Free Copy of DxO OpticsPro 9

[Mike Farley]

OK, it is a couple of iterations behind the latest version which is DxO OpticsPro 11. Most cameras introduced more than a couple of years ago should be compatible, though. The main exceptions are Fuji models with X-Trans sensors, which DxO does not support.* There are no DxOMarks for those cameras, either. It is Bayer all the way so far as DxO is concerned. Neither does the free licence qualify for upgrade pricing to the current version, although a discount is available for a limited period. Until 31 March 2017 the software is reduced from £159 to £119. The offer is being run in conjunction with Digital Camera magazine.

Apply via the link below, which also has a link to a list of supported cameras.

http://www.dxo.com/us/digitalcamerauk

* Which rather limits the interest for me, although I do like the application. Fuji cameras are mostly what I shoot these days.

[Mike Farley]

As an addendum, it is worthwhile looking at the comments in this post at The Online Photographer as there might be one or two issues with this version of OpticsPro. Integration with Lightroom CC and compatibility with the latest version of macOS (Sierra) are mentioned. There might be others as more comments are added, so checking again in a day or so could be beneficial.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.co ... amera.html

On the positive side, OpticsPro9 was the first version where DxO introduced its PRIME noise reduction processing. From what I have heard, it is effective but can take a while to process an image. It might be useful for anyone who has a noisy shot taken on a supported camera for which other applications have not produced a satisfactory result.

http://www.dxo.com/us/news/dxo-optics-p ... s-high-iso

[Mike Farley]

A note of warning for anyone thinking about trying the latest version of this DxO software. A user on DPReview reports that it alters the Raw file so that it cannot be opened subsequently by ACR and possibly other converters as well. The free version appears to be OK in that regard.

Scroll down the comments at the link below to read more.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/741954195 ... -reduction

PS I have not tested this myself, but it would be a sensible precaution to try the application on a copy of your Raw files and see if they are affected before committing to any serious use.

[Mike Farley]

A reminder, if anyone needs it, that this offer uns out at the end of the month.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/413988833 ... le-you-can

I have linked my copy to Lightroom CC. The benefit is the ability to use Lightroom's Library function to manage your images while processing them with the DxO software. Assuming you prefer the DxO results compared to Lightroom's of course. The downside is that DxO only wants to know about Raw files taken on a Bayer sensor.

Better not shoot with an obscure lens for which DxO has not created profiles, either. I have not tested it this time, but in the previous version it would select a profile with the same focal length for another manufacturer if it did not recognise a lens. I did ask DxO about this at a photography trade show. The rep did not know the answer, but promised to get back to me. It must be a complicated response. After a couple of years I am still waiting.