Tag: #dxo

DxO releases 1,693 new Optics Modules, providing unrivaled corrections for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7R V, and a selection of Sigma lenses

DxO’s Optics Modules offer unparalleled corrections, including unique lens softness improvements and distortion corrections that maximize field of view. DxO’s software now corrects more than 80,000 lens and camera combinations.

Paris (France): DxO, the company that has pioneered calibration-based optical corrections for 20 years, today announces its latest batch of Optics Modules. The release of 1,693 DxO Optics Modules includes support for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Fujifilm X-T5, the Sony A7R V, five lenses from Sigma, and more.

For quality-conscious photographers, DxO Optics Modules are a wealth of individually tailored, laboratory-grade corrections, which present the most accurate and powerful route to improving image quality on the market. Superior to other optical correction software, DxO’s adjustments vastly improve results, whether they are applied to entry-level lenses or professional-grade glass.

Essentially, the performance of any lens can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, and ViewPoint.

A unique approach to defeating lens softness

All correction software offers digital sharpening to combat lens softness, but DxO’s approach is unique and superior, taking into account the varying levels of sharpness across a lens’s entire field of view. Rather than applying general sharpening across the entire image (as with lesser software), DxO Optics Modules target sharpening as required, such as when a lens gets progressively softer towards its edges.

As seen with the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN, the boost in image quality by DxO Optics Modules makes it perform better in terms of sharpness and distortion (while also eliminating vignetting and aberrations). As illustrated below, nowhere is this clearer than in combating lens softness. 

 

  • The uncorrected lens displays a significant difference in sharpness between the center of the frame and the corners.

 

  • Typically, photo editing software uses a generic profile to make a global correction across the entire image based on the sharpening required at the center.

 

  • Edge of frame sharpening from Adobe Lightroom® (left) and DxO Optics Modules (right). Unlike Adobe Lightroom, DxO Optics Modules are able to progressively increase corrections away from the frame’s center, allowing for a sharper overall image.

Sophisticated distortion corrections deliver greater image area

DxO’s Optics Modules frequently deliver a greater image area thanks to more refined assessments when correcting distortions. When needed, DxO Optics Modules give photographers the option to gain extra image area when compared with the crop applied as the result of Lightroom’s corrections.

Intelligent control of chromatic aberration

In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules remove chromatic aberrations — both longitudinal, and lateral. Chromatic aberrations vary depending on the focal length and distance, and DxO’s algorithms take these into account in order to perform more accurate corrections. Colored outlines are removed without degrading the image’s color or detail.

Vignetting accurately removed

Finally, vignetting is resolved, correcting the darker edges of the frame that can occur in certain lenses and at specific focal lengths.

The most exacting science, the highest quality

Each DxO Optics Module is created using individual camera and lens combinations. This means that any minor differences in the performance of a sensor can be measured across all the examples of it in a manufacturer’s lens mount range. 

For instance, with the new Optics Modules for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S, measurements were not made using just a single full-frame Alpha camera, but with almost every Sony camera on the market.

Latest DxO Optics Modules

The latest DxO Optics Modules update — available now — includes the following cameras and lenses, each optimized for specific camera and lens combinations:

 

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • OM System OM-5
  • Sony A7R V

 

  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S (Sony FE)
  • Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm F2.8 (Sony E)

 

About DxO

For over 20 years, DxO has blazed a pioneering trail in the fields of photographic science and digital image processing. Built on principles of technical rigor and ceaseless innovation, we were at the forefront of bringing RAW development to photographers, and continue to build the most powerful and versatile software on the market, all designed to offer the greatest image quality and creative freedom. Along with its exacting Optics Modules, available in all our products, we publish DxO PhotoLab, which won the EISA 2020-2021 award for Best Photo Software and the TIPA award for Best Imaging Software in 2020, 2021, and 2022; the award-winning RAW preprocessing and noise reduction software, DxO PureRAW; and Nik Collection, the renowned suite of creative plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop®, Lightroom Classic®, and DxO PhotoLab.

