik Collection and Photoshop

One of the most powerful updates in Nik Collection 8 is the enhanced masking workflow. You can now:

• Import masks directly from Photoshop into any Nik plugin, allowing you to take advantage of Photoshop’s advanced selection tools.
• Transfer masks between Nik plugins via the Local Adjustments panel, making it easier to maintain precise edits across tools.
• Export masks created inside a Nik plugin back into Photoshop for further refinement.

This two-way masking capability gives photographers far more flexibility when applying local adjustments; a major step forward in seamless Nik Collection and Photoshop integration.

Recommended Reading: Understanding Layers & Masks in Photoshop

2. Smarter Return Options to Photoshop

When returning to Photoshop after editing in a Nik plugin, users now have multiple options that support both flexibility and non-destructive editing:

• Convert edits into a Smart Object
• Apply changes directly to the current layer
• Create a new layer or a layer with a mask

These choices give you better control over how your adjustments are applied and make it easier to experiment without permanently altering your original file.

3. Edit Nik Adjustments as New Layers in Photoshop

Another major enhancement is the ability to send Nik edits directly into Photoshop as a new layer, even while you’re still working inside the plugin. This allows you to test different creative directions without interrupting your workflow, and ensures all edits are available immediately when you return to Photoshop.

4. All-New Photoshop Panel for Faster Workflow

Nik Collection 8 introduces a fully redesigned Photoshop panel, replacing the older Nik Palette. The new panel is:

• Customizable and dockable, so it integrates better into your workspace
• Allows one-click access to all Nik plugins
• Provides quick control over plugin launch, mask management, and layer handling

This streamlined approach helps save screen space and reduces the number of steps needed to access your tools.

5. Major Improvements to Nik Silver Efex

The renowned Nik Silver Efex, widely considered the gold standard in black and white photo editing, receives a substantial update in version 8:

• Color Reference View lets you view the original color image while editing in black and white, especially helpful for applying color filters and adjusting tonal sensitivity.
• Streamlined interface now matches Nik Color Efex and Analog Efex, with filters displayed on the left until applied.
• Refined preset behavior, where only relevant filters are shown after a preset is selected.
• New Local Adjustments: ClearView and Selective Tones are now available locally.
• New Filter Looks: Each filter includes pre-defined styles for faster editing.

These updates not only improve usability but also open up new creative possibilities for black and white photographers.

6. Color Masking in Nik Color Efex

Nik Color Efex gains a powerful new feature: Color Masks. This tool allows you to:

• Select a specific color range within your image
• Fine-tune the color selection using intuitive handles
• Apply precise local adjustments to only that targeted area

This makes it easier than ever to apply selective color corrections or enhancements without affecting the entire image.

7. Faster Quick Export Options

Finally, the Quick Export feature has been improved for speed and convenience. Users can now:

• Switch to TIFF export more quickly
• Access export settings instantly without navigating through menus
• Customize Quick Export configurations on the fly

This update is particularly helpful for high-volume workflows or those who need consistent output formats.

Recommended Reading: Post-Processing for Landscape Photography: The Complete Guide

How to Install Nik Collection 8

Installing Nik Collection 8 by DxO is quick and straightforward, whether you’re using it as a standalone photo editing suite or as plugins for Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or other compatible software.

Step 1: Download the Software

Visit the official Nik Collection website to either:

• Purchase the full version, or
• Download the free 30-day trial

The trial version of Nik Collection 8 is fully functional; there are no feature limitations. You’ll have full access to all seven plugins, allowing you to explore how they integrate with your current photo editing workflow before making a final decision.

Tip: If you’re new to Nik Collection, the free 30-day trial is the best way to evaluate tools like Nik Color Efex, Silver Efex, and Dfine in real-world editing scenarios.

Step 2: Run the Installer

After the download is complete:

1. Locate the installation file on your computer.
2. Double-click the file to begin installation.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The installer will automatically detect compatible host applications such as:

• Adobe Photoshop (2024–2025)
• Adobe Lightroom Classic (2024–2025)
• Adobe Photoshop Elements
• DxO PhotoLab 7 and 8
• Serif Affinity Photo 1.8 and later

You can also choose to install Nik Collection 8 as standalone photo editing software if you don’t use any of the supported hosts.

Step 3: Start Editing

Once installation is complete, you can launch each plugin directly or access them through your favorite host software. You’re now ready to explore the full potential of Nik Collection 8’s powerful photo editing plugins.

How to Use the Nik Collection 8

No Nik Collection 8 review would be complete without a closer look at what truly defines the suite: its seven powerful photo editing plugins.

Each plugin in the Nik Collection serves a specific purpose; ranging from creative color effects and sharpening to black-and-white conversions and noise reduction. Personally, I find some of these tools essential to my landscape photography workflow, while others play a more occasional role. Chances are, you’ll experience the same: certain plugins will quickly become go-to tools, while others may remain unused depending on your editing style.

