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Home » DxO PureRAW 4 Review – Not for Everyone. Perfect for Some

DxO PureRAW 4 Review – Not for Everyone. Perfect for Some

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In this DxO PureRaw Review, we are looking at a raw conversion tool with two impressive tricks. The first is its Optics Modules, which profile the characteristics and flaws of your camera-lens pairing to deliver unusually precise, highly bespoke corrections and enhancements to your image. Then there’s DeepPRIME Noise Destruction, one of the best noise reduction tools I have tested. The result of both is superior image quality.

Yet DxO PureRaw isn’t for everybody. At US$129, PureRaw is considerably more expensive than some other denoising applications. Moreover, as the name suggests, PureRaw is Raw only and cannot process JPEGs. But, if you primarily work with Raw files and are looking for an effortless route toward optimum image quality, DxO PureRaw 4 is the way to go. Jump to Conclusion | Try DxO PureRaw Now – Free


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Table of Contents

What is DxO PureRAW 4

DxO Pure RAW is a specialist raw conversion and noise reduction application for PC and Mac OS, which can be used standalone or as a plugin for Lightroom. However, it would be best not to confuse DxO PureRaw for a photo editing application.

Comparing an image denoised with DxO PureRaw 4 with an original
Before and After. Viewing a photo processed in DxO PureRaw 4.

For instance, you cannot use DxO PureRaw 4 to crop your image, alter white balance, or balance contrast. Thus, you will still need a photo editing application to do these tasks. Furthermore, DxO PureRaw 4 is Raw only and will not process, denoise, or even open a JPEG or TIFF file. Read Best Photo Editing Software for more information.

Instead, DxO Pure Raw 4 exists to prepare, correct, and polish your raw file before further editing – if further editing is required. Moreover, DxO PureRaw’s approach is somewhat unique thanks to Optics Modules.

Each Optic Module profiles the characteristics and deficiencies unique to specific camera-lens combinations. So, for example, there is an Optics Module designed solely to correct and enhance images captured with a Nikon D750 paired with a Tamron 70-210mm F4. As a result, DxO PureRaw’s corrections and enhancements are precise and very effective.

So far, more than ninety thousand optics modules are serving over five hundred cameras and sixteen hundred lenses, so there’s a good chance DxO PureRaw supports your gear. Browse DxO’s Optics Modules list.

A positive side effect of the insight provided by Optics Modules is DxO PureRaw’s reliably excellent automatic mode. This means you can load a large batch of photos into DxO PureRaw’s processing queue and trust it to do a fantastic job in your absence. For me, this has always been DxO PureRaw’s greatest strength. But now, there’s also a Preview mode.

The Process preview mode in DxO PureRaw 4
DxO PureRaw 4’s Process with Preview mode is a hands-on alternative to PureRaw’s automated processing. Overall, it works well and lets you see the effect of your adjustments.

With DxO PureRaw 4’s Preview Mode, you can apply your settings and see, in near-time, how your settings affect your photo, thus enabling you to fine-tune your way to an optimal result. DxO PureRaw 4 also inherits DxO PhotoLab’s Smart Lighting feature, which allows you to balance and brighten your photo’s exposure. There’s more on both these features later in this DxO PureRaw review.

Finally, there’s DxO’s DeepPRIME noise reduction, an AI-powered photo denoising tool that removes noise while enhancing your photo’s detail, making DxO PureRaw one of the best noise reduction software applications I have tested.

Watch the DxO PureRaw 4 video review. The written review continues below.

DxO PureRaw Price

US$129. Buy DxO PureRaw Now

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DxO PureRaw Key Features

  1. Optics Modules
  2. DeepPRIME Noise Reduction
  3. Preview Mode
  4. Batch Processing
  5. Smart Lighting

Optics Modules

Each of DxO PureRaw’s Optics Modules profiles the characteristics and flaws inherent to specific camera and lens pairings. In the case below, PureRaw has downloaded three Optics Modules, including one for my Olympus OMD-M1ii and Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 Pro.

Installing Optics Modules in DxO PureRaw 4
As you open new images, DxO PureRaw will ask you to download Optics Modules for each camera and lens pairing used. Downloading PureRaws’ Optics Modules takes only a few seconds, and each will be downloaded once and kept for future use.