DxO’s cutting-edge Optics Modules now include support for 9 new lenses

DxO Labs, the company that invented optical corrections for digital photography, has completed its detailed analysis of nine new lenses and added them to its list of supported equipment.

DxO now offers photographers access to more than 77,000 camera and lens combinations across its software — DxO PhotoLab, PureRAW, ViewPoint, FilmPack, and Nik Collection — offering unrivaled quality.

Photographers receive corrections that are tailor-made for their specific equipment as each new Optics Module is created from individual camera and lens combinations — not simply the lens on its own. As a result, DxO offers the most complete and high-quality approach to optical correction.

The latest update — available now — includes the following lenses:

 

  • Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
  • Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8
  • HD Pentax-D FA 21mm F2.4 ED Limited DC WR
  • HD Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 Limited
  • HD Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
  • HD Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C
  • Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN | C
  • Sony E 11mm F1.8

 

“We’re committed to giving photographers the best possible results from their gear, and we’re delighted to add these nine new lenses,” explained Marie-Catherine Fargnoli, DxO Product Owner and Laboratory Manager. “DxO has never used off-the-shelf lens corrections and no other software company matches the quality that we’re able to achieve through the work carried out in our laboratory.”

Two decades of innovation

Almost 20 years ago, DxO created the world’s first lens corrections in its unique, purpose-built laboratory. Today, DxO’s Optics Modules continue to lead the industry thanks to their quality and precision.

What makes DxO’s corrections superior?

DxO creates an exclusive set of characteristics as it assesses lenses and cameras together, rather than simply assessing a lens on its own. These bespoke optical corrections offer two significant advantages:

  • DxO Optics Modules assess 100% of the pixel area as being the true field of capture. Other solutions — including those from camera brands and competitor software — are forced to crop the resolution when reducing optical distortion. Compared to the competition, DxO Optics Modules can keep up to 10% more pixels.
  • DxO delivers tailor-made adjustments and corrections across each lens’s field of view thanks to an exclusive lens sharpness algorithm. Unlike the standard lens libraries used by other software, sharpening is applied at different levels according to a lens’s unique characteristics. For example, sharpening increases towards the edge of the frame to account for subtle changes in radial softness.

DxO Optics Modules also correct the following imperfections as standard:

  • Vignetting
  • Geometric distortions
  • Longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations

In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules are the only way to benefit from anamorphic deformation compensation — exclusive technology that restores the natural proportions of a scene or subject after it has been distorted by a wide-angle lens. This means that using shorter focal lengths is no longer an issue when photographing large groups of people (particularly at weddings), or in landscape and architectural photography.

DxO PureRAW 2: Versatility, speed, and support for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras

A revolution for RAW files, DxO PureRAW 2 now allows users to pre-process images without leaving Lightroom and offers significant speed improvements. Support arrives for X-Trans cameras, offering Fujifilm photographers excellent image quality, and improved OS integration brings access via context menus.

Awarded the EISA Best Advanced Photo Software 2021 upon its release, DxO PureRAW set a new standard in RAW conversion through its pioneering use of artificial intelligence, establishing superior image quality at the beginning of the editing process — all without disrupting photographers’ existing workflows. DxO PureRAW 2 builds on this success, offering new features and greater efficiency.

New integrations offer a smoother workflow.

DxO PureRAW 2 acquires two new integrations to make the workflow even smoother. In Lightroom Classic, users can right-click on a number of RAW files and have DxO PureRAW 2 process the images, creating newly enhanced Linear DNG files back into the same folder, without having to step outside of the application. Similar functionality is now integrated into Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder: simply right-click files and choose from the context menu to start the process.

Support for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras.

DxO PureRAW 2 now supports RAW files from X-Trans sensors, bringing the significant benefits of DeepPRIME to Fujifilm XT photographers. Expect clean images, free of noise and artifacts, with deep, vibrant colours even at high ISO levels.

Faster and more efficient.

