Verdict: 4.5 stars PhotoLab 8 is the latest update to DxO’s flagship photo organizing, image enhancement and editing software. The changes in this version are incremental but still very useful. If you’re upgrading from a previous version you might want to look closely at what’s new before you take the plunge. But if you’re new to PhotoLab then here’s the low-down. If you want to get the best possible quality from your RAW files and you’re prepared to put in a little time and effort, PhotoLab 8 is quite simply in a class of its own.
DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is a replacement for the old DxO Optics Pro software and includes, amongst many other new features, the control point local adjustments of the Nik Collection plug-ins, together with gradient, radial mask and brush masking tools. It now combines class-leading RAW image processing and lens corrections with all of the adjustment tools needed for end-to-end image enhancement and output.
Save up to 50% on DxO software this Black Friday
DxO is running a Black Friday sales where you can save up to 50% on DxO software. The sale is live now and will end on Cyber Monday, November 27. Here’s a list of the savings for new and existing customers compared to the regular price.
The new HSL local adjustments in DxO PhotoLab 7 explained
One of the new features in DxO PhotoLab 7 is the addition of HSL adjustments to the local adjustment tools. Now, when you create a mask with a control point, control line or other local adjustment tool, you can change the hue, saturation and lightness of specific colors within that masked area.
The new LUT Grading panel in DxO PhotoLab 7: what it does, how it works
A LUT is a very interesting thing. LUT is an acronym for LookUp Table, a conversion profile that, basically, takes a pixel value in the original image and looks up an alternative value in the LUT file. LUTs are used widely in cinematography to recreate a specific and consistent ‘look’, but they’re also appearing more and more in still photography.
The new DxO PhotoLab channel mixer for black and white
I’ve been trying out the new PhotoLab channel mixer and black and white mode in DxO PhotoLab 7 and I have to say I’m somewhat underwhelmed. First, it’s a feature that really it should have had before. Second, it’s not very strong in its effect.
DxO PhotoLab 7 is announced, with new tools for color and black and white
DxO has launched a major new version of its flagship DxO PhotoLab raw processing, correction, enhancement and editing tool. DxO PhotoLab 7 brings new color calibration tools, support for LUTs, the ability to use HSL tools for local adjustments and a new black and white workflow.
DxO FilmPack 7 announced, with new film renderings and luminosity masking
FilmPack 7 has a number of new features, including luminosity masking for more control over image adjustments, 25 new analog film renderings, new ‘digital’ renderings replicating modern digital camera picture styles, and an ‘enriched’ Time Machine mode where you can browse historical photos and recreate their look with your own images.
DxO PhotoLab vs Lightroom Classic – using PhotoLab for cataloguing
That’s an interesting question. PhotoLab 6 offers better RAW processing and noise reduction than Lightroom and more extensive local adjustment tools, but with the improvements to the PhotoLibrary in PhotoLab 6, can it also do the same job as an image cataloguing tool?
DxO Photolab 6.3 update brings improved color management and profile handling
The improvements in PhotoLab 6.3 mainly target the Elite edition, with an extension to the soft proofing tools that can no incorporate on-screen simulations of papers and inks, to allow even more accurate color visualization and control over printed output.
DxO offers 30% off two or more products this December, releases PhotoLab 6.1
Black Friday may be over, but DxO now has a Holiday Magic offer running until December 31. If you buy two or more DxO products during this period it triggers a 30% discount at the checkout. This applies to any permutations of DxO products, including DxO PhotoLab 6 Elite, Nik Collection 5, PureRAW 2, FilmPack 6 or ViewPoint 4.