I have to say that on many days, I find myself using a DxO product—most frequently, their PureRAW software, which looks at my image metadata in my RAW files and gives me a near-perfect image, correcting my sensor/lens combination, sharpening, and removing imperfections like vignettes and ringing. DxO has more than 100,000 camera/lens combinations covering almost any gear. Even both my DJI drones are covered by DxO.
DxO PureRAW has advanced in this new version 5, and DxO says here’s what to expect:
Local Adjustments: Allows photographers to fine-tune noise reduction and lens sharpness. Photographers now have the option to focus the levels of denoising and detail extraction on specific parts of the image and tailor levels of sharpening exactly as required. PureRAW’s automated processing is already best in class, but when an image needs a precision-focused approach, Local Adjustments provide the perfect solution.
Users can draw multiple masks and adjust the Force Details and Luminance sliders to dial in exactly what they need. In addition, it’s possible to target sharpening more precisely, focusing on specific parts of the image.
DeepPRIME 3: The third generation of DxO’s original neural-network-powered RAW processing engine for Bayer and X-Trans sensors. Four years ago, DxO pioneered the use of machine learning to perform denoising and demosaicing simultaneously, unlocking the potential of AI and far exceeding man-made algorithms. Today, DeepPRIME 3 incorporates a third process: residual chromatic shifts at a pixel level. Thanks to the data it draws from DxO’s exclusive DxO Modules, DeepPRIME 3 resolves chromatic aberration as part of the RAW conversion process. In addition, users get a significant boost in image quality while also saving time.
Here’s a before image provided by DxO:
And the same image treated by PureRAW 5. These raw files have been converted to JPG by our system, so quality will suffer a bit.
This bird close-up shows obvious improvement in detail and reduction of noise:
After DxO:
A new interface: The appearance of DxO PureRAW has been completely overhauled in version 5, giving users a cleaner, more refined experience when using the software. The update makes for a smoother, more streamlined workflow, reducing friction and enhancing usability. Users can spend less time in the software and more time enjoying its results.
Custom Presets: Version 5 introduces the ability to create custom presets, allowing users to dial in frequently used settings in a single click. This facilitates the easy application of different configurations according to different variables, such as camera, lens, ISO, or subject matter. Combined with the existing batch processing and batch renaming features, photographers avoid repetitive actions, saving time while maintaining consistency across their workflow.
DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans Beta: As an extension of DeepPRIME, DxO’s DeepPRIME XD—"eXtra Detail"—engine was introduced in DxO PureRAW 3 to offer the most intense processing for the most demanding files. Since then, it has progressed, promising incredible results for images captured at ISO levels that had previously been considered unusable.
For owners of Fujifilm cameras, DxO is proud to introduce DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans Beta, giving X-Trans photographers early access to the next generation of noise reduction and detail extraction.
Pricing and Release Date
DxO PureRAW 5 will be available on April 15, 2025. Customers who pre-order before the launch will immediately receive a complimentary copy of DxO PureRAW 4. A perpetual license for macOS and Windows machines can be purchased from the DxO website at the following prices:
- New license: 119.99 € / $109.99 / £109.99
- Upgrade from DxO PureRAW 3 or 4: 79.99 € / $79.99 / £69.99
DxO PureRAW 5 comes with unlimited access and no subscription is required. A full 14-day trial of DxO PureRAW 4 is available now from the DxO website, and a trial of DxO PureRAW 5 will become available on April 15. There are more details and a download available on the DxO website.
As a heavy user of PureRAW 4, I’m looking forward to the update. DxO has saved a lot of images in my career and improved many others. I’ll review the product when I can get my hands on it.