DxO DeepPRIME receives a significant upgrade in speed. Not only more responsive, processing and export times have been improved — up to four times faster on Apple Silicon machines and up to 1.5 times faster on the latest Windows computers.

Support for HiDPI displays and a host of new camera/lens combinations.

HiDPI displays are now supported, offering greater comfort to photographers on Windows machines.

Updates to DxO’s Optics Modules brings the total number of supported camera and lens combinations to more than 70,000.

Support for even more equipment.

DxO PureRAW 2 supports 40 new cameras: 

Canon EOS R3 (Canon RF) – sensor Bayer

DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Cine (Drone) – sensor Bayer

Fuji GFX 50S II (Fuji GFX) – sensor Bayer

Fuji X100F (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100S (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100T (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100V (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X20 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X30 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X70 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E2S (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E4 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji XF10 (Compact) – sensor Bayer

Fuji X-H1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-M1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-S10 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T10 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T20 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T30 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T30 II (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T4 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Leica M10-R (Leica M) – sensor Bayer

Leica SL2 (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Leica SL2-S (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Nikon Z9 (Nikon Z) – sensor Bayer

Ricoh GRIIIx (Compact) – sensor Bayer

Sigma Fp-L (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7 IV (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7R IIIA (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7R IVA (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony FX3 (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

DxO PureRAW superbly renders RAW files so you can enjoy even more possibilities with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom

When used ahead of Adobe solutions or other photo-editing programs, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise and other lens defects.

Harnessing exclusive technologies developed over nearly twenty years by DxO, one of the world’s leading photo-editing software creators, DxO PureRAW removes noise, chromatic aberrations, unwanted vignetting, distortion, and insufficient sharpness with an unprecedented level of quality. By improving RAW images in this way, DxO PureRAW offers photographers greater creative freedom when editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. The result is a more precise and less constrained editing process.

Zero compromise between preserving details and removing noise 

Say goodbye to juggling tedious compromises between preserving detail and removing noise in Photoshop and Lightroom. Using DeepPRIME artificial intelligence, DxO PureRAW automatically removes digital noise with an exceptional level of quality.

 

DxO DeepPRIME technology is an artificial intelligence designed for developing RAW photo files. Trained through deep learning using millions of images analyzed by DxO’s laboratories, it delivers a revolutionary improvement to digital noise reduction while also demosaicing photos more effectively. 

 

Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing defects that degrade the quality of the other. With deep learning, DeepPRIME adopts a holistic approach that combines these two steps into one. The information in the photo is rendered beautifully, especially in low light, noise is visibly reduced, color details are better preserved, and transitions are more even and natural.

Improve even top-notch lenses

Thanks to the custom optical modules developed by DxO, DxO PureRAW automatically scrubs RAW images of the residual defects, including distortion, unwanted vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and a lack of sharpness, produced by even the best lenses on the market. The software provides Photoshop and Lightroom users with a flawlessly clean slate for retouching and editing in other solutions.

 

Since its founding in 2003, DxO Labs has earned an international reputation for measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lens using a protocol that is more precise than any other in the industry. DxO has measured the defects created by thousands of lens/camera combinations in RAW images with an extraordinary level of scientific precision for each piece of equipment and in every situation. This in-depth knowledge of the flaws and performance of each piece of photography equipment is compiled in a database of over 60,000 combinations and is the secret to why DxO PureRAW delivers the best corrections in the industry.

A new life for RAW photos 

DxO PureRAW lets users revisit unusable RAW images taken with equipment that has since become obsolete. Photos are instantly made to look like they were taken with the most recent technology, and limitations on ISO values are a thing of the past.

Perfection is in the details

DxO PureRAW richly and accurately reveals details in RAW files, resulting in crystal-clear images that capture every last texture. Photographers can enlarge images without worrying about decreasing the quality.

Soft, non-grainy bokeh

DxO PureRAW removes the “parasitic” grain that all cameras produce in unfocused areas and solid backgrounds. DxO PureRAW processes every part of the image and uses smart technology to differentiate between ultra-sharp areas and bokeh effects.

