From Noisy to WOW - Is DxO PhotoLab 8 the NEW KING on the hill?

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

I will upgrade from PL6 to 8. PL6 has been my primary software for a few years now with Affinity Photo 2.0 used for the stuff PL6 doesn't do, which is very little. I have not used an Adobe product since they went to the cloud and my photography improved. I used to be a Photoshop instructor... Cheers.

[@TL-xw6fh]

I am perfectly happy with PL7 and this seems such a small upgrade that it is not worth the money. If they had included upscaling software in PL8, then I'll consider it.

[@ForsgardPeter]

An upscale feature would make this even better.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@ForsgardPeter If like me someone does have version 7 I don’t see need to update. Not enough new features. Where is AI masking???

[@lookforbeauty1964]

Capture One can apply the difraction correction to any lens. I don't know why DxO 8 does not behave the sameway. Some lenses are off !!!

[@hanahoeo7073]

Upgraded from 7 to 8 just a few days ago so haven’t put through paces except for playing with noise reduction . Photolab and Nik are now my primary processing software. Will not be renewing my C1 license.

[@ForsgardPeter]

PL8 and Nik Collection is a powerful duo for image editing. No need for anything else.

[@lawrencelunsford6028]

I've only had PL 7 for less than a year so I probably won't update at this time. I'm wanting to add Silver Efex to my PL 7, hoping for an end of the year sale/discount. :)

[@ForsgardPeter]

No info about a year end sale, yet...

[@biscuit1307]

For 50€ I wouldn't hesitate a moment to update, but the current price seems a bit disrespectful to existing customers with version 7. The innovations are not so huge in my opinion that I would pay 109€... Peter, thank you for your videos. I think you're doing a great job ;-)

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you. Software has been quite good for years now that it is hard to come up with huge improvements. In my opinion DeepPRIME XD2s is quite big improvement compared to the previous version.

[@ianyorke2617]

@@ForsgardPeter Really, in 2024? AI masking is an obvious and much needed addition, as is expanding the range of adjustments available locally, eg curves. In C1 virtually all of the controls are used on layers and you only have one set of menus not a separate set for local. The Selective Tone controls are in desperate need of improvement as their range extends over adjacent controls meaning that when you adjust one slider you normally need to compensate for the over reach by adjusting a different slider. They also need to remove these sliders adding local contrast adjustment at the same time. Well documented on the DXO forums. I want to be able to control when and if I want local contrast added. They could have added the U-Point controls from NIK so that shape can be changed and further enhanced with for example, the polygonal U-Point? Could they make a simple UI like comparing more than one photograph more clunky than they just did? I mean they could just take a look at C1 if they can't think of how to do it with good design. Just a few quick thoughts on how Photolab could be improved, hopefully a whole team whose job is to do this could do a much better job? I have used every version of Photolab but realistically this is a good "point" update, but not a new version release. During last years Black Friday the cost for upgrading Photolab was more than you could purchase a new licence (not upgrade) for Capture One Pro. Photolab at least seem to recognise the poor value of V8 and upgrade cost is down to £99. If you have V7 you could choose to upgrade or maybe purchase a new licence for ON1 PhotoRaw 2025? DXO need to recognise that they exist in a competitive environment and their glacially slow development may bleed users as we now wait another year for what has become standard editing tools/ capabilities in raw processors.

[@wilcurran3377]

The ACR enhance noise reduction is the best I've used. Sure it's not as streamlined having to generate a new DNG file, but it's incredibly good at removing noise and retaining fine detail.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have not used ACR noise reduction that much, but maybe I will give it a go and see how it now.

[@stevehageman6785]

Thanks for the overview.

[@ForsgardPeter]

You are welcome.

[@don-at-large]

Am very happy with Topaz uncomplicated features and ability to edit JPEG. Always enjoy your videos and experience.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Glad you like them!

[@TheGeoDaddy]

I’m just rebooting my photography skills (used to shoot chrome on Nikon back in the 90s) and I’ve switched to Sony - specifically for video - but I did by the A1 and a set of GM lenses - and I don’t wanna pay subscriptions 🤬 so I’m definitely moving over to DXO… ONE Question: I have the option to run this on OLED Asus Windows PC or a M1 MacBook Pro… wonder which handles “still” editing… best?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Unfortunately computer questions are something I can not answer. It depends on so many things what is best for you. I have used Mac for a quite some time, before that I ised Windows for a long time.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

@@ForsgardPeter Posted the Question to DxO Photolabs, asking for a reduced license for each… It comes down to which platform it was designed for and which it was ported to… the first will always perform better than the second.. but it may be insignificant… I’m more interested in the Mac Monitor vs the Asus OLED - one is likely to be more color accurate! 🧐

[@masterprintmaker]

sorry but I come to a different conclusion @5:15min ! The left side is sharper (more contrasty) than the right side ( looking at image on our 32" Mac Pro Display XDR )

[@ForsgardPeter]

I will check that.

