How and why I use DxO PhotoLab to Process Micro 43 RAW Files
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- Опубликовано: 28 июл 2024
- In this video, I explain both how and why I use DxO PhotoLab to process my Micro Four Thirds RAW files. I’m using PhotoLab 4 in the video, but all the adjustments are available in PhotoLab 5, as well as earlier versions of PhotoLab (except for the new DeepPRIME noise reduction).
Whilst I'm editing RAW files from a Micro Four Thirds camera you can apply the same approach to editing any supported RAW file. If DxO PhotoLab supports your camera and lens combination, you can achieve excellent image quality using PhotoLab.
Download a trial version of PhotoLab from the DxO website: tidd.ly/3bXfArW (affiliate link)
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Robin your tutorials are excellent. Clear diction and without waffle. Brilliant, thank you.
Glad you like them and thank you very much.
Excellent as usual! And I think one part of it all is the way you handle the timing between explaining and showing what you’re doing. It is a rare quality you have! Some day I might be able to pinpoint this quality more accurately and then hopefully explain it so you might understand what I mean. But just hold on to your excellent recipe is the bottom line of what I’m trying to say! As always I’m looking forward to your next video!
Thank you very much!
I have just upgraded and really appreciate this tutorial, thank you.
Glad it helped
The new changes to PL4 are terrific! Full history, customizable pasting of adjustments/syncing adjustments and interface customizations are all great!
I agree
Another great tutorial focusing on the thought process behind each step.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you
Awesome. I use C1, but will revisit PL3 for my GX9 raws. Great clearly presented tutorial. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent tutorial!
Thank you!
you are the best in explaining
Thank you. That's very kind of you to say.
Robin, I was so tired of watching poor RUclips photography videos I almost didn't click on yours. What a pleasant surprise! You're much better than channels with many times the subscribers and views. Concise, and well thought out. I especially like zooming in on the menus. I hate tutorials that presume the viewer knows where and on which menu to find a certain control or the view is zoomed out and you can't see what is being clicked. Thanks!
I haven't watched any of your other videos yet so tell me why 4/3? I shoot Nikon DX because my first DSLR was a D100 and I specifically chose a D7500 because it has an internal focus motor to accommodate my older lenses. DX bodies and lenses are cheaper than full frame or FX Nikon counterparts.
Hi Larry, thanks for the positive feedback about my video. A lot of effort goes into planning and editing the videos so it's nice to hear when it's appreciated. I sometimes wonder if my popularity would increase if I threw in the word "dude" a few times or perhaps started with "what's happening"; don't worry, that won't happen.
As for the question of why 4/3, the simple answer is that it's a great format to use for landscapes and the system has quite a few advantages over larger formats. Size and weight are two of these but all the accessories like filters are smaller and lighter. I can easily carry the kit all day in the mountains together with outdoor gear and not feel it. The better lenses are also pin sharp from corner to corner, and because I don't need to stop down above f/8.0 the shutter speeds are faster. I can often shoot handheld in low light whilst still keeping at a low ISO. The images are generally very sharp and detailed and I have no problems making high quality 30 or 40 inch prints. If I want to make seriously large prints I switch to the high res mode where I can capture the equivalent of 40Mpixels or 80Mpixels.
I do have other format cameras that I use which are mainly fuji. I've also owned my fair share of full frame from Canon, Sony and Nikon but for usability I don't think they can compete. The libraries I supply my work to are very happy to accept the M43 images so why should I invest more money for no additional return. Does that answer your question or did you have something else in mind when you asked?
I shoot Fuji XT3, but this is one of the best tutorials I've seen on DxO. Not just what, but when and why. Thanks
Thank you. That's great to hear. You may be interested to know that now DxO supports XTrans RAW files, I still use the same approach.
Brilliant Robin, exactly what I needed. I use the G9 and love it. I'm also using Photolab and have found it excellent and relatively easy to start using. Must admit to being a bit ClearView happy just because of the dramatic changes it can make to an image for example in an image with haze over the sea here in Cornwall. I know I use too high a setting and must tone in down now the novelty has worn off.
One thing I didn't realise was that I can select more than one spot weighted area in smart lighting, I have just been choosing one area.
With Nik as well as Photolab I keep tinkering too much with my images. At the moment I'm loving playing with all the film simulations and with turning images b&w especially ones I've taken on grey days. Thanks again, excellent clear, easy to follow video.
