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A Test Drive Of DxO OpticsPro, FilmPack, ViewPoint For 2015
29 October 2014
Along with a new logo and a subtle name change to its flagship product, DxO announced a revamped lineup of its image editing software for 2015, including new prices and a special offer on suites through Nov. 25.
Optics Pro has become OpticsPro, dropping the space, to conform with the other products in the suite, FilmPack and ViewPoint. FilmPack has been updated to v5 and ViewPoint 2.5 functions as an OpticsPro plug-in.
After a briefing a few weeks ago, we had a chance to try beta versions of the new Photo Suite, consisting of Optics Pro 10, FilmPack 5 and ViewPoint 2.5. We'll start our test drive with an overview of the most significant changes to the three products.
PRODUCT JUGGLING | Back to Contents
With OpticsPro 10, DxO has removed the perspective correction tools in Optics Pro 9 in favor of the new ViewPoint plug-in, which is a separate purchase.
But Elite edition purchasers are entitled to a free copy of ViewPoint 1.0, so they won't be left without perspective correction. Essential edition purchasers are not so lucky.
FilmPack 5 functions as an Optics Pro plug-in, too.
DxO describes the realignment of its products as "a logically-integrated suite" that results in more attractive pricing. After using it a while, it does feel as if your editing options are integrated a bit better.
Golden Gate Bridge. Processed with ClearView in OpticsPro 10.
OPTICS PRO HIGHLIGHTS | Back to Contents
Highlights of the new version of OpticsPro include:
- New ClearView feature to remove atmospheric haze
- Optimized PRIME technology that runs 4x faster and features an inproved interface to the Noise palette
- DxO Lens Softness produces fewer artifacts and better preserves colors
- DxO Smart Lighting provides a better rendering in automatic mode
- Support for DNG files converted with Lightroom or Adobe DNG Converter for any Raw files supported by DxO
- White Balance and Dust tools can be used in a single image display, including full screen mode.
- Simplified image browser, palettes harmonized and the overall design refreshed
- OpticsPro launches 1.5x faster than before and loads files 10x faster.
FILMPACK HIGHLIGHTS | Back to Contents
FilmPack 5 adds 16 high-fidelity analog film renderings:
- New black and white renderings include Adox CHS 100 II/CMS 20/Silvermax 21, Bergger BRF 400 PLUS, Foma Fomapan 100 Classic/100r/200 Creative/400 Actio/400 and Ilford Pan 100/400.
- New color renderings are Adox Color Implosion, Fuji Superia X-Tra 400, Fujicolor Pro 400h, Fujifilm Instax 210 and Kodak Portra 400.
But wait, there's more:
- The new version also supports Raw files "to best restore colors and boost the efficiency of automatic processing controls."
- A new Micro-Contrast tool adjusts local contrast "for increasing the dramatic intensity of landscape photos or for lending strength to portraits."
- Separate toning for high and low tones brings "more finesse and fidelity to the simulation of historic photo coloration."
- The Blur tool adds a Soft Focus mode "ideal for portraits."
- The interface has been redesigned with a new 16:9 format with just one side panel and an integrated file browser.
VIEWPOINT HIGHLIGHTS | Back to Contents
ViewPoint hasn't changed much except for these features:
- Plug-in option for OpticsPro, replacing the old built-in controls with all the same visual tools as the standalone version
- Geometrical corrections can now be applied to Raw files
TESTING | Back to Contents
We've had a chance to work with the beta versions for a few weeks and have been very impressed. Here are a few notes.
OpticsPro
When DxO told us PRIME was 4x faster, we didn't expect to notice. The original release took its time and we expected noticeable delays with the new version, too.
But PRIME is so much faster PRIME, we've reconsidered our use of it. If we had been wearing it as our Sunday best before, it was now our everyday suit.
ClearView. Our hazy bridge shot (left), a DNG file, with ClearView defaults applied (right).
Part of that, though, is because OpticsPro 10 now supports DNG images as long as it supports the camera's original Raw files. NEFs from our Nikon D300, for example, have been supported all along. Now the DNG conversions from DNG Converter or Lightroom both are supported.
That's something we've been waiting for a long time and which we applaud. Standing up, too, because it took quite an effort.
FilmPack
It took us a little while to find our way around FilmPack 5. The palette's title bar has a popup menu on the right side to enable the display of various options (and there are quite a few).
FilmPack. There are quite a few options tucked into the various controls.
