{"id":125559,"date":"2019-02-05T09:36:53","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T09:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/?p=125559"},"modified":"2019-02-05T09:36:53","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T09:36:53","slug":"dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe\/","title":{"rendered":"DxO PhotoLab 2 &#8211; a great alternative to Adobe"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125573&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125573 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-raw-images.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 raw images\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-raw-images.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-raw-images.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-raw-images.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-raw-images.jpg?resize=562,374 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">What sets DxO apart from the competition is the way it handles raw image files. Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>The first version of DxO PhotoLab was introduced at the end of 2017, and it has quietly won over plenty of amateurs and pros looking for a viable alternative to a Photoshop\/Lightroom subscription. Now there\u2019s a new version that further enhances DxO\u2019s status as one of the front-running developers in the image-editing world.<\/p>\n<p>What sets DxO apart is the way it implements raw processing, and the quality of the raw images it produces straight off-the-bat is rather special. Raw processing has always been DxO\u2019s thing. Over years of scientific research into optical lens flaws and camera sensors, and through several versions of PhotoLab\u2019s predecessor \u2013 DxO Optics Pro \u2013 the raw-processing engine has been calibrated and refined to produce excellent results.<\/p>\n<h2>Think local<\/h2>\n<p>Things had become very interesting when the first PhotoLab arrived, complete with a new set of Local Adjustment tools. Drawing from similar features in the much-loved Nik Collection (which DxO acquired from Google) these tools let us selectively alter tones and enhance different areas of the photo \u2013 either by painting freehand or through intelligent targeting of tones and colours. This is the real game-changer that makes PhotoLab a serious contender against the likes of Lightroom and Capture One. Now the evolution continues with a new version that combines the already excellent raw processor and local adjustment tools with a revamped image organiser.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125571&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125571 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Photolibrary.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 Photolibrary\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Photolibrary.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Photolibrary.jpg?resize=300,183 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Photolibrary.jpg?resize=630,384 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Photolibrary.jpg?resize=562,343 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">The DxO PhotoLibrary lets you carry out metadata searches and add ratings to images. Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>New library<\/h2>\n<p>Accessed via a handy button at the top left of the interface, it\u2019s called the DxO PhotoLibrary. While it can\u2019t compare to the library and workflow features in Lightroom, it offers an array of useful tools for image organisation. Much like Photoshop\u2019s Adobe Bridge, it works primarily as a file browser, and lets you carry out metadata searches of your image library. So you can search for images with a specific ISO, focal length or shutter speed. You can also add star ratings to tag your favourite images quickly, then filter them out. Like Lightroom, DxO\u2019s PhotoLibrary also lets you make useful virtual copies. These let you try out different treatments without creating memory-hogging duplicates on your hard disk.<\/p>\n<h2>Raw power<\/h2>\n<p>While the new PhotoLibrary feature is a useful addition, it\u2019s the raw-processing engine that has garnered PhotoLab its reputation. Every time an image is loaded into PhotoLab, the application automatically employs a range of tools to enhance it, based on the extensive data DxO collects about cameras and lens performance. You\u2019ll notice this immediately on opening the application, as it asks you to initiate a series of \u2018Modules\u2019 specific to the cameras and lenses it detects that have been used to take your photos.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125567&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125567 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-compare-button.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 compare button\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-compare-button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-compare-button.jpg?resize=300,166 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-compare-button.jpg?resize=630,349 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-compare-button.jpg?resize=562,311 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Use the Compare button to preview edited and original images side-by-side. Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Auto-correct<\/h2>\n<p>When you open an image several corrections are automatically applied. First, an array of optical imperfections are fixed such as barrel distortion and chromatic aberration. Second, the raw image is sharpened, noise and haze is reduced, and the tonal range is optimised \u2013 the raw image is enhanced immediately and imperfections are corrected before you even have to lift a finger. The Compare button can be a useful feature at this point because it lets you see the original image, so you can assess what PhotoLab has done to it. What\u2019s more, nothing is set in stone so you can go on to turn each correction on or off, or refine things further manually.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125565&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125565 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 before Clearview plus\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg?resize=599,400 599w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg?resize=562,375 562w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-before-Clearview-plus.jpg?resize=600,400 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Before (above) and After (below). The ClearView Plus feature removes haze and pulls out details from the scene. Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-125564 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 after clearview plus\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=599,400 599w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=562,375 562w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-after-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=600,400 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h2>Hold off haze<\/h2>\n<p>One of the most impressive features in the latest version of PhotoLab is ClearView Plus. Similar to the Haze Removal feature in Lightroom, it pulls detail out of hazy or misty scenes. But the results far exceed what can be achieved in Lightroom or Photoshop. Not only does it cut through atmosphere haze and fog, but it can also be used to enhance a subdued sky or pull detail from the blown-out areas of an image.<\/p>\n<h2>Who\u2019s it for?<\/h2>\n<p>PhotoLab is a direct competitor to other raw editors like Lightroom and Capture One. It\u2019s not one for those who like to create montages or add other graphics and effects to their photos \u2013 for that you\u2019ll need Photoshop. It\u2019s primarily for making a raw image look as impressive as possible, which it does very well.<\/p>\n<p>PhotoLab is available in two versions \u2013 Essential (\u00a399) and Elite (\u00a3159). The Elite edition includes the Prime noise reduction and ClearView features. As well as a stand-alone app PhotoLab also works as a plug-in for Lightroom, so you can round-trip images between the two. A free 30-day trial version is available to download from <a href=\"http:\/\/dxo.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dxo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125572&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125572 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Prime-noise-reduction.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 Prime noise reduction\" width=\"800\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Prime-noise-reduction.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Prime-noise-reduction.jpg?resize=300,182 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Prime-noise-reduction.jpg?resize=630,382 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Prime-noise-reduction.jpg?resize=562,341 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">The Prime noise-reduction feature gives more refined correction. Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Prime noise reduction<\/h2>\n<p>DxO automatically applies noise reduction to every photo you bring in to the application. But when it does so, it compromises on the finest quality for the sake of speed. However, DxO recognises that good things come to those who wait, so it\u2019s also included a Prime noise feature. Once enabled, the Prime feature signals that you\u2019re happy to wait while a more refined correction takes place during the Export. It may take several minutes for a single photo but the noise correction is worth waiting for, especially when used on high-ISO images. DxO claims that the Prime noise-correction feature effectively gives you an extra stop of exposure, meaning, for example, you can shoot at ISO 1600 and get the same noise levels as if shooting at ISO 800. The results are remarkable, so this feature could be a very useful aid for low-light photography. This image of a deer was shot at ISO 2500. The Prime fix shows a huge improvement over the original untouched image.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125579&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125579 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-adjustment-screen-1.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 adjustment screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-adjustment-screen-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-adjustment-screen-1.jpg?resize=300,182 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-adjustment-screen-1.jpg?resize=630,382 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-adjustment-screen-1.jpg?resize=562,341 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Prime local adjustments<\/h2>\n<p>Users of the Nik Collection software like Silver Efex Pro will be familiar with U-Point adjustments. With DxO having acquired the Nik Collection the feature also appears in PhotoLab, and it\u2019s very useful for making selective adjustments. Once you place a U-point, you can adjust the area included simply by altering a circular selection. But within that circle the tool cleverly targets similar tones and details based on the point in the centre. It\u2019s semi-automated in that it offers minimal control over what\u2019s included, but it\u2019s pleasingly intuitive and swiftly lets you zero-in on specific areas of the image with minimum fuss.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside U-Points there are several other selective adjustment tools. First, a brush that lets you paint freehand, and an Auto Mask tool that works similarly, but seeks out the edges of objects and shapes. There\u2019s also a Graduated Filter tool that lets you make a transitional tonal change, which is ideal for enhancing skies. Once an area is defined with any of these tools you\u2019ll see an on-image control that lets you alter things like exposure and saturation. Everything remains editable, so you can tweak the positioning and tonal changes whenever you like.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>6 of the best features in PhotoLab<\/h2>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125576&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125576 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-smart-lighting-for-faces.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 smart lighting for faces\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-smart-lighting-for-faces.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-smart-lighting-for-faces.jpg?resize=300,182 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-smart-lighting-for-faces.jpg?resize=630,383 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-smart-lighting-for-faces.jpg?resize=562,341 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>1. Smart Lighting for faces<\/h2>\n<p>This intelligent feature automatically corrects for under or overexposure. It can even detect faces (as long as they\u2019re not in profile), and lighten them when underexposed or recover the detail if they\u2019re overexposed. An intensity slider lets you control the strength of the effect.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125570&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125570 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-microcontrast-control.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 microcontrast control\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-microcontrast-control.