Image Restore AI - Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler

[Night Pixel]

Andy Hutchinson is back with a review of Image Restore AI which is a Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler. Andy says "Just when you thought all hope was lost for all-in-one AI powered photo toolboxes, along comes a contender. Image Restore AI is a powerful new denoise and upscale tool that seems to be doing everything right from the outset. It's early days for the app, but I got excellent results from both the denoise and upscale models and hope to see more features added in the near-future."

The app runs locally and none of your work is uploaded to the cloud.

NOTE: Andy explicitly says he was NOT compensated in any way for his review.

His TLDR:

"Image Restore AI is a breath of fresh air. An effective DNO/upscaler app for both Windows and Mac that skips the ghastly gimmicks and just gets the1:49job done. The custom AI models built by the developer avoid the plastic, warped, hallucinogenic outputs of generative AI tools in favor of a subtler approach that works with the image rather than against it, retaining its photographic character wherever possible. Unlike photo AI, the D noise is doesn't obliterate a photograph's DNA by annihilating all of the natural grain and pattern of an image. It just deals with actual high ISO noise, hot pixels, and compression issues. All models are local, meaning nothing ever gets uploaded to the cloud, and you won't be charged extra just to use one of the built-in features."

You can check it out here: Image Restore AI

You can download the app at the above link and test it for free. ALL features work except export. The app sells for $99 USD and has a roadmap for additional features like portrait retouching.



00:00 Intro

01:31 tl;dr

03:27 Hardware Requirements

04:05 Interface

06:07 Denoise

14:11 Upscale

18:06 Autopilot & Decompress

20:42 Gimmick-Free A.I. Processing

23:15 Conclusion

25:09 Outro

• Windows 10 or newer
  • CPU: Intel or AMD with AVX Instructions released after 2016
  • GPU: Dedicated or Integrated with DirectX 12 Support and 4GB of Available VRAM
  • RAM: 8GB (16GB Recommended for upscaling)

• MacOS 12 Monterey or newer
  • CPU: Apple Silicon M1 or newer
  • RAM: 8GB (16GB Recommended for upscaling)

--
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know." - Diane Arbus

 

[Digital Nigel]

There's already two other threads on this.

 

[Major Jack]

I read through the other thread about this software, and watched the video, and it is intriguing to say the least. But, it appears, as with most new software, to have some early bugs that need to be resolved and fixed before it becomes something users can trust. At least from what I have read.

I also see the Developer is present here and is answering questions, and that is a HUGE POSITIVE in that he is listening to feedback. Good for him, as that is the first sign of someone who wants his software to succeed.

So, I will watch, and see how it shakes out, and how others rate the software for everyday use. But, it does appear to be something to keep an eye on.

 

[Zeee]

I read through the other thread about this software, and watched the video, and it is intriguing to say the least. But, it appears, as with most new software, to have some early bugs that need to be resolved and fixed before it becomes something users can trust. At least from what I have read.

I also see the Developer is present here and is answering questions, and that is a HUGE POSITIVE in that he is listening to feedback. Good for him, as that is the first sign of someone who wants his software to succeed.

So, I will watch, and see how it shakes out, and how others rate the software for everyday use. But, it does appear to be something to keep an eye on.

Good summary.

 

[tbcass]

Because I disagree with almost everything he says about Topaz Photo AI I don't trust any of his reviews. They seem to by all about complaining. I see more and more of that on YouTube where people like to point out the worst about things because it gets more views. I like balanced reviews that emphasize neither negative or positive aspects. At the same time I don't trust YouTube reviews in general unless from a reviewer who has gained my trust.

--
Tom

 

[Zeee]

Andy Hutchinson is back with a review of Image Restore AI which is a Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler. Andy says "Just when you thought all hope was lost for all-in-one AI powered photo toolboxes, along comes a contender. Image Restore AI is a powerful new denoise and upscale tool that seems to be doing everything right from the outset. It's early days for the app, but I got excellent results from both the denoise and upscale models and hope to see more features added in the near-future."

The app runs locally and none of your work is uploaded to the cloud.