We used the Blur tool's new Soft Focus mode as a vignette to draw attention to the bridge. It let us identify the bridge itself as the center of the vignette by simply clicking on it.
Finding the emulsion emulations, for example, was tricky. We thought they might be in Presets, but those are generic for various types of images (and fun to play with in their own right). We found them under Grain.
There is a healthy selection of frames (or borders) and textures, as well. Frames ranged from simple geometric combinations to realistic effects simulating film, slides, glass and paper. Textures included paper grain, creased paper, scratches and various stains.
ViewPoint
Like FilmPack, ViewPoint works with OpticsPro as a plug-in, enabled from the OpticsPro menu left of the File menu.
ViewPoint. The plug-in shown here in OpticsPro with the Help menu expanded.
We tried it out on our bridge (a shot that did require rotation more than perspective correction) and found it very comfortable to use. We've always hoped these more sophisticated tools would show up in OpticsPro even though the capabilities were already there.
Miscellaneous
We do note, however, that support for Mac OS 10.7 Lion has been dropped with this version of the application. Our tests were run on OS 10.8 Mavericks.
Consequently, we ran our tests using a slightly less capable MacBook Pro than we usually do. And we were still impressed with the performance improvements.
PRICE, AVAILABILITY | Back to Contents
Both editions of OpticsPro 10 are available at lower prices than the previous version:
United States:
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: $129 (vs. $169)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: $199 (vs. $299)
Great Britain (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: £99 (vs. £119)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: £159 (vs. £239)
Europe (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: €129 (vs. €149)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: €199 (vs. €299)
The difference between the editions is outlined in this chart, provided by DxO:
OpticsPro 10 is immediately available in the DxO online store and at photo resellers.
If you bought DxO Optics Pro 9 on or after Sept. 1, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 10. All users who upgrade to DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition are entitled to a free copy of DxO ViewPoint 1.0.
Two editions of the DxO Photo Suite, both of which include DxO's three image-processing software products, are available in the DxO online store at a special discount compared to purchasing them individually through Nov. 25:
United States:
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: $189 (vs. $287)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: $289 (vs. $407)
Great Britain (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: £149 (vs. $217)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: £229 (vs. $317)
Europe (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: €189 (vs. $287)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: €289 (vs. $289)
DxO FilmPack 5 is available now as a plug-in for DxO OpticsPro. The plug-in versions for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Elements and Apple Aperture, as well as the standalone application, will be available starting in mid-November.
A fully functional free trial version of DxO OpticsPro 10, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs Web site.
DxO OpticsPro 10 adds DxO ClearView, a spectacular new feature that eliminates haze and improves its revolutionary PRIME denoising technology
Praised for the unrivaled quality of its image processing, DxO OpticsPro is now even more accessible via two new editions and new pricing
Special sale on DxO Photo Suite, which includes all three DxO image-processing software products, through Nov. 25
PARIS, France -- DxO Labs has announced the immediate availability of DxO OpticsPro 10, the new version of its flagship software that has been acclaimed numerous times for the unrivaled quality of its image processing. DxO OpticsPro 10 adds DxO ClearView, a new feature that eliminates atmospheric haze in a spectacular fashion. This new version also enhances the revolutionary PRIME denoising technology, DxO's breakthrough noise reduction approach that can improve image quality of up to one full stop over the best noise reduction algorithms currently on the market.
DxO OpticsPro leverages DxO Lab's rigorous scientific calibration of camera equipment, now including over 20,000 camera and lens combinations. Based on this proprietary data, DxO OpticsPro is able to offer the most powerful tools for processing Raw and JPEG images: unequaled optical corrections, intelligent optimization of exposure and contrast and preservation of colors and details. Its many presets allow photographers to adapt the processing to suit their tastes and to bring out the best in their photos in just a few clicks.
More accessible than ever, DxO OpticsPro 10 is available in two new editions, Essential and Elite, for both Mac and PC, starting from $129/£99/€129.
New DxO ClearView feature
The new exclusive DxO ClearView feature automatically eliminates the phenomenon of atmospheric haze visible in many landscape photos, as well as the smog often present in urban images. Based on a powerful algorithm, DxO ClearView analyzes the color components of each pixel and locally improves the image contrast.
"Due to its physical nature, the phenomenon of haze increases with the distance between the camera and the subject. That's why DxO OpticsPro establishes a kind of depth map of the image scene and removes the impression of gray veil only when necessary" explains Fre de ric Guichard, Chief Scientist Officer of DxO Labs. He adds, "The correction is local and completely automatic, making it unnecessary to draw areas by hand or to create a graduated filter."
