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French software maker DxO Labs has announced raw developer PhotoLab 8. It includes improved DeepPRIME XD2s noise reduction and a magnifying glass window that shows its computationally intensive changes in real time. Version 8 also introduces tone masks and an improved tone curve tool for precise local adjustments.
lens blur correction
The core of the program is profile-based lens correction. DxO measures common camera-lens combinations in its lab. After importing photos, the program determines the lens used from the Exif data and loads the corresponding profile from the manufacturer’s server. PhotoLab 8 should also be able to sharpen blur at the edge of an image.
Profile-based lens correction in PhotoLab 8 is aimed at sharpening objects at the edge of the image.
(Image: DxO Labs)
Preview magnifier for noise reduction
The preview magnifier shows the effect of the DeepPrime tool and other adjustments before they are applied to the entire image. DeepPrime is particularly computational and time-intensive. The magnifying lens shows the tool’s effect in a pixel-perfect 100 percent preview. The scale can be increased up to 1600 percent.
Tone masks complement the U-Point tool
PhotoLab 8 brings a mask tool based on U-Point technology, which combines edge detection with smooth transitions. Individual colors and color ranges can now be selected using color masks. Photographers can choose from eight predefined tones or select a color directly in the image. The mask can be adjusted using a brush and eraser.
An eyedropper tool can be used to select color areas for selective editing, such as the red tones here.
Tone curve modified
The Curve tool received an eyedropper in version 8. Clicking on the image sets a control point. In addition to the red, green, and blue channels, the luminance channel can now also be edited. This allows for changes to exposure and contrast without affecting colors.
When performing correction, PhotoLab displays a histogram. The program assigns an editable numerical value to each point on the tone curve. Settings can be saved as a preset.
The Curves tool features an eyedropper that lets you capture color tones directly in the image.
Previews and comparisons
A new Compare mode compares changes in the photo with a reference image. A tooltip shows a real-time preview of effects next to the mouse pointer, for example for color rendering, LUT (look-up table) or tone curve presets.
Price and availability
DxO PhotoLab 8 is now available for download for Windows and macOS. The full version costs 229 euros. An upgrade from version 6 or 7 is available for 109 euros.
(AKR)
