I am currently running a really old elite 5 version of photolab so thought it might be time for an upgrade.
However I cant seem to see an elite version on the website and I dont want to loose functions. I think originally when I bought the elite it included things like the fancy denoise and the viewpoint tools included.
The Essential version can be found here
Whereas the Elite version can be found here
Since your current version is older than v-2, there is no upgrade pricing, so it is a case of a new full version of PL9 and, unless you want to miss out on features that you are familiar with, stick with PL9 Elite.
I’d also highly recommend getting the latest versions of FilmPack and ViewPoint. There is a 20% discount on two or more products.
DXO provide a 30 day trial. This will allow you to determine that your computer set up will work with the new AI masks and new DeepPrime noise reduction.
This is particularly relevant if you have a Nvidia GPU.
And the 30 day trial is the full Elite version
Yes but, unless things have changed, the trial also includes a trial of ViewPoint and FilmPack. That might lead some to believe that when purchasing a PhotoLab Elite license they will be getting the ViewPoint and FilmPack features embedded in PhotoLab as well.
Mark
o how can I tell if I am using a feature from viewpoint or filmpack as that is a little misleading. I thought the force parallel, rectangle and 8 point thing were part of the elite version, thats how it use to be on elite 5 anyway.
I assume the filmpack is to do with the LUTS and presets but not worried about those as I dont use them.
To my recollection, when trialing, the FilmPack and ViewPoint features were (suffixed?) with some marker delineating that it was a FilmPack/ViewPoint feature (FP or VP, I think?). My memory is a little hazy on that, but I do remember there was some indication.
Yes, Force Parallel, Rectangle and 8 Point are part of the Elite version without VP.
FilmPack has those, yes, but also Luminosity Masking, Split Toning, Film Scan Optimization and creative effects (such as film grain, creative vignetting, etc.). A lot of folks here deem FilmPack indispensable simply for the Luminosity Masking.
I must have not activated the film trial as the split toning button does not work and there is only a single option which is sepia.
I have emailed their support team to try and find out. I did hunt the FAQ for a bit but nothing of real use came from there.
It is possible that when I went through the trial period I also had entered activation codes for FP and VP trials as well, just to try everything at once.
I wasn’t actually 100% certain that what @mwsilvers says about the Elite trial including FP & VP features (i.e., without having to also enter an FP & VP trial code) was necessarily true anymore.
Sorry if I added to any confusion here. DxO will be the best to clear that part up and their response may very well be that to experience the FP/VP features you have to get codes for those, too.
Most importantly Film Pack has the four fine contrast sliders.
Mark
Oh yes, forgot that those are from FP.
I have never had PL without FP so I start to forget which features are unique to it.
Completely understandable. I have owned every version of PhotoLab, ViewPoint, and FilmPack since 2017 and I sometimes forget the origin of some of the features.
Mark
got this from support in case anyone in future needs to know 
That’s a very good question, and I completely understand wanting to be sure before purchasing.
You’re correct that the demo includes temporary access to both FilmPack and ViewPoint, so some features you see during the trial may come from those add-ons.
To keep it simple:
The full PhotoLab version includes all core PhotoLab tools, depending on whether you choose the Essential or Elite edition.
FilmPack and ViewPoint are not included by default. Their tools are available in the demo only as a trial.
If FilmPack or ViewPoint are not purchased, their tools will no longer be available once the demo period ends.
Inside the demo, FilmPack and ViewPoint features are clearly shown in separate palettes in the Customize tab, so this is the easiest way to identify whether a tool belongs to PhotoLab itself or to an add-on.
Unfortunately that is only partially correct. Not all the FilmPack features are located in its like named palette. For example, the DxO FilmPack Time Machine is located in the Color/B&W Rendering section of the Color Palette, the four FilmPack Fine contrast sliders are found in the Contrast section of the Light palette, and the FilmPack Luminosity mask is located in the Local Adjustments palette. I don’t recall which Viewpoint features are located elsewhere, but I believe there is at least one.
Mark
well I guess if I decide to purchase and the features I am using now which are not located in these separate pallets disappear then I will have to request a full refund.
At the moment they are all greyed out anyway so I don’t think I have activated either of these in a trial so I also hope that what I have now is what I will get for the pricey bit of software. I say pricey as its only a hobby for me but its the best bit of software I have found that is not subscription based,
Test if you can use the fine contrast sliders. Four of them are located in the contrast palette. If they work, FilmPack is active.
Note that some tools simply change name or are greyed out to make you understand what you miss without FP and VP.
You could try requesting a refund, but once you install the software you won’t get it.
Mark
I wouldn’t say that they won’t do a refund as a finite statement, as I successfully received a refund a year ago for a PL/FP bundle I bought. But it did take about 3 weeks of persistent emailing back and forth until they gave in and did so.
It is a total case-by-case basis situation, though. So you’d be pressing your luck if you counted on that as a fallback, @MardyMarvin.
DxO is notorious for being extremely headstrong about their refund policies.
Refunds…are governed by the EULA and the paragraph that applies is this:
6.5 During the Warranty Period, if we are unable to correct an Error (i) which totally prevents the use of the Software, (ii) of which we have been given notice and (iii) which was part of our obligations pursuant to Section 6.1, DxO’s liability for such Error or repeat of such Error will be limited to a refund of that portion of Software Price, upon which refund you will return to us the Software.