In December 2025, Topaz Labs unveiled its ambitious Realism Update, a massive rollout of over 20 new models, features, and improvements across its suite - including Bloom, Topaz Photo AI, Topaz Gigapixel, Topaz Video AI, and Astra.
This update emphasizes photorealism, tackling common AI artifacts like "plastic" skin, over-smoothing, and unnatural details in generated or low-quality content. As Topaz positions it, the focus is on "no plastic, all real" - delivering enhancements that feel true-to-life for photos, videos, and AI art.
With new tools for de-plasticizing AI images, specialized sharpening, advanced denoising, and enterprise API expansions, this marks one of Topaz's largest releases yet, coinciding with holiday sales offering up to 47% off for existing users.
Bloom Realism: Transforming AI-Generated Images
The standout addition is Bloom Realism, a creative upscaler that removes the artificial sheen from AI-generated images. Trained to handle skin, fabrics, metal, plastic, hair, and faces, it intelligently adds realistic details without overcooking textures. Users can feed old AI outputs into Bloom Realism for a natural overhaul, making it ideal for refining generative art.
A dedicated Face Realism model (initially API-only, coming soon to Bloom) sharpens pores, eyes, and hair for hyper-realistic facial enhancements.
Sharpen Portrait & Wildlife: Targeted Detail Recovery
In Topaz Photo AI, new Sharpen Portrait and Sharpen Wildlife models provide case-specific sharpening. Portrait excels at low-res human shots, pulling out fine details while staying faithful to originals. Wildlife does the same for animals, reviving pixelated images from older cameras or dial-up era scans.
Nyx High-Fidelity Denoise and Video Enhancements
Topaz Video AI introduces Nyx High-Fidelity Denoise, a toggle for clearer footage without extra sharpening or upscaling. Overhauled Cinematic & Natural Grain models add realistic film grain based on luminosity and RGB channels.
For AI-generated videos, Starlight Precise 2 in Astra brings softness and natural motion, though it may soften some textures. Astra also gains Scene Controls for per-segment video tweaks and **Batch Render** for processing multiple files at once.
Minor but Impactful Tweaks
- Adjust Lighting 3 (Topaz Photo AI): Better handling of challenging lighting conditions.
- Dust & Scratch 2 (Topaz Photo AI): Removes imperfections while preserving details.
- Grain Toggle (Topaz Gigapixel): Eliminates plastic smoothness and adds authentic grain.
Plugin updates improve reliability in After Effects and DaVinci Resolve, while Topaz Gigapixel regains full Intel Mac support, updates its Wonder model, and optimizes GPU usage.
Enterprise API Expansions
The corporate segment sees major boosts with new API models: Image Colorization, Image Object Matting, Transparent Image Upscale, Video Colorization, Starlight HQ, and Face Realism. These enable developers to integrate advanced realism into workflows, with potential ComfyUI nodes via API for custom setups.
Why This Update Matters
Topaz Labs, trusted by professionals and used in high-profile projects (e.g., HBO documentaries and Coca-Cola animations), continues pushing AI boundaries. The Realism Update addresses creator pain points - like AI's "plastic" look - while expanding accessibility. Available now in Topaz Studio (subscription-based since October 2025), it's a timely holiday boost amid sales.
For photographers, videographers, and AI artists, these tools deliver unprecedented realism, proving Topaz remains at the forefront of enhancement tech. Whether reviving old photos or polishing AI creations, the update invites users to experience "true-to-life" results—no more artificial gloss. Head to topazlabs.com to explore.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