The results are spectacular: in just one click, the contrast in the image is instantly improved and faded colors are revived. For expert photographers, the intensity of the effect can be modified, so as to tailor the correction to the individual taste of each photographer.
Revolutionary PRIME technology optimized
Designed to achieve optimal image quality, DxO OpticsPro 10's revolutionary PRIME (Probabilistic Raw IMage Enhancement) denoising technology has been improved to reveal more details and further optimized to increase speed, with processing time up to 4 times faster! In addition, the interface of the Noise reduction palette has been improved and provides a larger area for previewing denoising.
A DxO exclusive, PRIME denoising technology is based on a thorough analysis of the structure of an image in order to differentiate between noise and fine details. For each pixel, nearly a thousand neighboring pixels are studied to identify the similarities and recombine information. This ultra-high-quality denoising brings spectacular results: textures, details and color saturation are preserved, particularly in shadows, even in images shot at very high sensitivities.
DxO Smart Lighting and DxO Lens Softness optimization
The exclusive DxO Smart Lighting feature optimizes contrast over the entire image by intelligently adapting to its contents. Improved in DxO OpticsPro 10, it now offers a better rendering in automatic mode, thanks to a more detailed analysis of the scene content. In manual mode, the Selective tone sliders act even more precisely: information that one thought was lost in the dark or burnt zones are better restored, even in cases of strong backlighting.
With its precise knowledge of lens performance, DxO OpticsPro's exclusive DxO Lens Softness tool harmonizes the sharpness of photos from the center to the edges, giving images exceptional crispness, regardless of shooting conditions. It performs with fewer artifacts than the previous version, as well as preserves colors better, to provide even stronger visual accents. Default color accentuation has also been increased to obtain even sharper images.
The power of DxO ViewPoint's geometrical corrections applied to Raw files
DxO OpticsPro 10 can now integrate DxO ViewPoint's powerful geometrical corrections. After the DxO ViewPoint plug-in is activated, a dedicated palette lets photographers directly correct perspective problems and volume deformation in Raw and JPEG images. The dedicated DxO ViewPoint palette includes all the same visual tools as the standalone application version.
Even more comfort and productivity
The DxO OpticsPro interface has evolved once again. The White Balance and Dust Correction tools can now be used in full-screen mode for greater comfort and precision. The image browser has been simplified and the overall design of the interface has been revised.
More powerful than ever before, DxO Optics Pro has sped up its boot speed (x1.5), paired with a much faster file loading sped (x10) on both Mac and Windows for immediate access to images.
Finally, DxO OpticsPro 10 now supports DNG files converted using Lightroom or Adobe DNG Converter (so long as the original Raw file is also supported), for an easier workflow with Adobe products.
New editions and new prices
DxO OpticsPro 10 is now accessible via two new editions, Essential and Elite, both of which support all of the equipment calibrated by DxO. The two editions differ in terms of the number of features available:
The two editions of DxO OpticsPro 10 are available at even more attractive prices than the previous version:
United States:
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: $129 (vs. $169)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: $199 (vs. $299)
Great Britain (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: £99 (vs. £119)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: £159 (vs. £239)
Europe (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Essential Edition: €129 (vs. €149)
- DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition: €199 (vs. €299)
Availability and special introductory offer
The Essential and Elite editions of DxO OpticsPro 10 for Mac and PC are immediately available in the DxO online store and at photo resellers.
Photographers who purchased DxO OpticsPro 9 on or after Sept. 1, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 10. All users who upgrade to DxO OpticsPro 10 Elite Edition are entitled to a free copy of DxO ViewPoint 1.0.
Two editions of the DxO Photo Suite, both of which include DxO's three image-processing software products, are available in the DxO online store at a special discount compared to purchasing them individually through Nov. 25:
United States:
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: $189 (vs. $287)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: $289 (vs. $407)
Great Britain (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: £149 (vs. $217)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: £229 (vs. $317)
Europe (suggested retail prices, including tax):
- DxO Essential Photo Suite: €189 (vs. $287)
- DxO Elite Photo Suite: €289 (vs. $289)
DxO FilmPack 5 is immediately available as a plug-in for DxO OpticsPro. The plug-in versions for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Elements and Apple Aperture, as well as the standalone application, will be available starting in mid-November.
A fully functional free trial version of DxO OpticsPro 10, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs Web site.