Incredibly simple to use

DxO PureRAW can be easily incorporated into photographers’ workflow ahead of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other photo-editing software. That way, users can keep their same editing environment. DxO PureRAW couldn’t be easier to use: Users simply select their images from the software’s browser window or use the drag-and-drop feature, then choose their desired level of denoising and where they want to save the file. Zero sliders or complicated settings required!

Price and availability

DxO PureRAW (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/) for a special launch price of £79.99 instead of £115 until May 31, 2021. A free 30-day trial version is also available: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/. 

The Revolutionary Apple M1 Chip has Boosted the Efficiency of DxO PhotoLab 4’s DeepPRIME Technology by Leaps and Bounds

DxO PhotoLab 4, the world’s most advanced photo-editing software in terms of image processing launched two months ago, lets users harness the full potential of the new Apple M1 chip powering the latest generation of the Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. The newest version of the software, DxO PhotoLab 4.1, also offers better colour control through its improved HSL tool and support for five new cameras.

Three to Five Times Faster Performance Compared to the Most Recent 13” MacBook Pro and Intel Mac Mini 

The architecture of the latest Apple M1 chip has been optimised with image processing and artificial intelligence algorithms in mind. It’s only natural then that the extraordinary image quality made possible by DxO PhotoLab 4’s DxO DeepPRIME image processing technology is now dramatically more efficient on the latest generation of Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

Users can now process their images three to five times faster compared to the most recent 13” MacBook Pro and Mac Mini for nearly half the cost—and in silence. Images are exported at 1.5 mpix/s, which is faster than the previous version of DxO PRIME. In fact, the Apple M1 chip greatly reduces the time it takes to complete all edits. Because the technology applies a denoising and a demosaicing algorithm simultaneously, the quality of photos (including low-ISO images) processed with DxO DeepPRIME is unmatched. When paired with Mac computers outfitted with the M1 chip, the technology can be applied seamlessly every time.

DxO DeepPRIME has Revolutionized Denoising and RAW Conversion Technology

DxO DeepPRIME is based on the latest artificial intelligence technologies and significantly improves noise reduction while also delivering more effective demosaicing. The resulting photo quality is nothing short of spectacular, especially for photos taken in low light conditions that require brightening certain areas, photos with small pixels, and photos taken with early-generation cameras. 

 

To demosaic and reduce noise in RAW images, DxO DeepPRIME was trained using several billion samples. Since its founding in 2003, DxO has earned an international reputation for calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lenses using a protocol that is more comprehensive than any other in the industry. DxO has measured the distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, loss of sharpness, and digital noise generated by each equipment combination and in every situation with an extraordinary level of precision.

Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing artifact that degrade the quality of the other. With deep learning, DxO DeepPRIME has adopted a holistic approach that combines the two steps into one in order to deliver exceptional performance.

Improved HSL Tool

DxO PhotoLab 4’s HSL (Hue–Saturation–Luminance) Tool features an exclusive adjustment mode based on the colour wheel called DxO ColorWheel. With this tool, you can select a colour range from eight different channels, fine-tune the value, select a replacement colour, and adjust your transitions as much as you like. DxO PhotoLab 4.1 now displays a mask in the image being edited that lets you instantly identify the selected colour area. The result is a more seamless user experience and even more opportunities to unleash your creativity. The Uniformity slider lets you adjust colour variations within a specific range. The Saturation and Luminance sliders also offer an incredible degree of flexibility, especially when converting a colour image to black and white and when creating partially desaturated images.

New Camera Support

DxO PhotoLab 4.1 continues to add the latest cameras to the list of equipment it supports. The program now supports the Nikon Z 6II, the Sony A7C and A7S III, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. A new drone, the DJI Mavic Air 2, has also been added to the optical modules database.