You're welcome. I hope it helps you get more out the software.
You guys are going to fool tourists into expecting better weather.
Nice video, thanks Robin
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
Best video on how to edit m43 files keep it up
Thanks, will do!
I agree with you 100%. Photolab gives excellent results from my Olympus raw files. I have been using the standard profile but will play with your approach and see how I get on. There are some great new features in PL4, well worth the upgrade.
Very good, some useful features I didn't know about, many thanks, more please!
Thank you
I have a couple more ideas yet to come
thanks that was very very helpful.
You're welcome! Thank you
OK, I'm going to give Photolab 4 a try. I've used nothing but ACDSee Pro and Ultimate through my 8 years of M43 photography. I am hoping it's easy to use, as I don't like post processing a whole lot. Also hoping they cooperate -- I'm used to ACDSee's management features. Thank you for the informative video.
Have fun!
I know this is a year old video, but well done Robin! That DeepPRIME noise reduction AI takes the little m43 sensor to a whole new level in my opinion. And I'd be willing to bet that your fully processed image was a much more accurate rendition of what you actually observed on that day. The human eye/brain processing is still the standard though! 😎
Thanks. I do think PhotoLab makes the M43 images look great but I have had some issues with yellow in certain images. I still think PhotoLab gives the best quality for a lot of RAW files though.
@@RobinWhalley You're a pro. At my "advanced snap-shooter" level it gets the job done with a minimum of editing, so no complaints.
Thank you very much.
You are welcome!
this is a really good video.
Thank you. I'm glad to know you liked it.
Nice one, thanks
No problem 👍
I just bought a used Panasonic G9 and am waiting for it to arrive, so it's interesting to see how DxO Photolab can dramatically improve the images it produces. I currently shoot with a Sony a6600, but decided to get a G9 because I wanted a bigger, brighter EVF and 10-bit video, which the a6600 lacks.
DxO is great for processing the G9 images, but it also works well with Sony RAW files. Personally, I prefer Lightroom for organising my images, so I tend to integrate the two. Another alternative to consider for anyone using Lightroom is DxO PureRAW. The results are also great, but it doesn't give quite as much control as PhotoLab.
Deep prime is just amazing, i manage to get pretty good results with iso 25.600 on my d7100
Good to hear that it's so effective for you.
M1mkiii files are stunning,esp high ISO , no need to be concerned about ISO anymore. Deep Prime Rules. Thanks for all the pointers that I didn't know about.
You're very welcome. Thank you.
An excellent video, very helpful and informative! Is it possible to quantify how many stops of improvement the Deep Prime noise reduction is giving?
It probably is but not something I could tackle with any accuracy.
I've seen another video elsewhere suggesting PL4 gives 2-3 stops on M43 . Worth checking a few more videos.
Very useful tutorial. Thanks. IMO, the body/lens modules combined with DeepPrime noise reduction are worth the price of admission. I always felt Prime was very good but exporting the files was painfully slow. Deep Prime gives even better results and with a decent gpu is much faster. Overall I just feel the newest version feels much snappier than the previous version. Version 3 just felt too slow to really use in a day-to-day workflow. Version 4 is much better optimized. I know I'm getting into the purely subjective realm here but I was curious if you'd found any of the color profiles for different cameras bodies especially useful.
Thanks. Yes, I have found uses for the Colour Profiles and will cover them in a future video.
I've never used PL before and on testing it does a much better job of decoding my Lumix S1R files than anything else I've used. It's also the fastest RAW editor I've used on the hi-rez files out of this camera, some of which get up to 400 MB. The DeepPRIME noise reduction is an added bonus. It'd be nice if perspective control was included though. If DxO can work out a way to integrate all of the Nik plugins without having to render out separate files that'd would be excellent.
I'm pleased to hear about your results with PL and the S1R. On the subject of perspective Correction, try activating the Focal Point software in the menu. This activates a trial for Focal Point and whilst it's an additional cost it's brilliant. The integration with PL is seamless and results are excellent.
I agree. The fact that you have to pay more for perspective correction seems out to touch with the competition.
Thanks . I don’t use it yet but I am wondering why you needed to send it to Photoshop at the end to show it ...what does PS show that leaving it in PhotoLab cannot show please ?