[@JohnOpie]

I have PL7 and use it occasionally, but spend most of my time in LR Classic and Topaz Photo AI. How does PL8 compare to the Topaz Denoise in Topaz Photo AI?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have not tested them side by side. I will do that and see how they compare now that PL8 has DeepPRIME XD2s.

[@JohnOpie]

@@ForsgardPeter Looking forward to that!

[@mk1photography62]

I haven't got anything to edit it on but it's very interesting

[@Aladdin_TV]

I updated from 6 to 8 yesterday. The only thing i miss is th eoption to super size. I take bird pictures and I do not like the Topaz Gigapixel result. The feathers and colours is not so good

[@ForsgardPeter]

I agree that an upscale feature would be good.

[@PauloParreira]

I already own Pure Raw 4, is there any "discount" for a pre owner DXO product? I'm on trial version and exporting 560 Fuji XH2 RAF files with minor settings (light, contrast and shadow) and it took 2h to export to JPG. Why so much time?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Cannot really say why the conversion took so much time. You did not have any other tasks going on?

[@PauloParreira]

@@ForsgardPeter It was not. I tried it a few times with the same result. Even 5 images took almost 2 min.

[@francishwlee]

I think it should be possible to upgrade the noise reduction engine separately by installing the latest PureRAW module, am I right?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have no idea how the software is built. I do not know if it is possible. Most likely PureRAW will get DeepPRIME XD2s in the next bigger update.

[@caminandoporbaires.ar.38]

Saludos desde argentina

[@friedhelmdoell9427]

An actual upgrade ist available from DxO 7 to Dxo 8 for 109 €. as well as an upgrade from Nik Collection 6 to Nik Collection 7 for 89 €.

[@ianforber]

I use Capture One and integration with DxO is problematic. Previously it was seamless with Nik v5 but when they launched v6 it kept crashing my MacBook Pro - DxO were super helpful and worked for 8 months to find a solution. I love PureRaw3 and Pure Raw4 for the improvements they make to the image but, again, I can’t use them with Capture One - I can export the file, process it with PR but can’t send it back to C1 because it says I already have a version of C1 running (obviously I do - the one I used to send it to PR in the first place!). It really disrupts my workflow. I’d like to give this a try but my workflow is complicated enough and I like C1 enough not to move to using PhotoLab entirely just because DxO products don’t really like C1.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sorry to hear that you have had trouble with the integration. Smooth workflow is important. I hope DxO finds a solution.

[@fredschmidt8609]

Let us know if you find out when Fuji RAF files will be supported. Right now it is best to stay with PL7 for Fuji shooters.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I will let you know. PL7 is the best option unless you want the other new features.

[@Alister_Benn]

I shoot with GFX100ii and PL8 supports my RAF files and body/lens profiles.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes it supports the Fuji raw-files, but DeepPRIME XD2s does not, yet.

[@Alister_Benn]

@@ForsgardPeter I just tested it and it works.

[@fredschmidt8609]

I should not said RAF files. Its X-Trans sensor files that are not supported. Your GFX does not have a X-Trans sensor.

[@michaels7889]

What I find ridiculous is that some basic elements are included only with Film Pack

[@ForsgardPeter]

Which elements you mean?

[@michaels7889]

@@ForsgardPeter Most of all the luminosity mask tool which has more relevance to the overall processing than specially to film simulations

[@vintage_1953]

I have played with DXO for a few years but never been a fan of anything but the noise reduction. However I downloaded a trial version of PL8. It refuses to work with my GPU and uses the CPU therefore export times are 4 times as long. It refuses upfront so you can't even step down to Prime. Using 8 would need an update of the entire PC. I would urge interested parties with a fairly humble PC to get a trial before committing their money.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good to know and sorry to hear that you have had troubles. I will pass this info on to DxO.

[@melvilib]

What GPU are you using?

[@vintage_1953]

@@melvilib I have a Dell AIO (so can't really update the card) with a Nvidia Geforce MX 330. I accept that this isn't optimum, but works OK with PL6. My complaint is that PL8 won't even let me use the GPU for ordinary Prime noise reduction. Several people in the same boat on DXO Forums.