Price and Availability

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab 4 (PC and Mac) are now available for download on DxO’s website (https://shop.dxo.com/) for the following prices until December 31, 2020:

 

DxO PhotoLab 4 ESSENTIAL Edition: £86.99 instead of £112

DxO PhotoLab 4 ELITE Edition: £129.99 instead of £169

 

DxO PhotoLab 4 users can download this update for free. You do not need a subscription to use DxO PhotoLab 4. You can install the program on two computers with the DxO PhotoLab 4 ESSENTIAL Edition or on three computers with the DxO PhotoLab 4 ELITE Edition. Photographers with a license for DxO OpticsPro or PhotoLab 3 can purchase an upgrade license for DxO PhotoLab 4 by signing into their customer account on https://shop.dxo.com/login_upgrade.php/. A fully functional, one-month trial version of DxO PhotoLab 4 is available on the DxO website: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/.

Nik Collection 3 By DxO 25th Anniversary: 25 Years of Inspiration, 25 New Pre-sets

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Nik Collection, the famous photo plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab and the winner of the 2020-2021 EISA Award for Best Photo-Editing Software, released its latest 3.3 version. This version includes a pack of 25 brand-new Presets for Color Efex Pro and Silver Efex Pro. These twenty-five exclusive Presets are divided into five series, each with five Presets: “Classic Portrait Color,” “Classic Portrait Black & White,” “Light & Bright,” “Wildlife,” and “Street”. This update is also compatible with macOS Big Sur and the 2021 versions of Adobe’s host applications.

Designed for Multiple Genres and Today’s Photography

The new Presets included in the Nik Collection 3 by DxO showcase five photography genres, specifically colour portraiture, black-and-white portraits, landscape photography, wildlife photography, and street photography. These are the five most popular genres among expert and amateur photographers alike. Color Efex Pro, which already includes a number of creative colour Presets and recipes, and Silver Efex Pro, which continues to set the standard for black-and-white conversion, are the two Nik Collection plugins photographers turn to the most. 

With its ten “Classic Portrait Color” Presets for Color Efex Pro and “Classic Portrait Black & White” Presets for Silver Efex Pro, the Nik Collection 3 by DxO offers users a modern and holistic approach to the genre. “High Key Bright” brings out the whites and brightness in colour portraits, giving images a joyful and optimistic ambiance. With its lower exposure levels, “Hint of Color” creates a more dramatic look that nonetheless remains soft through the addition of a colour tint. 

With respect to black-and-white photography, “Hollywood Glamour” produces images with high contrast yet controls the darker tones in the image to conceal any flaws. For those nostalgic for the analogue film era, “Rugged” offers a perfectly balanced, fine-grain look. 

When it comes to landscape photography, the “Light & Bright” series designed for Color Efex Pro opts for a colourful take on the genre through a selection of monochromatic or chromatic-dominant Presets. “Cafe Mocha” adds a dark beige tint, while “Pink Lemonade” uses a pink tint. With their green and blue tones, “Fade Away” and “Heavenly Blue” give landscapes a timeless look. “Sunshine Morning” creates softer and more balanced tints.

The “Wildlife” series for Color Efex Pro includes Presets that showcase a variety of lighting effects and highlight detail. With its blue tint and slight blur, “Cool Evening” simulates a semi-nocturnal ambiance. “Sunny Day” mimics the effect of a bright, noon-day sun without flattening the image. Wish your photo was a bit sharper? “Fur Details” increases micro-contrast and enhances textures, resulting in an incredibly realistic effect.

Finally, the “Street” series for Silver Efex Pro opts for an approach poised between classicism and modernism by playing up contrasts, grain, and tints simultaneously. “High Contrast” recreates that classic street photography look by producing dense blacks and stark whites. “Street Gritty” adds a slight grain over the top, which is reminiscent of Leica. With “Street Dramatic”, the background of the photo is darkened, and the depth of field is shortened.