What do DxO’S Optics Modules do

With the Optics Module downloaded, DxO Pure Raw will automatically

  1. use varying amounts of sharpening to correct Lens softness from the center to the edge of the frame.
  2. Correct lens distortion such as pincushion, barrel, and geometric (e.g., wide-angle distortion).
  3. Remove Chromatic Aberration (color fringing).
  4. Correct lens vignetting

The advantages of Optics Modules

Because of the insight provided by its Optics Modules, DxO PureRaw can apply tailor-made, highly targeted enhancements and corrections without your help. This is ideal for any image and hugely advantageous when processing large batches of photos.

The sample below illustrates the effect of Optics Modules on a noise-free image. The automatically processed image on the right is sharper and vignette-free. Meanwhile, DxO PureRaw’s distortion correction has straightened the office towers.

DeepPRIME Noise Reduction

Process in Preview mode in DxO PureRaw 4
Applying Noise Reduction using DxO PureRaw 4’s Process with Preview mode.

DeepPRIME Noise Reduction is a Machine-learned Photo Denoiser that removes noise while enhancing detail. As a result, DeepPRIME Noise Reduction is much better than the traditional noise reduction systems built into many photo editing applications and cameras.

There are two versions of DeepPRIME – DeepPRIME and DeepPRIME XD/XD2 – the latter being ever-so-slightly better but slower to process. Furthermore, you can adjust each model’s Luminance and Detail levels, making DxO PureRaw 4 more flexible compared to previous versions of PureRaw.

All of this means that DxO DeepPRIME may be the best photo denoiser I’ve tested and certainly the best for chewing through large batches of images. Test DxO PureRaw Noise Reduction on your photos – for free.

Preview Mode

New to DxO PureRaw 4 is the Preview mode, which lets you see the effect of your settings as you apply them, much like you do when using other noise reduction applications.

Process Settings in DxO PureRaw 4
The Settings menu in Preview Mode.

In some cases, such as when you apply Smart Lighting or sharpening, DxO PureRaw 4 will update your preview in real-time. There will be a brief delay in other cases, such as changing the noise reduction mode. Regardless, PureRaw’s Preview mode works well and offers more flexibility than automated modes.

In terms of settings, Preview Mode is no different from the automated mode. Specifically, you can choose between the two Denoising modes and whether you wish to correct lens softness, vignetting, chromatic aberration, and lens distortion.

You can output your processed image as a DNG raw, an eight or 16-bit TIFF, or a JPEG. If you choose JPEG, you can set the compression level and apply Smart Lighting, an exposure balancer we’ll cover later in this DxO PureRaw review. I also like the improved File Renaming tool that lets you insert various Metadata fields, such as Lens type and Location, into your exported file’s name.

Setting up batch file renaming in DxO PureRaw 4
DxO PureRaw 4’s File Renaming tool is powerful and easy to use.

Batch Processing

Batch Processing has always been a distinct feature of DxO PureRaw because it’s so reliably excellent. While we can debate which noise reduction application is best for denoising a single photo, DxO PureRaw is easily the best for denoising a large batch.

Batch Processing in DxO PureRaw 4
Batch Processing Settings in DxO PureRaw 4

Regarding settings, there’s no difference between Batch Processing and Preview mode. Both are equally equipped. Thus, the only difference is that batch processing doesn’t preview the final result. But, once your settings are dialed in to taste, you may not need the preview anyway.

The Processing queue in DxO PureRaw 4
DxO PureRaw 4’s Processing Queue

Another thing I like about the DxO PureRaw 4 is that you can queue one or multiple batches and delay processing until later. Yet, even when you begin processing, the interface of DxO PureRaw 4 remains responsive, and you can continue to use the Preview mode as usual.

Smart Lighting

Smart Lighting in DxO PureRaw 4

Smart Lighting is an exposure balancing tool that brightens shadows while keeping highlights in check. Rebalancing exposure in DxO PureRaw is hugely helpful as you’re less likely to export your processed image into a photo editing application for a second round of processing.

DxO PureRaw Tutorial

Learn how to use DxO PureRaw 4

Alternatives to DxO PureRaw 4

  1. DxO PureRaw 3
  2. Lightroom
  3. Topaz Denoise AI
  4. ON1 NoNoise AI
  5. Nik Dfine

DxO PureRaw 4 vs DxO PureRaw 3

DxO PureRaw 3
DxO PureRaw 3

There’s little separation between DxO PureRaw 4 and PureRaw 3 regarding image quality. Thus, if image quality is your primary concern, there’s little reason to upgrade.