[@melvilib]

@@vintage_1953 Understood, PITA.

[@petegleeson1]

I am totally confused by this segment of photography, I don’t use Adobe - I use Affinity, so “plug in” doesn’t seem to be a thing, I don’t want two processing suites just to have really great de noise, so the whole subject leaves me 🤷

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

Affinity is great, but doesn't let you organize or search for or browse your photos. You really need Photolab for that. Think of Photolab as Lightroom which will do most of your browsing and editing and Affinity as Photoshop which is for really detailed and complex photo edits. Chances are you only need Photolab. And if you run into something that you want to do and Photolab doesn't do it, then Affinity probably will.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have never used Affnity, but I have heard a lot of good about it. You might not need anything else. Plug-in is a very good way to use several software. It is just a round trip to to do a special task like noise reduction or optics corrections.

[@TheOneBalance]

I wonder if the focus on a new toy explains why DxO have stopped responding to support requests on Pure Raw 4.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I hav eno idea if these two things are connected. What have been the problem with PureRAW4? Maybe I can help?

[@TheOneBalance]

@@ForsgardPeter Thanks for the offer Peter,, I am not sure there is much you can do & it seems on the forum that it is an ongoing problem, not just a local issue for me. PureRaw 4 is setting the Lightroom Classic Process version to v1 not the current v6 - that happens both as a plugin and pre-processing in PureRaw & as a plugin it creates a new collection for each day & doesn't matter what settings are used around collections, it takes the user input once and reverts to it's own plan subsequently. The noise management for the OM1 Mk2 is fantastic, a step up from Topaz Denoise but the damage to the workflow is a disappointment and as it's been like it since first purchased, that is only since the start of August and I appreciate resolving software issues can take time but their support appears to be happy to collect logs but otherwise hearing of no practical progress.

[@MRing1107]

@@TheOneBalanceGlad it’s not just me. Yes I feel that’s typical of their support sadly, if they didn’t have class leading optical corrections and noise reduction in PureRaw I’d forget it. It’s tempting to just use Adobes pretty decent noise reduction but I shoot a lot of high ISO images and the difference is noticeable. Just feels like they launch half baked and want you to pay for the next update for any major fixes - but then the next version has new issues of its own.

[@sweden_ove2074]

I upgraded from version 6 to 7 a month ago, so, even though i like the new features, its too costly, and i will wait until version 9. Sadly

[@ForsgardPeter]

If PhotoLab7 works for you do not update. Interesting to see what they will update in version 9.

[@guyracine7998]

Try getting in touch with their Customer Service. I went through a similar situation a few years ago and they gave me a good discount or even the most recent update. Don’t remember the details but it was very positive.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

I made an enquiry about pricing and haven’t had a a reply, is this typical of their support/sales? Not inspired.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sorry to hear that you have had troubles with DxO support. What question do you have? Maybe I can help?

[@bamsemh1]

I just wish those "pro" companies could think bigger than the computer and the limits of iPhone/iPad 😬 why are they all afraid of giving Adobe competition 🤔

[@ForsgardPeter]

I agree that an iPad version would be nice.

[@nospam-hn7xm]

I just bought version 7 a few months ago. Now they want me to pay full price for version 8? I don't think so! I thought the full price covered any and all updates for the year of licensing! What a rip-off!

[@ForsgardPeter]

No, you do not have to pay the fulll price. Check out this part of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5DSf3RsrNSCos0si=fC1F1RogqzDQ_2ZG&t=453 The upgrade price is 109,-

[@nospam-hn7xm]

@@ForsgardPeter Just 3 months ago, I gave DxO $400 for software, including PL7. Asking for another $100+ after less than 90 days is asking too much! If I wanted to be part of an extortion scheme, I would have stayed with Adobe!

[@drchtct]

@@nospam-hn7xmwell maybe do research before spending 400, they always release their new software in fall and they always have huge sales for Black Friday. If you buy a 2024 car 3 months before the new car launches, please don’t blame the car seller for your misinformed decision making and don’t ask them for getting the new car for free.

[@Joh146]

​@@nospam-hn7xm ​Nobody is forcing you to upgrade. Have fun with your software and perhaps you want to upgrade to Phoolab 9 for a discounted price in a year. The best low priced software with no additional costs is Affinity Photo, but Affnity Photo is not the best raw converter. So I use I both if I have to. In most cases PL ist more than enough, if I have to use "Photshop" the Affinty Photo is a very great alternative. But you can´t critique DXO for looking for further improvmentes.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@Joh146Version 8 isn’t worth upgrade at all if having ver 7. I won’t upgrade till they add decent AI masking tools.