What’s most important is finding which tools complement your existing post-processing routine. Over time, you’ll develop a personalized approach that suits your creative goals.

Below, I’ll walk you through the main functions of each plugin, along with some thoughts on how valuable they are, especially from a landscape photographer’s perspective.

Nik Analog Efex

Nik Analog Efex is designed to simulate the look and feel of classic film cameras, vintage lenses, and traditional darkroom techniques. It’s the go-to plugin for photographers looking to add a nostalgic, old-school character to their images, whether that’s light leaks, scratches, motion blur, or film grain.

The plugin includes a wide selection of one-click camera presets, but it also gives you the flexibility to build your own look using manual controls. You can combine effects like lens distortion, bokeh, vignetting, and double exposure to create a truly custom vintage style.

While Analog Efex Pro can be a fun creative tool, especially for those exploring experimental or retro-inspired photography, it’s not something I use often in my landscape photography workflow. Its primary strength lies in stylizing images to mimic analog film aesthetics. Yes, a few of the filters and effects can be adapted for more subtle, non-vintage edits, but for most practical editing needs, other plugins in the Nik Collection are better suited.

Best for: Creative projects, vintage/retro looks, artistic experimentation
Use sparingly in landscape photography unless you’re after a stylized or nostalgic feel

Nik Color Efex

For most landscape photographers, Nik Color Efex is the number one reason to invest in the Nik Collection. Since its early days, it has been a trusted tool, offering the most powerful and versatile filters for processing color photos.

This plugin boasts an extensive library of over 50 customizable filters, perfect for instantly applying creative effects to your images. While there are several presets available to get you started, the true value lies in its advanced creative filters, which give you the flexibility to adjust each effect with multiple sliders and settings.

A standout feature of Nik Color Efex is its use of Control Points, which enable you to create precise masks for local adjustments. This allows you to apply filters and enhancements only to specific areas of your photo, offering unparalleled control over your editing process.

If you’re serious about color correction and enhancing your landscape photos, Color Efex Pro is reason enough to get the Nik Collection. It’s a tool many photographers rely on in their post-processing workflows, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Best for: Color adjustments, creative effects, advanced masking
A must-have plugin for landscape photographers

Nik Dfine

At first glance, Nik Dfine might seem like the simplest plugin in the Nik Collection, as it serves a singular purpose: digital noise reduction. However, beneath its simplicity, the technology behind it is anything but basic. Dfine is renowned for its ability to efficiently remove both color and contrast noise, and it does so with remarkable precision.

Noise reduction can be a confusing topic, with a range of technical terms and methods that might overwhelm beginners. However, Dfine takes the complexity out of the equation. It’s widely considered one of the best noise reduction tools available, largely due to its straightforward interface and powerful results.

Nik Dfine offers two modes for noise reduction: Automatic and Manual. While I’m typically cautious about relying on automatic modes, I’ve found the automatic noise reduction mode to perform exceptionally well for most images. For those who want more control, the manual option allows for fine-tuning specific areas of the image for even more precise results.

Best for: Noise reduction in high-ISO images, low-light photography
A go-to plugin for photographers dealing with digital noise

Recommended Reading: Best Noise Reduction Software for Photography

Nik HDR Efex

Nik HDR Efex allows you to create HDR images from a single image or multiple exposures. With a single-file HDR, the software extracts details from the shadows and recovers highlights, enhancing dynamic range. In contrast, multiple-image HDR is created by merging photos of varying exposures into a balanced final image.

I find the results to resemble the Photomatix style, a tool many long-time photographers may recognize, but not always in a positive light. The presets often give images a grungy look, and certain filters can detract from the image, rather than enhancing it. However, this is subjective, as tastes can vary.

That said, HDR Efex Pro offers the flexibility to adjust settings through sliders, allowing for improved output with tweaks to contrast, color, and other elements. This tool is perfectly fine for quick and easy HDR creation, especially for photographers who need a fast solution.

However, if you’re an advanced user with more experience in Photoshop, particularly with techniques like manually blending exposures using luminosity masks, there are more precise methods to achieve better results than HDR Efex Pro offers.

Best for: Quick HDR creation for those seeking simplicity
Not ideal for: Advanced HDR processing or fine-tuned manual blending

Nik Sharpener

Sharpening is a critical step in every photographer’s post-processing workflow. Proper sharpening is essential for bringing out the fine details in an image, and there are two main types of sharpening: input sharpening and output sharpening. Nik Sharpener Pro allows you to tackle both, making it an indispensable tool for precise sharpening.