Twenty-five Years Dedicated to Innovation and Photography 

Since Nils Kokemohr founded the company in 1995, Nik Multimedia, which later became Nik Software in 2006, has sought to develop photo-editing software that helps photographers who use Adobe Photoshop realise their vision through the use of simple tools based on exclusive algorithms and designed to improve their workflow. The software developer created Color Efex Pro to improve colour conversion, Sharpener Pro to boost sharpness, Dfine to reduce noise, Viveza to apply local colour adjustments, HDR Efex Pro to edit HDR images, Silver Efex Pro for white-and-black conversions, and Analog Efex to recreate the look of silver halide film. It also released a number of innovations, including the famous local adjustment technology U POINT™. 

 

After Google purchased it in 2012, the Nik Collection was gradually side-lined. When DxO bought it in 2017, the suite was re-released, much to the delight of its extensive community of users. Its latest version, released in June 2020, added a number of new features, including the Selective Tool, which was redesigned to work with Adobe Photoshop, a non-destructive workflow for Adobe Lightroom users, and an eighth plugin, Perspective Efex. 

Compatible with macOS Big Sur and the Latest Versions of Adobe software 

To ensure the best possible user experience, the Nik Collection 3.3 by DxO was optimised to be fully compatible with macOS Big Sur as well as the latest versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements.

Price and Availability

The Nik Collection 3.3 by DxO (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for £125 for the full version and for £69 for the upgrade. 

 

Users who purchased Nik Collection 3 by DxO after June 2020 may upgrade their software for free. Photographers who already own Nik Collection 2 By DxO or a previous version can upgrade their software by signing into their customer accounts. A fully-functional, one-month trial version of Nik Collection 3.3 By DxO is available on the DxO website: https://nikcollection.dxo.com/download/.

New DxO PhotoLab 4 uses Artificial Intelligence that Revolutionizes Denoising and RAW Conversion Technology

DxO, a software developer that has developed a reputation in the photography industry and one of the global leaders in image processing technology, is announcing the immediate release of DxO DeepPRIME, an artificial intelligence technology dedicated to editing photos in RAW format. Trained with deep learning technology using the millions of photos DxO’s laboratories have analysed for more than 15 years, DxO DeepPRIME employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence and drastically improves digital noise reduction while also delivering more effective demosaicing. The resulting photo quality is spectacular, especially for photos taken in low light conditions, with small pixels, or with early-generation cameras.

 

“We’ve always thought that nothing could extract pertinent information from a noisy image better than the human brain,” explained Wolf Hauser, Scientific Director at DxO. “It is fascinating to see that AI is now even better at the job!”

DxO DeepPRIME: State-of-the-art Neural Networks

DxO DeepPRIME AI belongs to a class of neural networks call convolutional neural networks, the structure of which is directly inspired by neuroscientific research on the human brain. The computer is allowed to determine the values of millions of parameters within the network, hence the term automatic learning, based on a vast database of carefully chosen input and output example images.

DxO DeepPRIME is Trained Using a One-of-a-kind Database of Calibration Images 

Since its founding in 2003, DxO has earned an international reputation after measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lenses using a protocol that is more extensive than any other in the industry. Its laboratories have measured the amount of distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, loss of sharpness, and digital noise present in RAW images for each equipment combination and every situation with an extraordinary level of precision. Such in-depth knowledge of the performance and defects of each piece of photography equipment, which now totals to more than 60,000 different combinations, has resulted in a database of several million thoroughly calibrated images, each one containing several thousands of characteristic points. This database ultimately provided the DxO DeepPRIME network with several billion samples to learn from.

Revolutionary Denoising and Demosaicing Performance 

Based on these billions of datasets, the DxO DeepPRIME artificial intelligence technology taught itself the two fundamental operations for editing any RAW image file—demosaicing and denoising.

 

Demosaicing consists of recreating complete colours based on the pixels from a photo sensor that initially only receive one of three basic colours. Denoising involves correcting digital noise, which produces granulation and coloured dots that significantly degrade the quality of photos taken in low-light conditions. Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing artifacts that degrade the quality of the other. Through deep learning, DxO DeepPRIME uses a holistic approach that combines demosaicing and denoising in the same step, resulting in exceptional performance.

