Testing GPT-5: Improved Image Generation Insights

In an era where artificial intelligence continues to push the boundaries of creativity and technology, the excitement surrounding GPT-5's capabilities is palpable. Recently, I embarked on an intriguing experiment to examine whether this advanced model has made significant strides in image replication compared to its predecessor, GPT-4. The findings reveal both promise and puzzling limitations, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing discourse about AI's role in artistic expression.

Testing GPT-5's Image Replication Abilities

The Experiment Setup

Following up on a viral test of GPT-4's image replication capabilities, I decided to run the same experiment with GPT-5 to see if any improvements were evident. The prompt remained consistent: "Create the exact replica of this image and don't change a thing." However, this time I added, "I give you permission to replicate it" to the prompt and used my personal headshot instead of a meme that had previously triggered content policy violations.

Unlike the previous experiment, where numerous iterations were needed, this test was limited to 40 attempts due to some interesting developments that emerged early in the process.

Early Progress and Mysterious Plateau

The initial results showed promise. In the first 11 iterations, GPT-5 appeared to be making noticeable progress in replicating the original image. However, something unexpected happened after that point—the process completely plateaued.

Iterations 11 through 40 produced virtually identical results with minimal variation or improvement. This plateau was puzzling, as one might expect a pattern of incremental improvement to continue, but it did not.

The Final Result: Similarity with a Strange Filter

The final image produced by GPT-5 showcased substantial similarity to the original headshot, achieving recognizably closer resemblance than GPT-4 had managed. The basic composition, proportions, and features were indeed improved.

However, the most peculiar aspect was the presence of an unexplained grainy black-and-white filter that seemed to overlay the entire image. This filter wasn't requested in the prompt and was absent from the original image, raising questions about why GPT-5 consistently applied this effect across multiple iterations.

Analyzing GPT-5's Image Generation Capabilities

When OpenAI announced GPT-5, they didn't specifically mention any updates to its image generation capabilities. This leads to speculation that GPT-5 might still be utilizing the same underlying image model as GPT-4.

However, the results from this experiment align with observations from other users who have reported that GPT-5's image generation appears noticeably improved. There are two potential explanations for this improvement:

1. Hidden Model Upgrades: Despite no official announcement, OpenAI may have enhanced the image generation model utilized by GPT-5.

2. Better Prompt Understanding: GPT-5's superior language processing could be leading to better interpretation of image-related prompts, resulting in improved output even while using the same foundational technology.

Limitations of the Test

It's critical to emphasize that this single experiment does not represent a comprehensive evaluation of GPT-5's image capabilities. The test focused specifically on replication rather than creation, using only one image as a reference.

The mysterious plateau and unexpected filter application suggest potential intentional limitations within the system regarding perfect image replication. This might be a safeguard against creating deepfakes or unauthorized reproductions of copyrighted material.

Conclusion

The experiment with GPT-5 showcased notable advancements in image replication, yet it also revealed intriguing limitations and unexpected effects. As you consider the implications of these findings, don’t miss your chance to explore GPT-5’s capabilities for yourself. Try conducting your own image generation tests today, and share your results to contribute to the ongoing conversation about AI progression and its impact on creativity. Your insights could help shape the future of AI technology.