DxO Announces the Release of DxO PhotoLab 8
DxO has released DxO PhotoLab 8, the latest version of its RAW image processing and correction software. This update includes several new tools and refinements aimed at providing greater control over the editing process.
DeepPRIME XD2s and Noise Reduction
One of the key new features in DxO PhotoLab 8 is the DeepPRIME XD2s engine, which is the second generation of DxO’s noise reduction and detail extraction technology. This upgrade allows users to work with higher ISO settings while reducing noise and preserving fine details. The technology is designed to improve image quality for both older images and files from the latest camera models, offering more control over the final result. It should be noted that this currently doesn’t work with Fujifilm X-Trans files.
Live Preview Magnifier for Real-Time Adjustments
DxO PhotoLab 8 also introduces the Loupe, a large live preview magnifier, a feature that gives you a detailed view of how your images will look after processing. The magnifier supports zoom levels up to 1600%, allowing you to closely inspect the effects of the software’s various adjustment tools, including noise reduction, chromatic aberration correction, and other image enhancements.
In the past, you had to process an image to fully see the results of every adjustment, or rely on the tiny preview window in the noise reduction setting to get an accurate representation of the DeepPrime results. The new Loupe makes it easier to assess the adjustments you make during the editing process, although I would still prefer a better caching system that would eliminate the need for such a tool. This is a good step in the right direction though.
New Hue Mask
Another new feature is the Hue Mask, which expands the software’s local adjustment capabilities. In combination with existing masks based on DxO’s U Point™ technology, the new Hue Mask tool allows you to select and adjust specific colour ranges in an image. You can choose from predefined hues or sample directly from the image to refine their adjustments.
This is different from the hue and saturation correction tool in the colour tab in that it actually creates a mask and lets you perform the same level of adjustments as the other masks, including contrast, exposure adjustments and so on.
Enhanced Tone Curve Tool
The Tone Curve tool in DxO PhotoLab 8 has been upgraded with several new capabilities. Photographers can now make on-image adjustments by clicking directly on the part of the image they want to edit, which corresponds to specific tonal ranges. A new Luma channel has also been added, which allows tonal changes to be made without affecting colour levels. This prevents unwanted shifts in colour when making brightness adjustments.
In addition to these changes, the updated Tone Curve tool includes a built-in histogram for better visual feedback, bi-colour tints for more accurate adjustments to the RGB channels, and the ability to assign numeric values to individual points on the curve for precise editing. Custom presets can also be saved for future use.
Lens Softness Compensation
DxO has also refined its lens softness compensation feature, which is based on detailed laboratory testing of lenses. The software's Optics Modules use these test results to correct for the natural loss of sharpness that occurs at the edges of lenses. With the new algorithms introduced in DxO PhotoLab 8, this feature offers sharper image quality without adding unwanted artefacts, such as fringing, in high-frequency areas of an image.
Workflow Enhancements
DxO PhotoLab 8 includes several updates to improve workflow efficiency. The new Compare Mode allows users to set a reference image and match their edits accordingly, helping to ensure consistency across multiple images. The software also introduces a Correction Rollover feature that provides a live preview of adjustments when hovering over settings like Colour Renderings, LUTs, and Tone Curve Presets.
Performance and Availability
The latest version of DxO PhotoLab also brings performance enhancements, with faster browsing and image loading, which is aimed at streamlining the overall editing process.
DxO PhotoLab 8 is available for both Windows and macOS, and can be purchased from DxO’s website for £209/$229/€229.
Upgrade pricing for users of DxO PhotoLab versions 6 and 7 is £99/$109/€109. DxO is also offering a bundle that includes DxO FilmPack 7 for a total price of £249/$299/€299. A free 30-day trial is available for download.
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