I sent it to Photoshop to demonstrate the Export to Application feature.
How you use control by way of initial manual adjustments is very interesting as an alternative to first allow an auto adjustment approach, though the auto can too be readjusted being adjustments can be made visable. Tha is nice in DXO, than you can have option, as an alternative method can be useful according what you are working with if I am correct?
Yes, whilst I do check the auto options from time to time, I usually reset everything before starting. That said, I also use a Preset to apply my "preferred" adjustments first and then tweak them to suit the image. My adjustments are really more about the quality of the image than applying a "look" or effect.
Just found you great video, what are your thoughts for a raw processor for the new OM1, I keep hearing everyone rave about photlab5
Not having a new OM1 myself or having edited the RAW files, I would try out PhotoLab. Do check that it supports the camera first though. If the camera and lens modules aren't available then the results aren't good. It also depends what your current RAW converter is and if you want to keep it. A lot of people use Lightroom for managing their photos (I do) in which case you may find DxO PureRAW is a better option. Again, it needs to support the camera and lenses you are using. Other than DxO, I have high regard for Capture One and usd this as my RAW converter for my Fuji images. It was only when DxO included Fuji XTrans support in PhotoLab that I switched to that.
Thanks for the 4/3 info- I use a G9 andfind your advice to be very helpful. I not longer use LR and have switched to On1, which I love. I also have PL5 and you are right . It develops better than On1. How do I make the Raw transfers between On1 and PL5 and back. Can it be done efficiently? Can it be done at all??
Steve
Thanks. Regarding using PhotoLab with On1, I would start in PhotoLab to apply the default settings discussed. I would then export the image as a DNG file and then open that in On1 for any processing your want to apply there. I'm not sure much more can currently be done to integrate the two. If I come across anything I'll probably produce a video as it's an interesting question.
Great video, do you still think that DXO provides an advantage today, to M43 images over the other programs out there?
Yes, I do but how much depends on what you compare it to (I'm also ignoring cost). The DeepPRIME and more recent XDeepPRIME noise reduction produce excellent quality from the M43 image files. The lens corrections are also excellent and I like the sharpening, even though I sometimes need to reduce it a little. More recently, I've found myself increasingly using the camera colour profiles in teh software.
Excellent tutorial Robin. One question though. Why would you prefer to perform your distortion correction in the Customize section of DxO and not the Preferences Tab, if the Preferences Tab pretty much does the same thing? I get that sometimes you may not want to do distortion to your images, but it just seems odd to me that's all
Yes, you can apply some settings automatically using the preferences or a preset. I always prefer to check each adjustment as I applt it. A lot of cameras these days have two ranges of lenses. There are the ones that apply distortion correction in software and those that are optically corrected. PhotoLab will correct and often improve both ranges but with lenses that are already optically well corrected the software correction isn't necessary. There are times when I think it detracts from the image and so I leave it off. It really depends on the equipment.
DxO is very good 😎
I totally agree.
Hi Robin,
I too think photolab does an excellent job with M43 raws. I shoot both Olympus and more recently Panasonic G9. Since April I've been attempting to 'cut the Adobe chord' so-to-speak.
I have on1 2020 and have tried desperately to make it work for me (I've been purchasing it ever since Google took Nik, but not really using it the fullest, always returning to the safety of Lightroom, lol) . On1 It is very feature rich and has some excellent masking tools etc. However, any attempts at sharpening, noise reduction and /or micro contrast enhancements seem to result in really crunchy results all to quickly, especially with the Panny G9 raws. I just cannot seem make them look right with any consistency. One factor might be it's persistent inability to recognise lenses on the G9 such as oly 12-40f2.8. It's odd because I have less difficulty with my 16mp 5mk ii files. Basically, it has all the tools and more, but seems to lack finesse. Although, it might quite conceivably be my lack of ability, lol.
I've recently been pushing my G9 files through Raw Therapee, and, whilst I'm struggling with my understanding of how to process colour in that app, sharpness and microcontrast is stellar, I am literally blown away with its results compared to lightroom and On1. I'm beginning to wonder whether this free alternative is the long term solution. V5. 9 (still in beta) , brings local adjustments akin to but, apparently, better than Lightroom. We'll see, I suppose (check out Andy Astbury's channel for more on that front) .
