What settings do I need to enable in DxO PhotoLab to achieve the same results as a DNG file exported from PureRAW, so that it’s compatible with other software?
PhotoLab has two preset output versions for DNG.
- Apply all corrections
- Apply denoising and optical corrections only
The second export corresponds to what PureRAW does - there are a few differences though. PureRAW and PhotoLab features are not necessarily identical over time. PR tends to introduce changes that only transpire to PL after a while. Lens sharpening can be tuned finely in PL and PR has a limited selection of preset levels. It will take a few tests to find, which level you’ll want in PL.
Please note that PL has a lot more to offer than PR, but some of those additions have been implemented in FilmPack and ViewPoint.
You can (and should) test PL before investing and be aware that you’ll test the PL “Elite Edition”. Don’t buy the “Standard Edition” to save a few bucks. Test PL only first, then add the FP trial and VP trial later on. Check test periods (they vary) and time your tests accordingly.
1 Like
Thanks for the detailed breakdown! It makes sense to test the Elite Edition of PhotoLab first and compare the DNG outputs carefully before adding FilmPack or ViewPoint.
NB despite its name, FilmPack is not just about film emulations. It includes some features that many would consider to be core photo editing features. The same is true but to a lesser extent of ViewPoint. This means that unless you do add FP and VP you do not get the full Photolab experience.
You can read the most recent gripe about this irritation (it crops up regularly) in this topic:
I find it regrettable that DxO is prioritizing new noise reduction features for Pure Raw rather than Photolab…
…usually, the new features of PR are added to PL a bit later. Unless one has both products and follows their development, the difference (in timing) seems irrelevant to me.
As for FP: next to the film emulations (that I mostly don’t use except for B&W), there are the fine contrast sliders that operate globally or for low-, mid- and highlights respectively. These sliders are worth the price of FP for many participants here.