Review of the DxO Optics Pro 4.2 Elite

www.dxo.com/intl/photo Last time we looked at DxO, it was version 3 and we loved it. Overcoming many of the inherent optical problems associated with both digital and conventional cameras, DxO really brings a snap to your images. With the latest version comes support for more camera and lens combinations, as well as new features. In essence DxO is an optical correction tool in modular form. Even a high-end DSLR and expensive lens will have some flaws – such are the current limits of optical technology and physics. DXO analyses lens/sensor combinations, determines levels of optical distortion, sharpness and so forth, then provides a software fix for the images. There’s a range of options, from the basic starter module for £40, up to the pro DSLR deluxe option tested here, at around £150. You choose the lens modules to suit your camera, and DxO simplifies what could be a nightmare situation of matching the possible permutations of camera/lens, thanks to its dedicated download software. DxO also allows image conversion from Raw to JPEG, TIFF or DNG, with automated and manual controls. New controls in this version also include better colour and white balance tools, as well as integrated contrast, exposure and dynamic controls. DSLR and raw shooters should find this as useful a tool as Adobe Camera Raw or Pixmantec Raw Shooter Essentials, especially when you consider the faster processing speed of this new version and easily operated automated batch conversion options. While DxO were figuring out the algorithms for the individual lens/sensor combo’s, the company also decided to tailor noise reduction to specific camera sensors, rather than a generic, global reduction found in other software. So whichever camera you use, image noise will be reduced. Workflow Like Aperture or Lightroom, DxO uses a modular streamlined workflow. The first window allows importing and selecting of JPEG or Raw images. The second allows organisation of those images, with stacking, rating, rotating and so on. Then we go to processing and finally viewing of the final corrected images. These can be viewed side-by-side, so it’s easy to see the difference between original and corrected versions. Corrected images can be saved as JPEG, TIFF or DNG, so can be easily archived or imported into Photoshop should more involved editing be needed. Advanced Options The start-up screen allows you to choose between different levels of correction. The automated option is the simplest. You import the images and the software applies the corrections. This is based on the lens/sensor combination (which it automatically recognises) as well as the usual automated options available in programs such as Photoshop, for white balance, colour, exposure and so on. Alternatively, there’s a guided option, which is a wizard-type interface and is a good way of learning how the corrections are chosen and made, as well as allowing user input into the correction. Finally there’s the Advanced option, which has automatic correction, the ability to view and adjust images using histograms, white balance sliders and the standard controls we’re used to in Adobe Camera Raw and its ilk. On top of that though are detailed chromatic aberration tools, sharpness, noise and so on, as well as a geometry palette to fix lens distortion. In all, this is very advanced, but pretty easy to follow, especially if you start off with the automated features. Results Depending on your lens/sensor combination and the subjects and exposure, the results can vary. But they will nearly always be for the better. Often, the improvements will be subtle; improved sharpness, reduced noise and better exposure and contrast. In more extreme cases, the improvements are remarkable. Distortion, shadow detail and more can be vastly improved, especially if you use Raw files. On the whole, images have more punch and jump out of the screen. A useful tool, buried in the right-click sub menu, is a set of presets to give a series of film looks, such as warm negative, transparency and b&w as well as useful sharpening tools for web or print options and a host of other choices. This enhances your photography options. Verdict It’s not always the fastest software, especially if you’re working with high-resolution Raw files, but set up a batch, make a cup of tea and when you return you’ll have a set of perfectly formed pictures. If you really want to get the best out of your camera – with the least work – download a trial of DxO and see for yourself. What Digital Camera Score 91%