Dxo is very close from a detail and sharpness front, if not matching. However, its ease of use re colour and local adjustments and also speed and flexibility make it a very tempting choice. It's just so easy to use. I already have the Dxo updated Nik plugins, which I love, especially for B&W conversions and I am now trialling Photolab v4, but am still figuring out my work flow with Affinity. I tried V3 but found out too late that some screen glitches I was experiencing with Dxo V3 were related to some motherboard sound processing software and, sadly, my trial ended before I could make a decision. I think, the one thing holding me back is the lacklustre dam facilties. On1 is getting close to LR on that front.
Where is that one package from import to print that rules them all (without renting of-course, lol)
Thanks for this video it was very helpful.
You should have a look at the Topaz Ai products judging by your comment you might find to your liking . Free trials
Thanks. I know what you mean about the cruncky RAW file conversions with micro 43 in On1. I've also seen this with other packages. RAW Therapee is great for quality. It's also the only package I've seen with a dedicated XTrans routine for Fuji XTrans RAW files. When I was comparing converter performance a few years back it was the best but you needed a Phd to understand some of the features. As for a one package does it all, I doubt that will ever happen. Each package has its strengths which highlights the weaknesses in others.
I "cut the Adobe cord" by sticking with CS6. I refuse to use subscription software.
Does Photolab 5 remove the Perspective and Volume Deformation function? Can not find it within the geometry tab.
No it doesn't but I believe the Perspective and Volume Deformation functions are part of View Point so you will need to have that installed to Photolab. If you do have it installed try checking if it's active in the PhotoLab menu.
Very watchable tutorial Robin.
I`ve just bought PhotoLab 4 for my GH5 files for this very reason.
But I shot a full moon night time lapse in my local mountains and the image is full of dead pixels, even with the dead pixel slider at 100. After Effects on the other hand removed them entirely. Mind you I opened the image straight in PhotoLab and didn`t involve LR. Was that my mistake do you think?
though in the exported image and in the viewing box of Deep Prime upper right of the screen, the hot/dead pixels have gone. They`re visible in the corrected picture under the Corrcetion Preview though. All a bit confusing.
It's difficult for me to say for certain what's happening BUT, the image preview in PhotoLab only shows the effects of standard denoise. The viewing box for Deep prime shows an estimation of what the noise reduction will do (I believe). Because Deep Prime is so intensive in processing you only really see the results when you export. Its also only available when you are working with a RAW file. When working with a TIFF or JPEG image you only have standard noise reduction. I hope this helps and I hope you're impressed with PhotoLab.
@@RobinWhalley very useful information Robin thanks.
I have been using the DXO photolab free trial. I know it is on sale right now. But I was wondering if they do any black Friday deals?
AFAIK, DxO has this 30% off sale fairly often, I honestly can't remember if there was a better deal during the last year, but I'm sure they will offer the 30% off again, maybe Christmas time.
I don't know what they have planned this year but they tend to do a Black Friday deal of some sort.
I bought a license last week. There was 25% off until or through November 19th. Make sure your debit/credit card is unlocked for France.
What if one doesn’t have or want lightroom? My head is spinning over all the options. I need a good raw or Eason good app for photographing my art to adjust for accurate color and any lens distortion. How about dxo wit affinity photo? Or what works best with colour checker passports ? I need to know this and can’t find the answer .
The reason you are struggling is that all the main raw converters are good but each has its strengths. It’s also very difficult to answer specifics like working with colour passport checker. I use that with their software and the DNG files exported from any raw converter. It’s best to try using the trial version of the software over a couple of weeks to see what you do and don’t like. Really using the software like this makes decisions much easier.
Excellent upload 👍Would this software be OK to use on its own without Lightroom or any other for that mater? I'm a Panasonic G9 shooter and my Lightroom won't open the RW2 image as it's an older version of Lightroom. This tutorial was just what I was looking for, raw image manipulation from G9. I'd like to think that this software would work for me with the G9 without the need for any other software. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Phil
Hi Phil, yes this software is very good as a replacement for Lightroom. The asset management side (keywords, collections etc) isn't as good as Lightroom but the image quality is superb. I would recommend downloading a trial version to see how you like it. I have a few more PhotoLab tutorials on RUclips and on my website which shuld help you get to grips with it.
Thank you very much for your swift reply and the help a reassuring response.
