Image Masters

Why I use DxO Optics Pro?

I like DxO's approach to raw conversion, which in a nutshell is to start by correcting the defects introduced by the lens-camera combination, and later to continue the conversion process by "traditional" means. DxO's ability to save to the DNG format shows first that DxO supports Open Raw, which is very important to me, and second that the "traditional" part of the conversion process can be performed in a different converter, such as Photoshop Camera Raw for example.

While DxO will correct defects introduced by most lenses, it shines when it comes to correcting photographs created with wide angle lenses. This is excellent news to me since I love wide angles and use them for a majority of my work. On a full-frame DSLR, such as my Canon 1DsMk2, many wide angle photographs suffer from distortion in the image corners. DxO comes to the rescue with algorithms that allow me to produce a much better looking image than with a "standard" raw conversion alone.

I consider DxO to be a fourth variable in my photography process, one that I use in the field when I plan how the image will be processed. With film I had 2 variables that I could change at will: shutter speed and aperture (f-stop). Digital capture introduced a third variable I can control at will in the field: film speed. DxO introduces a fourth variable: lens correction which can be conducted after the photograph is created.

Let me explain. Lens defects are more visible at wide apertures than at medium or small apertures. Yet, often a wide aperture is necessary to make sure movement is not introduced either by a slow shutter speed, when shooting hand-held, or by wind, when shooting on a tripod. For example, wind is often a problem when shooting close ups of flowers, or grass or other vegetation, on a tripod, with speeds of half a second or longer at f11. By using DxO I can choose to lower my f-stop, to let's say f8 and correct the extra distortion introduced by this smaller f-stop, in DxO. I can then continue the conversion in regards to color, contrast, and exposure in DNG format, and continue the traditional part of the conversion in a different converter that I may be more comfortable with for that part of the process.


What specific tip(s) would you give another photographer for using DxO Optics Pro to help them get the most out of their pictures?

Take your time fine tuning each setting in DxO. This is the key to getting the best possible correction and conversion. DxO settings are very sensitive, and small changes often result in significant improvements in image quality.

DxO can be used as another control in the imaging chain, such as noise control when shooting at high ISO, or lens correction, and more.