MyHeritage introduced a new tool this past week that will automatically colorize your black and white photos. So, why use (or not use) MyHeritage’s InColor tool?
First, I’ll take you through the steps as though you are new to MyHeritage and upload a couple of photos comparing them to ones I have colorized myself.
Accessing MyHeritage
When you initially go to https://www.myheritage.com/incolor it looks easy enough, just click on “Upload Photos” and choose a photo from your computer’s hard drive or smartphone.
You can also access InColor by going to Colorize Photos from the Family Tree main menu.
TIP: If you step away from your computer for more than a few minutes, without being logged on to their website, the colorization process will not complete.
You have three (3) options for creating an account. Which you must have in order to retrieve your colorized photo.
- Email address
TIP: My preference? Always Email! And I enter as little personal information as I can.
Uploading and Retrieving a Photo
Sample 1: My baby photo
For this first example I’m using a photo of myself as a baby. Yes, it does have some water damage, but there’s a reason I’m using a somewhat damaged photo as an example.
Here you will have another set of options what you would like to do. But for the purpose of this article and I think what most individuals would prefer to do is “Download photo”. You’ll notice that it is in small text font below the other options.
TIP: Do you see the vertical bar in the middle of the photo? Slide this to the right or left to see the before and after.
Now, let’s further compare the original to the colorized version. The one on the left is by MyHeritage, the one on the right is done by me, in PhotoShop.
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
For this sample, the original was not turned to black & white, as not everyone has that capability. And I was curious to see what they would do with it. Notice, every blemish, tear, whatever is enhanced. And the color is even more yellow. But the big difference I’m wanting you to know about is the size of the photo, and their logo included on the free image.
Quality Difference
Not only is the coloring off, so is the quality of the photo. It’s a big deal, in my eyes. Let’s say you upload an 8×10 photo in 600dpi, but what you get in return is still an 8×10 photo but it’s in 72dpi. Most quality printers print at 300dpi.
Watermark
Anyone can colorize several photos for free, according to MyHeritage. Afterwards, a subscription is required. NOTE: After 3, I had not reached that limit yet. However, persons who have a Complete subscription with MyHeritage can colorize an unlimited number of photos. Non-subscribers (free accounts) will notice a watermark of the MyHeritage logo on the bottom right of their colorized photos, whereas Complete subscribers are able to produce colorized photos that are logo-free.
Cost
The Complete Plan for the first year is $209, afterwards is $299/year. For a professional to colorize your photo depends on the size and quality of your photo. But I can almost guarantee it won’t be the cost of one year subscription. And, you will be much happier with the results.
Summary
Based on the quality, watermark and cost, I’m not a huge fan. Of course, this is partly how I and others like me make our living. While it’s fun to get instantaneous results wouldn’t you rather have quality results to help preserve your precious memories?
Want to see more samples?
1st comparison
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
MyHeritage
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
Moore Reflections
2nd comparison
Note to self: I could probably spend more time perfecting the color of her skin. But that’s the perfectionist in me. And the wonderful part about constantly learning new techniques and exploring the creative side and yet try to achieve the goal of what the original photo would have looked like had it been in color.
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
MyHeritage
[twentytwenty]
[/twentytwenty]
Moore Reflections
