Summary of DxO Photolab 8 - InDepth Review - One RAW Editor to Rule Them All?

Product Overview

Product Name: DxO Photolab 8

Release Date: Latest version since 2017, with significant updates in version 8.

Price Range: £29, $229, $274, or $409 AUD; upgrade from previous versions is half the full price.

Key Features

AI Denoising: Photolab 8 maintains its reputation for having the best AI Denoising tool, now improved with the new Deep Prime XD2s algorithm, which excels in noise removal while retaining detail.
Lens Softness Correction: Enhanced tool for correcting lens softness without introducing halos or fringing, particularly effective for drone photography.
User Interface: Clean and efficient triple-pane layout for easy navigation, though asset management features remain largely unchanged from version 7.
Editing Tools: Includes sliders for light, color, detail, geometry effects, and local adjustments. New features include a tone curve tool with Luma curve options and a calibrated color profile tool for accurate color representation.
Masking Options: Introduces a new Hue mask for color-based masking, alongside existing options like control points and graduated masks.

Pros

Best-in-Class Denoising: The new XD2s algorithm offers superior noise removal and detail retention compared to competitors like Adobe Lightroom and Topaz Photo AI.
Natural Image Quality: Produces images that appear more natural and less processed, avoiding the "digitized" look often seen in other software.
Improved User Experience: The new loop tool allows real-time previews of edits, enhancing the editing process.
Refined Asset Management: While unchanged, the asset management system is efficient and user-friendly.

Cons

Lack of Generative AI Tools: No generative AI features or extensive asset management improvements compared to competitors.
Steeper Learning Curve: The manual editing approach may not appeal to all users, especially those accustomed to automated processes.
Limited New Features for Existing Users: Upgrading from version 7 may not be compelling unless specific new features are of interest.

User Experience

The reviewer highlights that Photolab 8 is tailored for photographers who prefer a hands-on approach to editing, emphasizing image quality and nuanced control over automated solutions. The software is recommended for those who value traditional editing techniques and are willing to invest time in learning the platform.

Comparisons

Against Adobe Lightroom: Photolab is noted for its superior denoising capabilities and more natural image outputs, but lacks some of the advanced AI features present in Lightroom.
Against Topaz Photo AI: While Topaz performs well, especially with certain camera models, Photolab's results in noise reduction and detail retention are described as consistently better across various RAW file types.

Overall Recommendation

DxO Photolab 8 is highly recommended for photographers who prioritize image quality and detailed control in their editing workflow. It is best suited for those who appreciate a more traditional approach to photo editing rather than relying heavily on AI-driven features. New users are encouraged to try the 30-day trial to determine if it fits their editing style.

Unique Points Mentioned

Photolab's design philosophy targets photographic purists.
The new tone curve tool prevents saturation changes during adjustments.
The calibrated color profile tool is beneficial for product and portrait photography.
The software's masking capabilities, while improved, still lack some advanced features found in competitors.

Speaker Contributions

The main reviewer provides detailed insights into the software's features, comparisons, and user experience.
There are mentions of user preferences and experiences with different camera brands and RAW files, indicating a diverse range of testing.

Notable Quotes

— 20:17 — « That new XD 2s algorithm is hands down the best I've ever used, delivering pristine noise removal across a variety of raw file types with best-in-class detail retention. »

— 21:29 — « It's a bit like coriander, that's cilantro my American friends; you'll either love it or hate it. »

— 22:47 — « It's akin to switching cars from an automatic transmission back to a manual; you rediscover the nuanced control and the connection to the machine you'd forgotten. »