@@smiffywildlife You're welcome.
🙏🏾
Why wouldn’t this be your choice for full frame as well, Robin?
Because I don't have a full frame camera. Seriously though (I have owned full frame in the past) my main cameras since 2017 have been Fuji and DxO don't support the Fuji XT sensor RAW files. I therefore use Capture One for my Fuji RAW files and DxO for Micro 43 which is my other main camera system.
Hi sir. Your content is very good and really helpful. I'm considering switching from C1 to DxO, or at least using both, mainly for DxO's incredible Deep Prime technology. But the software is pretty slow on my PC. The difference in speed between DxO and C1 is incredible, the latter being virtually instantaneous, while in Photolab 4 I have to wait 2-4 seconds or more (3 seconds most of the time) only to switch from one image to the next one or previous one. The thing is that the trick of configuring the software so it does not apply corrections automatically and also disabling the creation of .DOP files is not helping me with this. Doing this only reduces the time I have to wait before a new folder finishes loading completely, but after that, I still have to wait 3 seconds every time I switch from one image to another. Do you have any other performance tips? I'm on Windows 10 20H2, i7 2600k, GTX 970, 16GB of RAM and a 2TB HDD. For what I have read this problem is pretty common even on modern high end PCs with SSDs, plus I use other programs way more demanding than PL and C1 (which again, works incredibly fast) with no issues. Besides, PL is not even using half of my resources! I have tried setting it to high performance both on Windows and on my video driver, plus a couple other tweaks. Nothing has helped. Wether you answer / can help me or not, I hope you are doing well and have a happy new year sir. Take care and keep up with the good content.
I'm not really sure what your problem could be. Have you tried clearing the Cache in the "Advanced" section of the Preferences? Also check there what the maximum number of simultaniously processed images is and perhaps try reducing this. If this doesn't make any difference raise it in the DxO support forum. Someone may have some ideas. I don't tend to use the software on Windows these days.
@@RobinWhalley yes I have tried clearing the cache and changing the max number of simultaneously processed images to 1. Also I reached support once when I had the same problem (but much worse) with the trial of PL 2. They weren't able to help me but at least they told me that my PC is powerful enough for the software. I might try with the forum, certainly. Thank you for your time, and happy new year!
@@eduardoarg607 Sorry I couldn't help. I think the forum is the best option.
@@RobinWhalley nothing to be sorry about, you already help us with your videos. Plus you gave me the idea to ask in the forums. Much appreciated!
@@RobinWhalley I decided that I won't leave Capture One's features behind only for PL's NR capabilities. I think I'm going to integrate both programs exporting as DNGs from PL when needed. Have a good week!
I downloaded the trial to use with my Sony files but this maxes my computer. I have a new top of the line iMac 2020 and my fans are blowing full blast. Seems very badly optimised IMO. In C1 my fans don't even come on.
I suspect you've been hit by the problem I describe in this articel lenscraft.co.uk/photography-blog/photolab-performance-problem/. It's worth taking three minutes to read and then a further 30 seconds to change the setting. I think it will fix your problem and allow you to use the software properly.
@@RobinWhalley wow, turning that off literally makes a night and day difference. I actually e-mailed their support about performance and they just said it takes time to render and offered no advice. I feel they are losing sales because of this. Should I purchase after the trial I will do so from your affiliate link. Thank you for the help.
@@digwillhachi Great that this solved your problem. This setting is often missed. One of the reasons is that if you import your images to your computer using PhotoLab it renders the preview during import (just like Lightroom). But when you browse an existing folder of images it tries to render them just like during import. I've also tried to explain this and even posted on their forum (which resulted in someone arguing with me). Life's too short. I now just tell people about this when they have a performance issue.
That grey cast in the original image is why I sold all my 4/3 camera gear. Your resulting photo looks good, but the original is pale, grey and dull - it should be better in camera. You save it, but one should not have to work that hard. Just my take - your mileage may vary. Nicely done, well scripted, evenly paced video demonstration - teaching done right. JR
I'm glad you like the video. Regarding the image, please remember that I deliberately overexpose when shooting micro 43 - usually by 2/3 of a stop but it can be more. Having said that, with the recent improvements in DxO DeepPRIME, I don't do that any more. I now aim to get the exposure right and then allow the software to correct for noise etc. It works great.