Just curious about this. Which apps don't run locally? We re talking about the app itself, not sub models or sub modules. What app sends files go to the cloud without user intervention? Even Lr these days offers either local or cloud storage options.

NOTE: Andy explicitly says he was NOT compensated in any way for his review.

His TLDR:

"Image Restore AI is a breath of fresh air. An effective DNO/upscaler app for both Windows and Mac that skips the ghastly gimmicks and just gets the1:49job done. The custom AI models built by the developer avoid the plastic, warped, hallucinogenic outputs of generative AI tools in favor of a subtler approach that works with the image rather than against it, retaining its photographic character wherever possible. Unlike photo AI, the D noise is doesn't obliterate a photograph's DNA by annihilating all of the natural grain and pattern of an image. It just deals with actual high ISO noise, hot pixels, and compression issues. All models are local, meaning nothing ever gets uploaded to the cloud, and you won't be charged extra just to use one of the built-in features."

Just for general information. Some apps come with credits that are included in the base price and others don't. For example you have to subscribe to access Canon's Neural Network. Something everyone should investigate before choosing your app.

You can check it out here: Image Restore AI

You can download the app at the above link and test it for free. ALL features work except export. The app sells for $99 USD and has a roadmap for additional features like portrait retouching.
00:00 Intro

01:31 tl;dr

03:27 Hardware Requirements

04:05 Interface

06:07 Denoise

14:11 Upscale

18:06 Autopilot & Decompress

20:42 Gimmick-Free A.I. Processing

23:15 Conclusion

25:09 Outro

• Windows 10 or newer
  • CPU: Intel or AMD with AVX Instructions released after 2016
  • GPU: Dedicated or Integrated with DirectX 12 Support and 4GB of Available VRAM
  • RAM: 8GB (16GB Recommended for upscaling)

• MacOS 12 Monterey or newer
  • CPU: Apple Silicon M1 or newer
  • RAM: 8GB (16GB Recommended for upscaling)

Thanks for the summary.

 

[Night Pixel]

Andy Hutchinson is back with a review of Image Restore AI which is a Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler. Andy says "Just when you thought all hope was lost for all-in-one AI powered photo toolboxes, along comes a contender. Image Restore AI is a powerful new denoise and upscale tool that seems to be doing everything right from the outset. It's early days for the app, but I got excellent results from both the denoise and upscale models and hope to see more features added in the near-future."

The app runs locally and none of your work is uploaded to the cloud.

Just curious about this. Which apps don't run locally? We re talking about the app itself, not sub models or sub modules. What app sends files go to the cloud without user intervention? Even Lr these days offers either local or cloud storage options.

There is NO cloud processing at all. LR/PS have the option to process Generative AI locally with sub-par results or on their servers for better resuts.

NOTE: Andy explicitly says he was NOT compensated in any way for his review.

His TLDR:

"Image Restore AI is a breath of fresh air. An effective DNO/upscaler app for both Windows and Mac that skips the ghastly gimmicks and just gets the1:49job done. The custom AI models built by the developer avoid the plastic, warped, hallucinogenic outputs of generative AI tools in favor of a subtler approach that works with the image rather than against it, retaining its photographic character wherever possible. Unlike photo AI, the D noise is doesn't obliterate a photograph's DNA by annihilating all of the natural grain and pattern of an image. It just deals with actual high ISO noise, hot pixels, and compression issues. All models are local, meaning nothing ever gets uploaded to the cloud, and you won't be charged extra just to use one of the built-in features."

Just for general information. Some apps come with credits that are included in the base price and others don't. For example you have to subscribe to access Canon's Neural Network. Something everyone should investigate before choosing your app.

There are NO credits since there is no cloud processing of the AI model.

--
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know." - Diane Arbus

 

[Corialtus]

There is NO cloud processing at all. LR/PS have the option to process Generative AI locally with sub-par results or on their servers for better resuts.

Which LR features use Server based Generative AI?

As far as I'm aware there are currently no Server based Generative AI services in LR. Generative Remove is only locally used and does not consume credits.