Sharpener Pro consists of two distinct modules:

1. RAW Presharpener: This module is designed for sharpening RAW files before any post-processing is done. While many photographers, including myself, rely on Adobe Lightroom’s Details Tab for this purpose, I’ve found the RAW Presharpener to produce equally good results, if not slightly better. Plus, its simplified controls with fewer sliders make it ideal for users who prefer a straightforward approach without the clutter.
2. Output Sharpener: Once your image has been processed, the Output Sharpener module steps in. It offers three tools: Output Sharpening, Creative Sharpening, and Selective Sharpening. These tools are used to:
   • Select the appropriate output media
   • Enhance the image further
   • Apply sharpening selectively to different areas

While both modules work seamlessly, it’s essential to use sharpening cautiously. Overdoing it can introduce artifacts that degrade the quality of your image. Nik Sharpener is no different, and like any sharpening tool, it requires a delicate touch to achieve the best results.

There are many excellent sharpening tools available today, but in my opinion, Nik Sharpener stands out as one of the best options, especially for those using the Nik Collection as a standalone solution.

Recommended Reading: The Best Web Sharpeners for Photoshop

Nik Silver Efex

Just like Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro has been a go-to plugin for photographers for over a decade. It remains one of the most respected tools for black and white photography, and for good reason, it delivers powerful results with both ease and depth.

At the time of writing, Silver Efex Pro offers 64 ready-to-use presets. You can simply scroll through the list, click on one that suits your image, and instantly apply it. For those who prefer more control, a robust set of adjustment sliders is available to fine-tune the result to your exact vision.

Silver Efex Pro is widely regarded as a cornerstone in the Nik Collection, especially for those specializing in monochrome imagery. Its intuitive interface, high-quality presets, and advanced controls make it an essential tool in many black and white workflows.

Note: To get the most out of Silver Efex, be sure to check out our course: Black & White Photography: A Complete Guide for Nature Photographers. It covers everything from creative vision to mastering Silver Efex for professional-quality black and white images.

Nik Viveza

Viveza is the final plugin in the Nik Collection 8 lineup. Its main purpose is to adjust an image’s saturation, contrast, and luminosity, either globally or selectively using Control Points.

For those using Nik Collection as a standalone editor, Viveza can be a helpful tool for managing color and tonal adjustments without needing another software. That said, I personally find that tools like Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Camera RAW, or DxO PhotoLab 7 offer better precision and more flexibility.

Viveza does what it promises, and it might be just what some photographers need, especially if you prefer a minimal, focused interface. Perhaps I just haven’t fully embraced it yet.

How to Use Nik Collection 8 in Photoshop

Most photographers use the Nik Collection as a plugin for Photoshop, Lightroom, or Affinity Photo. While it works well as a standalone tool, many prefer to use it as a complement to their existing photo editing workflow. Thankfully, using Nik Collection 8 within Photoshop is a seamless experience.

You can send an image from Photoshop to a Nik plugin at any point during your workflow. For example, you might apply some adjustment layers in Photoshop, open the image in Color Efex to add a filter, return to Photoshop for additional tweaks, send it to Sharpener Pro, and finish off in Photoshop—all without ever needing to manually save, browse for the file, or reopen anything.

Everything takes place directly inside Photoshop (the same applies to Lightroom and Affinity). This integration is one of the biggest strengths of Nik Collection.

During installation, you were asked which Host Applications you want to use the collection with. Once installed, the tools will automatically appear in those applications. In Photoshop, you’ll find them under Filter → Nik Collection. From there, simply choose the tool you want to use.

New in Nik Collection 8 is the dedicated Photoshop panel. By going to Plugins → Plugins Panel, you can choose which Nik tools you want quick access to. This allows you to launch any plugin with a single click. Some, like Color Efex, even let you apply your favorited filters directly from the panel.

How to Use Nik Collection 8 in Lightroom

Using the Nik Collection in Lightroom is just as seamless as in Photoshop. The image moves smoothly between Lightroom and your selected plugin, making it easy to incorporate into your editing workflow.

You can use multiple plugins on the same image. For instance, you might start with the RAW Presharpener, make your basic adjustments in Lightroom, open the file in Silver Efex Pro to convert it to black and white, and then export it—all from within Lightroom.

To use a Nik Collection plugin in Lightroom:

1. Right-click on the image and hover over Edit In
2. Select the desired Nik Collection plugin from the dropdown list
3. Choose one of the editing options:
   • Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments
   • Edit a Copy
   • Edit Original
4. Apply your adjustments in the plugin
5. Click Done and the edited image will reopen in Lightroom

The main difference between using Nik Collection in Lightroom versus Photoshop is that Lightroom doesn’t support Smart Objects. However, as long as you’re editing a TIFF file, you can reopen the plugin at any time to fine-tune your previous settings.

For example, if you’ve used Silver Efex Pro but later decide the Structure setting is too strong, simply reopen the plugin from Lightroom, adjust the slider, and click Done. Your changes will update automatically.

