Verdict: 3 stars: DxO FilmPack 5 is an analog effects tool that has not had a version update since 2015. It’s all right in its own way, but it now looks both basic and expensive at the same time.
DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is a replacement for the old DxO Optics Pro software and includes, amongst many other new features, the control point local adjustments of the Nik Collection plug-ins, together with gradient, radial mask and brush masking tools. It now combines class-leading RAW image processing and lens corrections with all of the adjustment tools needed for end-to-end image enhancement and output.
The best image editing software: ten great programs compared
Choosing the best image editing software is complicated, not just because there are so many alternatives, but because they all do different things. It all depends on what you look for most in your photo editing software. Here are ten programs with ten different approaches.
DxO PhotoLab 4 review
Verdict: 4.5 stars DxO PhotoLab 4 is superb at RAW processing and lens corrections, often transforming the results from even average camera gear. The improvements in PhotoLab 4, particularly DxO’s new DeepPRIME technology, are impressive, and offer stunning results from high-ISO images. PhotoLab 4 is quite technical, it’s not cheap if you buy the Elite version (recommended) and the ViewPoint and FilmPack add-ons, and its organising tools are pretty basic – and it doesn’t work with Fujifilm X-Trans files. Otherwise, for image processing perfectionists, it’s quite superb.
DxO PhotoLab vs Lightroom vs Capture One – which is best for RAW files?
Which is best for processing RAW files, DxO PhotoLab, Lightroom or Capture One? Here’s a set of eight image comparisons that aims to find out.
Photo editing software downloads: links to trial versions listed here
Almost all the software applications reviewed and described on Life after Photoshop are available as a free trial, and here are the links. I always recommend using the trial version before making your mind up.
DxO PhotoLab Graduated Filter, Control Points and Repair tool in action
This step-by-step editing walkthrough shows a number of DxO PhotoLab tools in action, principally the Local Adjustment tools, including the Graduated Filter and Control Point tools.
How to get great black and white in DxO PhotoLab… but you’ll need FilmPack 5
DxO PhotoLab can create superb black and white imagery, both in terms of image quality and in creative control, but you need to get the DxO FilmPack 5 Elite add-on to do it. This does make things more expensive, and it does feel a bit like you’re paying for some things that other programs offer […]