I processed this image in PL7 and really struggled to get the kind of clarity I wanted without provoke edge artefacts when increasing contrast.
PL7…
PL8…
I believe the Luma Tone Curve contributed a lot by not boosting the colours at the same time as boosting the contrast.
The cloud detail is much better when using a Control Line and doesn’t provoke so much noise with XD2s
I’m new to DxO completely.
But purchased DxO PL. Nik 7 and Filmpack about a week ago.
I’m really enjoying getting to terms with the software as a whole.
DxO took care of me with PL8 so I’m a happy new user so far.
(I do wish we had compatibility with my iPhone)
Tom
If you search the forum you’ll find you are not alone. You’ll also find that the opinion of most regular posters is that DxO are not going to support phones any time soon, if ever.
Yes. I’ve certainly read that.
Fortunately, for me at this point, it’s not even close to a deal breaker.
Tom
If I may say, you really didn’t need to buy Nik 7 as most of the functionality in those tools are intended for use with third party software like Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.
However, the one thing you could add in is ViewPoint, for perspective nd geometry corrections.
You don’t need to install the standalone versions of either FilmPack or ViewPoint as they are both already built in to PhotoLab - all you need to do is activate them from within PL. Then you will have one comprehensive, well integrated toolset that can do most things without leaving the main app.
Hey thanks for this.
However, I’ve chosen the DxO portfolio of products over PS and LR for a myriad of my own (probably silly) reasons.
So I don’t have PS and LR at all and don’t intend to.
I have Affinity Photo for the PS type needs when I need it.
Of course I’m fairly new to all this so I don’t know what I don’t know and could completely be off on the deep end.
I am looking to Black Friday or something to pick up Viewpoint.
Tom
Absolutely must have, for panoramics, focus stacking or just plain pixel grunging.
Well, the only thingy ou needn’t have bought was Nik. Perhaps you could see if DxO would do a swap for ViewPoint? There’s a new version due out soon, so see if you can get a credit until it is released.
You can test drive ViewPoint to see if it is doing something you like or need.
ViewPoint version 4 has these features as seen in the respective palette of PhotoLab 7:
Volume deformation helps to compensate stretched parts in the outer regions of wide angle photos. ReShape helps you distort an image, be it to make things look right or crazy.
VP can also mirror flip an image, something that comes in handy if you work on (analog) film negatives/positives “scanned” by a camera. Mirror flip (horizontally or vertically) exists as a menu item, no other settings are needed
Check out the manual too:
https://userguides.dxo.com/viewpoint/en/
Thanks for this. I think I’ll definitely have a use for it as I like architectural (esp. wide angle) photography along with my other interests.
Tom
Thanks Joanna… I’ll probably keep it as I REALLY like Silver Efex. But I’ll definitely be looking to add Viewpoint as well.
Tom
I support @Joanna’s statement about the improvements or additions it brings.
Whether they are worth the upgrade cost depends on whether one needs/wants these features.
Read more about this in the release notes here:
https://support.dxo.com/hc/en-us/categories/360003943351
OK. I might be biased but, you really need to check over the excellent B&W film emulations, coloured filters, the luminosity mask and the four Fine Contrast sliders in FilmPack. I regularly print on Baryta paper to 60cm x 42cm for both my and other photographers’ exhibitions. The control that FilmPack gives me to fine tune images to the photographer’s desires is simply amazing.
What is more, I don’t have to leave the RAW file, allowing me to tweak RAW related settings like DeepPRIME without having to start again.
Check out these images by my friend Helen, who is a B&W specialist…
What does VP4 as more than VP3 (i’ve got vp3) ?
I see lot of upgrade to buy but sometime don’t understand what is sold.
VP3 :
Ok Joanna, color me impressed. As I am always open to learning (and I’m new), I’ve decided to give your way a try first. I’ve submitted to DxO to see if they’ll swap for me.
I’ll learn with PL8 and FP7,. I absolutely LOVE b&w photography.
Here’s to hoping DxO will be accommodating in this endeavor. (I’d certainly understand if they don’t).
Tom
Don’t forget to take advantage of the 30 day free trial. Download it but don’t install the standalone app, just register the serial number in PL
Alas, unfortunately, DxO is not able to help me out. No biggie. I’ll keep it and get VP 4 when it goes on sale or something.
Tom
Rhooo …
There are good points in PL8 :
Curve tool implementation seems to show DxO can make complete tools when they want !
And contradicts the fact that they don’t listen to users or don’t read this forum.
If only they hadn’t amputated PL from the luminosity mask.