 

“There are a number of applications for DxO DeepPRIME,” explains Jérôme Ménière, CEO of DxO. “In the field of photography, DxO DeepPRIME creates new creative opportunities by helping expert photographers overcome digital noise or a lack of light. For amateur photographers, DxO DeepPRIME compensates the drawbacks of the smaller sensors on compact and bridge cameras, which can typically only take high-quality images in bright light. Lastly, it can also be used to breathe new life into photos taken by early-generation digital cameras.”

 

In addition to photography for the general public, DxO is also exploring ways to apply DxO DeepPRIME in the medical, surveillance, and automotive industry.

Availability

DxO DeepPRIME is immediately available to the general public through DxO PhotoLab 4, the latest version of DxO’s advanced photo-editing software that was announced today. A fully functional, one-month trial version of DxO PhotoLab 4 is available on the DxO website: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/.

The Nik Collection 3 by DxO wins the 2020-2021 EISA Award for Best Photo Software.

DxO, one of the most innovative companies in the photography and image editing industry, is proud to announce that EISA has awarded the prestigious “2020-2021 EISA PHOTO SOFTWARE” Award to the Nik Collection 3 by DxO, the famous creative photo plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab.

 

With more than sixty expert magazines published in nearly 30 countries worldwide, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) represents the broadest editorial collaboration in the mass retail electronics sector. Every year, its jury awards the top products in photography as well as the Hi-Fi, home cinema, embedded electronics, and mobile device industries.

“With the Nik Collection 3 by DxO, we set out to provide Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic users with an even more flexible and fluid editing process,” says Jérôme Ménière, founder and CEO of DxO. “We are especially proud that EISA’s expert jury chose to recognize this major improvement to our software, which was made possible by an amazing collaboration with the Nik Collection community—a group that is continuing to grow throughout the world.” 

 

The Nik Collection 3 by DxO offers expert photographers a palette of nearly 200 creative, high-quality effects and filters as well as a number of retouching tools. With the software’s exclusive U POINT™ technology, users can apply local adjustments to specific areas in the image with seamless precision. Launched in June 2020, the Nik Collection 3 By DxO includes the new Nik Selective Tool, the suite’s plugin launcher for Adobe Photoshop, and new quick-edit tools. Nik Collection 3 By DxO also offers a new non-destructive workflow, an exclusive feature that is perfect for Adobe Lightroom Classic users, as well as an eighth geometric correction plugin, Perspective Efex. 

 

According to the EISA jury, “Nik Collection 3 by DxO is a suite of eight powerful photo-editing plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and DxO PhotoLab, that helps photographers take their images to the next level. Together the plug-ins allow a wide range of effects to be applied quickly and easily to images, such as great black & white conversions, attractive colour adjustments and creative treatments, and new in this version, comprehensive geometric corrections. A new non-destructive mode allows you to export images as TIFF files and tweak your edits, while keeping your original images safe and your adjustments reversible.”

Nik Collection 3 By DxO: A Faster and More Creative User Experience in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

DxO, one of the most innovative companies in the photography and image-editing industry, has announced the immediate release of the Nik Collection 3 by DxO, a major upgrade to the famous plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab. The Nik Collection 3 By DxO has become even more powerful and versatile with each new version. It features a newly designed Nik Selective Tool, the suite’s plugin launcher for Adobe Photoshop, and new quick edit tools. Nik Collection 3 By DxO also offers a new non-destructive workflow, a unique feature that is perfect for Adobe Lightroom Classic users, as well as an eighth geometric correction plugin, Perspective Efex. Finally, the Message Centre lets Nik Collection users stay informed about new upcoming features and access new online resources.