 

[Zeee]

Andy Hutchinson is back with a review of Image Restore AI which is a Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler. Andy says "Just when you thought all hope was lost for all-in-one AI powered photo toolboxes, along comes a contender. Image Restore AI is a powerful new denoise and upscale tool that seems to be doing everything right from the outset. It's early days for the app, but I got excellent results from both the denoise and upscale models and hope to see more features added in the near-future."

The app runs locally and none of your work is uploaded to the cloud.

Just curious about this. Which apps don't run locally? We re talking about the app itself, not sub models or sub modules. What app sends files go to the cloud without user intervention? Even Lr these days offers either local or cloud storage options.

Thanks for the bold reply. Good that others know this. This is the response to your post below. I could not break it up to insert back text below it for some reason.

There is NO cloud processing at all. LR/PS have the option to process Generative AI locally with sub-par results or on their servers for better resuts.

NOTE: Andy explicitly says he was NOT compensated in any way for his review.

His TLDR:

"Image Restore AI is a breath of fresh air. An effective DNO/upscaler app for both Windows and Mac that skips the ghastly gimmicks and just gets the1:49job done. The custom AI models built by the developer avoid the plastic, warped, hallucinogenic outputs of generative AI tools in favor of a subtler approach that works with the image rather than against it, retaining its photographic character wherever possible. Unlike photo AI, the D noise is doesn't obliterate a photograph's DNA by annihilating all of the natural grain and pattern of an image. It just deals with actual high ISO noise, hot pixels, and compression issues. All models are local, meaning nothing ever gets uploaded to the cloud, and you won't be charged extra just to use one of the built-in features."

Just for general information. Some apps come with credits that are included in the base price and others don't. For example you have to subscribe to access Canon's Neural Network. Something everyone should investigate before choosing your app.

There are NO credits since there is no cloud processing of the AI model.

Thanks again for the bold reply I was not talking about Image Restore. Just mentioning there are all types of scenarios when comparing to others.

 

[Zeee]

Andy Hutchinson is back with a review of Image Restore AI which is a Subscription-Free AI Denoise and Upscaler. Andy says "Just when you thought all hope was lost for all-in-one AI powered photo toolboxes, along comes a contender. Image Restore AI is a powerful new denoise and upscale tool that seems to be doing everything right from the outset. It's early days for the app, but I got excellent results from both the denoise and upscale models and hope to see more features added in the near-future."

The app runs locally and none of your work is uploaded to the cloud.

Just curious about this. Which apps don't run locally? We re talking about the app itself, not sub models or sub modules. What app sends files go to the cloud without user intervention? Even Lr these days offers either local or cloud storage options.

Thanks for the bold reply. Good that others know this. This is the response to your post below. I could not break it up to insert back text below it for some reason.

There is NO cloud processing at all. LR/PS have the option to process Generative AI locally with sub-par results or on their servers for better resuts.

NOTE: Andy explicitly says he was NOT compensated in any way for his review.

His TLDR:

"Image Restore AI is a breath of fresh air. An effective DNO/upscaler app for both Windows and Mac that skips the ghastly gimmicks and just gets the1:49job done. The custom AI models built by the developer avoid the plastic, warped, hallucinogenic outputs of generative AI tools in favor of a subtler approach that works with the image rather than against it, retaining its photographic character wherever possible. Unlike photo AI, the D noise is doesn't obliterate a photograph's DNA by annihilating all of the natural grain and pattern of an image. It just deals with actual high ISO noise, hot pixels, and compression issues. All models are local, meaning nothing ever gets uploaded to the cloud, and you won't be charged extra just to use one of the built-in features."

Just for general information. Some apps come with credits that are included in the base price and others don't. For example you have to subscribe to access Canon's Neural Network. Something everyone should investigate before choosing your app.

There are NO credits since there is no cloud processing of the AI model.

Thanks again for the bold reply I was not talking about Image Restore. Just mentioning there are all types of scenarios when comparing to others.

Kinda busy right now and forgot to add this. I like what I see and added this app to my potential list of replacements. I said that in the other thread about this app

 

[Keit ll]

Image Resure - an upload limit of !MB??