It’s a convenient and flexible setup that fits naturally into a Lightroom-based workflow.

How to Install and Use Nik Collection 8 in Affinity

Serif Affinity is the only non-Adobe or DxO photo editor compatible with the Nik Collection, and fortunately, it works just as smoothly as it does with Photoshop and Lightroom. You can jump between tools and return to Affinity with your edits seamlessly integrated.

With the latest updates, the Nik Collection plugins should appear automatically in Affinity under:
Filters → Plugins → Nik Collection

From there, you can launch and use the tools the same way you would in Lightroom or Photoshop. The overall workflow remains consistent, open a plugin, apply your edits, and return to Affinity with the changes in place.

One thing I appreciate about Affinity is its active user forum. If you ever run into issues or have questions about using the Nik Collection with Affinity Photo, there’s a knowledgeable community ready to help.

My Experience with the Nik Collection

I first installed the Nik Collection back in 2012. At the time, many of the photographers I looked up to swore by it, especially as a Photoshop plugin. So, I saved up and gave it a try. Like with any new software, it felt a bit overwhelming at first, but it quickly became a key part of my post-processing workflow.

Back then, I mainly used Color Efex Pro and Silver Efex Pro. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what other tools were included; I just didn’t have a need for them. That changed one day when I struggled with noise in an image. After spending far too much time trying to fix it manually in Photoshop, I decided to try Dfine.

It did a better job in seconds.

These days, I still mainly rely on Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro, and Dfine, but I’ve come to appreciate the potential of several of the other plugins as well. They might not play a regular role in my own workflow, though I’m starting to use Sharpener Pro more often, but I can see how they’d be valuable for those using the Nik Collection as a standalone suite.

While there are still a few minor bugs here and there, the plugins have come a long way since I first started using them. The performance, interface, and speed are vastly improved, even if many of the filters and tools remain familiar.

The Nik Collection, especially the three tools mentioned above, has become irreplaceable in my workflow. It’s not just helpful, it’s essential.

Is the Nik Collection Worth the Price Tag?

The Nik Collection has been an essential part of my workflow for over a decade, but is it worth it for you? In my opinion, yes. Most photographers will find at least one of the plugins genuinely useful, if not more.

When you purchase Nik Collection 8, you also get DxO PhotoLab Essential included for free, a capable RAW editor that’s particularly valuable if you plan to use the plugins as standalone tools. That alone adds extra value to the bundle.

Still unsure? You don’t have to guess. There’s a free 30-day trial that gives you full access to everything. I highly recommend giving it a try, you’ll know pretty quickly whether it fits your style and workflow.

CaptureLandscapes readers can also save 15% on all new purchases by using the exclusive discount code provided by DxO. You’ll find the code and full details below.

Should you upgrade if you own Nik Collection 7?

If you already own Nik Collection 7, you can upgrade to version 8 at a discounted price of $89.99.

The biggest improvement from version 7 is better integration with Photoshop. I particularly like the new Photoshop Panel and the ability to send masks back and forth between Photoshop and the plugins. For someone who uses both daily, this makes the workflow noticeably smoother.

Most of the tools and layouts remain similar to what we saw in versions 4 through 7. However, if you’re using version 3 or older, you’ll notice a big leap forward. The performance is faster, and the masking functionality is significantly more advanced.

I personally upgraded from version 7 to 8 and am happy with the decision. That said, the difference isn’t huge. If you’re on version 7 and satisfied with how it performs, you won’t be missing out on anything critical by holding off on the upgrade.

Conclusion

The Nik Collection by DxO has been a favorite among photographers for more than a decade, and for good reason. While you may not use all seven plugins, it won’t take long to find a few that become integral to your post-processing workflow.

While many of the effects can be replicated in Photoshop, let’s be honest—it’s far easier to use an adjustable preset than to spend time manually creating the same effect through multiple steps.

I genuinely believe that most photographers who edit their images will find certain plugins from the Nik Collection invaluable. After years of using it, I’ve only had positive experiences, and that seems to be the consensus among many other photographers as well.

At the end of the day, who can say no to something that speeds up your workflow, delivers impressive effects, and offers full customization?

The Nik Collection is available for purchase on the DxO website for $159.99 (one-time payment). Owners of previous versions can upgrade for $89.99. If you’re still on the fence, take advantage of the free 30-day trial to explore all the plugins.

Nik Collection Discount Code

DxO has generously offered CaptureLandscapes readers a 15% discount on all new purchases of the Nik Collection. Simply use the code PAR_182592373_YBQ079D8WR98 during checkout to save on this powerful suite of tools. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer to enhance your post-processing workflow!

Ready to give Nik Collection 8 a try? Download the free 30-day trial to test all the plugins for yourself, and don’t forget to use our exclusive Nik Collection discount code if you decide to buy.

If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.

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