. . . with a fine range of adjustments (in the Filter control panel) for each one. The Film Grain filter is the only weak spot, not specifically because of the quality (which is quite good) but rather because I'd like to see an increase and improvement in the number of grain types supported and the way they are handled.

One of Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0's best features is its compatibility with Photoshop CS3 Smart Filters. One of the only annoying features is the filter palette which I turn off by default (very easy to do). The new all-in-one user interface also eliminates the need to close and relaunch a filter if you happen to pick the wrong one.

Cons: Filter Palette installed by default. Film Grain filter selection needs expansion and additional depth of control.

Pros: Fast and easy to use, with powerful features and an excellent new user interface. Nik Color Efex Pro 3 is a pleasure to use. It is both friendly and powerful and offers a range of filters which will make any amateur, enthusiast or pro photographer happy. It offers digital versions of traditional glass filters, excellent emulations of different film types, treatments, processes and effects and lots more besides. It is a must have for any digital imageer, photographer and designer. As a a digital photography processing tool, it has surpassed its earlier incarnations in that the user interface and the controls provided along with the new look and feel allow an ease of use and unity of functionality about which you can only say bravo! For those of you who don't want to splash out on the pro version, there are three other versions of the software (Standard, Select, and Complete), any of which might perfectly suit your particular needs. Highly recommended.