[@johngpendleton]

Nuking?

[@ForsgardPeter]

What do you mean?

[@johngpendleton]

@@ForsgardPeter I'm sorry, I read your video title to myself and that's what I heard.

[@ForsgardPeter]

@johngpendleton Ou I see. Now that you say it… 🤣

[@wilfs1196]

Fortunately I'm a follower of Martin Parr & won't need these programs. I try for quality image, not image quality.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I also like Martin Parr, one of my favorite photographer of all time. As he have said he wants to make fiction out of reality. I also like how he sees that photos are always subjective. What I do not like that much about his approach is the use of flash in street type photography and documentary. He uses it to saturate the colors. I think it is a good way for that. On the other hand it alters the reality when it comes to light. Yes it makes it more fiction so it makes sense.

[@wilfs1196]

@@ForsgardPeter I didn’t realize his use of the flash for street.I appreciate the enlightenment.Thanks

[@ForsgardPeter]

He uses also a ring flash. I think the use of flash goes well with his idea of making fiction out of reality. Images has a cartoonish wibe (or some of them). The look is quite unique.

[@avallejo]

@@ForsgardPeterLike when I see elegant responses…rsrsrs…

[@cokrlicix]

DxO has always been king of the hill consirning noise reduction, so your tittle doesn't make any sense.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Well I think Topaz Photo AI was a king for a little while. Now thet the DeepPRIME is updated DxO took back its crown.

[@cokrlicix]

@@ForsgardPeter Topaz was never near the top, I have tryed all of them...Topaz, ON1, Adobe and since for some time I used m4/3 camera without a flash, denoising was a must for me. I did comparesments number of time (for myself) and never did anyone came even close to DxO. Topaz had a good promotion but that fades when people see it does not delivere. And Adobe with AI denoising is not in a same tier as DxO, when you use higher % in Adobe you can see AI correcting people faces with that disgusting AI look of the face.

[@ForsgardPeter]

In my opinion the latest version of Topaz gave more natural look before this new DeepPRIME XD2s.

[@cokrlicix]

@@ForsgardPeter You maybe right, althou I have Topaz Photo I always go straight to DxO, use Topaz for upscale. Anyway if you enjoy trying out diferent tools, try Franzis products, they have denoise, raw deweloper etc They are from Germany if I'm not mistaken.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Franzis is only for Windows or at least it has been before. I need to check if they have MacOS versions.

[@cameraman655]

Eh…. a waste of my time as there is no iOS version, sorry, lost a sale…

[@ForsgardPeter]

I know it is a pity that they do not have a IOS version of this.

[@cameraman655]

@@ForsgardPeter Indeed, it really is a pity that many of the 3rd part developers, like Topaz, DXO, ON1 have ignored this platform. Hell, even Adobe’s LR Mobile is missing their updated ‘Denoise’ tool that are only available on their Desktop offerings (LR, LRc).

[@ForsgardPeter]

It hard to say why the Denoise version of noise reduction is not added to Lightroom Mobile version. Mobile devices are quite powerful so i would assume that it would be possible. Maybe it is a business decision?

[@fvsch]

@@ForsgardPeter If those AI denoising algorithms use a lot of RAM (which is common for AI algorithms), there's a chance running them on an iPhone with its 6GB of RAM and an OS that kills the app as soon as it takes too much RAM is a no-go.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Wait IOS? iPhone/iPad! I’m just rebooting my photography skills (used to shoot chrome on Nikon back in the 90s) and I’ve switched to Sony - specifically for video - but I did by the A1 and a set of GM lenses - and I don’t wanna pay subscriptions 🤬 so I’m definitely moving over to DXO… ONE Question: I have the option to run this on OLED Asus Windows PC or a M1 MacBook Pro… wonder which handles “still” editing… best?

[@alpcns]

I liked your examples, Peter. I assume this only works with raw files, correct? Is there something similar for JPEG shooters?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, it is mainly for raw files. You can use High Quality Noise reduction on PL8. DxO has NIK Collection and that has Dfine that works on jpgs.

[@friedhelmdoell9427]

Noise reduction, sharpening and enlargement is possible with Topaz AI that only works with JPG files. I sometimes use it after working with DxO7, as these functions seem to work better in Topaz than in DxO.