Quickly Unlock Your Creativity in Adobe Photoshop with the Nik Selective Tool

The Nik Selective Tool is a dedicated palette that gives users direct access to the suite’s various plugins from Adobe Photoshop. The new Nik Selective Tool has been completely redesigned. This latest version revolutionizes how Nik Collection By DxO is used by simplifying the suite and providing faster access to each editing feature. The new version of the Nik Selective Tool features a new design that makes it easier to identify each plugin and clearly display your favourite presets. To optimize the workspace in Adobe Photoshop, the palette can be automatically collapsed with one click. The tool is also fully compatible with HiDPI screens and can be used in dual monitor mode for an even more productive experience.

At the same time, the Nik Selective Tool has been expanded to include lightning-fast retouching options. Its new “Last Edit” feature recreates the last preset applied in a single click so users can quickly edit their images in the plugins of their choice. This feature is especially useful for editing batches of images or when users want to create a preset after editing a photo. Its brand-new “Quick Edit” option even lets users edit their images by applying the last action used without having to launch the plugin interface—all in a single click. Lastly, Silver Efex Pro and HDR Efex Pro now offer direct access to favourite presets, in addition to Color Efex Pro.

 

“The new Nik Selective Tool is a great way to make my post-processing workflow even more effective,” says Soli Kanani, professional photographer and DxO ambassador. “Just like a real-life assistant, it’s by my side around the clock, which lets me quickly open all the plugins I need at every step in the editing process, all without losing sight of what I’m doing.”

A Revolution for Adobe Lightroom Classic Users: A New Non-Destructive Workflow 

To better meet the needs of Adobe Lightroom Classic users, the Nik Collection 3 By DxO now offers a new workflow that lets photographers freely edit their files within the same plugin. This technology is based on the use of the TIFF MULTIPAGE file format, which combines the input image, the saved Nik Collection 3 By DxO editing parameters, and the output file all in the same file.  The Nik Collection 3 By DxO is the first suite of creative photo plugins to introduce a non-destructive workflow to Adobe Lightroom Classic, resulting in unparalleled versatility.

“The non-destructive workflow in Nik Collection 3 By DxO adds an incredible amount of flexibility and fluidity to the editing process,” says Jean-Marc Alexia, VP Product Strategy and Marketing at DxO. “It can be used with all host software programs that include a third-party export menu. It’s a huge improvement.”

Perspective Efex: The New Geometric Correction Plugin 

Perspective Efex is the new Nik Collection 3 By DxO plugin dedicated to geometric corrections. Drawing from DxO’s unique expertise, it combines a number of exclusive tools to remove defects and add effects to photos. 

Perspective Efex automatically corrects unsightly leading lines, no matter how complex, which is a very useful feature in urban photography. It is also the only plugin to offer a feature that automatically corrects shape distortion, providing an easy way to reestablish the natural shapes of subjects located on the edges of wide-angle photos. It is the perfect tool for group wedding photos and family photos! Thanks to the use of DxO’s powerful optical modules, Perspective Efex can even automatically correct fish-eye distortion. Lastly, its automatic horizon correction tool instantly levels out skewed horizon lines in architectural and landscape photos.

Miniature Effect

Perspective Efex can also be used creatively at the end of the editing process to simulate a shallow depth-of-field effect, i.e. miniature effect. Previously, such a result could only be obtained through costly and complex tilt-shift lenses. The plugin offers two blur gradients. Users can adjust placement and intensity and choose whether they would like the effect to be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Users can also change their aperture settings when simulating a bokeh effect.

Message Centre

The Message Centre in Nik Collection 3 By DxO can be accessed through the new Nik Selective Tool. This feature helps Adobe Photoshop users stay up to date on the latest news about the plugin suite and access a number of online resources, including webinars, tutorials, customer support services, and much more!

Price & Availability

The Nik Collection 3 by DxO (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/en/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for a special launch price of £86.99 instead of £125, and £49.99 instead of £69 for the upgrade, until June 30, 2020.

 

Photographers who already own Nik Collection 2 By DxO or a previous version can upgrade their software by signing into their customer accounts. A fully-functional, one-month trial version of Nik Collection 3 By DxO is available on the DxO website: https://nikcollection.dxo.com/download/.