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-microcontrast-control.jpg?resize=300,182 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-microcontrast-control.jpg?resize=630,383 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-microcontrast-control.jpg?resize=562,341 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>2. Microcontrast control<\/h2>\n<p>This lets you crisp up details and enhance sharpness. It\u2019s more refined than many similar tools in other programs, as it doesn\u2019t result in the nasty haloes or pixel break-up you often see when midtone contrast is pushed too far. The Fine contrast control next to Microcontrast is equally adept.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125569&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125569 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-lens-sharpness-tool.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 lens sharpness tool\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-lens-sharpness-tool.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-lens-sharpness-tool.jpg?resize=300,166 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-lens-sharpness-tool.jpg?resize=630,348 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-lens-sharpness-tool.jpg?resize=562,311 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>3. Lens Sharpness tool<\/h2>\n<p>This is another example of how PhotoLab applies tailored corrections by drawing on analysis of specific lens and camera combinations. Lens Sharpness can detect your choice of lens and enhance the close-up detail accordingly. In essence, it lets you increase the sharpness of your lens.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125566&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125566 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-clearview-plus.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 clearview plus\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-clearview-plus.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=300,183 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=630,384 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-clearview-plus.jpg?resize=562,342 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>4. Clearview Plus<\/h2>\n<p>Available in the Elite edition of PhotoLab, this feature lets you reduce any haziness or fog in your outdoor scenes and pulls detail out of seemingly soft areas. While the controls are simple \u2013 that is, a single slider lets you control intensity \u2013 the results can be rather exceptional.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125568&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125568 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Filmpack-5.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 Filmpack 5\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Filmpack-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Filmpack-5.jpg?resize=300,183 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Filmpack-5.jpg?resize=630,384 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-Filmpack-5.jpg?resize=562,342 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>5. DxO Filmpack 5<\/h2>\n<p>This is a separate offering from DxO but it can be bought as part of a bundle, and it integrates perfectly with PhotoLab. Filmpack 5 offers an array of presets based on precise recreations of the most famous analog film stocks. It\u2019s a lot of fun, and the results are both nostalgic and highly realistic.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_125574&quot;  class=\"c-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 820px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-125574 size-full\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-repair-tool.jpg\" alt=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 repair tool\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-repair-tool.jpg 800w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-repair-tool.jpg?resize=300,167 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-repair-tool.jpg?resize=630,350 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2-repair-tool.jpg?resize=562,313 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: James Paterson<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>6. Repair tool<\/h2>\n<p>Accessed via the toolbar at the top of the interface, this handy retouching tool lets you remove any marks, blemishes and messy spots from your images. Simply paint over the area and the tool analyses the surrounding area to determine what to fix.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>James Paterson is as skilled a photo editor as he is a photographer. His work has appeared in countless magazines and books, and in 2014, he was appointed editor of <em>Practical Photoshop<\/em>. Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.patersonphotos.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.patersonphotos.com<\/a>.<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With an updated image library and revamped tools, DxO\u2019s PhotoLab 2 could be your new favourite raw editor. James Paterson explores its key features<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":323,"featured_media":125582,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[311,39,210,36],"tags":[],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-125559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-photo-news","category-photo_editing","category-technique"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>DxO PhotoLab 2 - a great alternative to Adobe - Amateur Photographer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"DxO PhotoLab 2 - a great alternative to Adobe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With an updated image library and revamped tools, DxO\u2019s PhotoLab 2 could be your new favourite raw editor. James Paterson explores its key features\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Amateur Photographer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Amateur.photographer.magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-02-05T09:36:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/01\/DxO-PhotoLab-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"420\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rosee Woodland\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AP_Magazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AP_Magazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rosee Woodland\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/dxo-photolab-2-great-alternative-adobe\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rosee Woodland\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/#\/schema\/person\/f95a396031978ed0ea69236f11b520a5\"},\"headline\":\"DxO PhotoLab 2 &#8211; 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