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Test Drive: DxO PhotoLab 7
27 September 2023
DxO has released PhotoLab 7 with cinematic-style grading, local HSL edits, black-and-white workflow enhancements and revamped local adjustments.
"Our goal has always been to give photographers the ultimate in image quality and PhotoLab 7 takes this another step further. Combined with our ultra-wide gamut and soft proofing functionality, the introduction of the color calibration tool and support for LUTs creates a whole new level of control." said Fabrizio Dei Tos Navales, DxO product director.
NEW FEATURES
Highlights of the new features in PhotoLab 7 include:
Cinematic-Style Grading
The new release supports Look Up Tables and includes 17 DxO starter presets. LUTs builds on DxO'sprevious advances in color management re-engineering its color processing algorithms, introducing DxO Wide Gamut and improving Soft Proofing mode.
Local HSL Editing
You can now use DxO's HSL ColorWheel to make local adjustments.
A Natural Black-and-White Work
The interface introduces a new tab to switch between color and monochrome and a range of new film renderings. PhotoLab 7 also introduces a six-channel mixer for tonal control across black-and-white images.
Local Adjustments Revamped
Local adjustment tools have been re-organized into a new dedicated palette in the workspace. This evolution keeps the interface cleaner and makes photos more visible while being worked on, allowing greater precision from the U Point tool.
TEST DRIVE
On the face of it, this release hardly qualifies as a full point upgrade. It's more tweaks than features. And what's new (LUTs, for example) are fringe features at best, suitable to a set of images perhaps.
For us, though, it was the first PhotoLab release we tested on Apple silicon and it all seemed just so much smoother.
You'll find the new LUTs options in the Color palette. We were surprised to find the image didn't update in real time as we went through the list.
You can get some dramatic effects, particularly by clicking the Split Toning button after selecting a LUT. But we were not impressed.
It was nice to be able to use the HSL ColorWheel to affect local adjustments. Here we used it with a luminosity mask to change color.
The interface changes to quickly switch between color and monochrome and the separation of the local adjustments mode from the rest are really minor, if welcome changes.
Much as we admire DxO and love working in PhotoLab, we're a little miffed at this upgrade, particularly since it costs over $100. Ironically it argues for subscription software that delivers incremental improvements like this as part of the deal.
Still they are well done and useful, let's be clear. Just more a v6.6 than v7.0 release.
PRICE, AVAILABILITY
A new license for PhotoLab 7 [MW] is $229 with a 30-day free trial also available. Upgrades from PhotoLab 5 or 6 are $109. PhotoLab 7 can be downloaded from the DxO Web site.
For more information see the news release below.
DxO PhotoLab 7 introduces unique color calibration and editing tools, revamped local adjustments and a powerful B&W work ow.
PARIS -- DxO Labs, creator of pioneering photo-editing software for over 20 years, is proud to present PhotoLab 7, its complete Raw image-processing and correction software.
"Our goal has always been to give photographers the ultimate in image quality and PhotoLab 7 takes this another step further. Combined with our ultra-wide gamut and soft proofing functionality, the introduction of the color calibration tool and support for LUTs creates a whole new level of control." said Fabrizio Dei Tos Navales, DxO product director.
New for PhotoLab 7
Commitment To Color
PhotoLab 7 enables photographers to apply true-to-life, scientifically accurate color profiles to their images. PhotoLab 7 unique tool, working in concert with one of six industry-standard color checker charts from Calibrite and Datacolor.
Cinematic-Style Grading
We are excited to introduce Look Up Tables (LUTs) into PhotoLab 7: now available with 17 DxO starter presets. LUTs builds on our previous advances made in color management where we re-engineered our color processing algorithms, introduced DxO Wide Gamut our extended working color space and improved Soft Proofing mode. Using LUTs will enable our exacting photographers to speed up their workflow and apply their favorite style adjustments to their images.
HSL Editing Can Now Be Adjusted Locally
PhotoLab first began to set the standard in color control through its innovative HSL Color Wheel. The spectrum of color control tools now available in version 7 is the result of years of concerted effort to deliver lifelike and expressive colors demanded by serious photographers. Photographers can now enjoy the powerful easy-to-use HSL ColorWheel as part of their local adjustments, enabling them to adjust the color of a subject's clothing or subtly warming the highlights of a landscape scene, all with the highest quality and total creative freedom.
A Natural Black-and-White Work
PhotoLab 7 has new tools that help photographers create their definitive monochrome workflow. The interface introduces a new tab to switch between color and monochrome and a range of new film renderings -- plus PhotoLab 7 includes introduces a six-channel mixer for complete tonal control across black-and-white photography.
Local Adjustments Revamped
The ability to make precise local adjustments is a vital part of creative photo editing. PhotoLab 7 makes this easy by organizing local adjustment tools into a new dedicated palette in the workspace. This evolution keeps the interface cleaner and makes photos more visible while they're being worked on, allowing even greater precision from our popular U PointTM tool.
Price and Availability
New customers can download Windows and macOS versions exclusively from the DxO Web site at the prices listed below, a 30-day free trial is also available.
- DxO PhotoLab 7: $229
Owners of PhotoLab 5 or 6 can take advantage of a special upgrade price:
- DxO PhotoLab 7 upgrade price: $109
To upgrade, customers should log into their customer account. PhotoLab 7 does not require a subscription and can be installed on up to three computers.