But in other ways, DxO PureRaw 4 represents a significant upgrade. For instance, only DxO PureRaw 4 has a Preview mode and the means to fine-tune noise reduction with Luminance and Force Detail adjustments. Furthermore, DxO PureRaw 4 has Smart Lighting and a superior File Renaming tool.

For these reasons, I consider DxO PureRaw 4 a compelling upgrade, and as an existing customer, you may even get a discount. Upgrade to DxO PureRaw 4 Now.

DxO PureRaw vs Lightroom Denoise

AI Noise Reduction in Lightroom
Lightroom Denoise

Regarding noise reduction, DxO PureRaw is superior to Lightroom Denoise. While Lightroom is capable enough, it’s somewhat slow and relatively inflexible. Besides nose reduction, DxO PureRaw can leverage its Optics Modules for additional enhancements to image quality.

If you are already a Lightroom user, Denoise is entirely capable. But if you want the best image quality and the means to denoise large batches of photos quickly, go with DxO PureRaw 4.

Read Lightroom Denoise Review for more information and comparisons.

DxO PureRaw vs Topaz Denoise AI

Topaz Denoise AI
Topaz Denoise AI

Regarding image quality, DxO PureRaw 4 is considerably more capable than Topaz Denoise AI, especially when you enable DxO PureRaw’s raw conversion tricks. At one time, Topaz Denoise AI offered a more flexible alternative to PureRaw’s automation with its multiple AI models and micro-adjustments. However, DxO PureRaw 4’s Preview mode has closed that gap.

Thus, there are only two reasons why you might choose Topaz Denoise AI over DxO PureRaw. One, at US$79, Topaz Denoise AI costs much less than DxO PureRaw. Second, Topaz Denoise AI can denoise Raw and JPEG, whereas DxO PureRaw is Raw only.

Read Topaz Denoise AI Review for more information and comparisons.

DxO PureRaw vs ON1 NoNoise AI

ON1 NoNoise AI is a compelling alternative to DxO PureRaw. Not only is NoNoise AI an excellent noise reduction application, but it is fast, affordable, and can denoise JPEG and Raw. Furthermore, like DxO PureRaw, ON1 NoNoise AI includes distortion-correcting Lens profiles.

Nevertheless, DxO PureRaw is a slightly better denoiser, a noticeably better raw converter, and the best noise-reduction application for processing large batches of photos. But if you need denoise JPEGs and Raw, the bargain-priced ON1 NoNoise AI is the way to go.

Read ON1 NoNoise AI Review for more information and comparisons.

DxO PureRaw vs Nik Dfine

DxO owns both PureRaw and Nik Dfine, but that is where the similarities end. While Nik Dfine may represent the pinnacle of traditional noise reduction, PureRaw’s machine-learned noise reduction is in another league.

Nik Dfine Noise Reduction Software
Nik Dfine

Nonetheless, I wanted to include this comparison to demonstrate how far photo noise reduction has come in the last few years. If you rely on traditional noise reduction, such as Nik Dfine, or that built into your photo editing app or camera, DxO PureRaw will blow you away.

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Extracted from ON1 NoNoise AI Review – ranked 3rd in SERP as of 21st March 2024

Conclusion

DxO PureRaw is the best raw conversion application I have tested. Thanks to the insight provided by its camera-lens-specific Optics Modules, DxO PureRaw can correct and enhance your images with unusual precision, resulting in superior image quality and reliably excellent automated batch processing. Then there’s DeepPRIME noise reduction, one of the best photo denoisers I have tested and certainly the best for reliably denoising large batches of photos autonomously.

However, the above applies to DxO PureRaw 2 and 3. So why might you upgrade to DxO PureRaw 4? Well, new to DxO PureRaw 4 is the Preview Mode, which, for the first time, enables PureRaw users to apply settings and preview their effect in real-time, or at least near time. PureRaw 4 users will also enjoy being able to adjust DeepPRIME’s Luminance and Detail levels and brighten and balance their photo’s exposure with Smart Lighting.

There are still reasons why you might not buy DxO PureRaw 4. First, as the name suggests, DxO PureRaw is Raw only and will not open a JPEG image. Second, if you only care about noise reduction, alternatives such as ON1 NoNoise AI and Topaz Denoise AI are considerably cheaper and can denoise raw files and JPEGS.

Yet, neither of these alternatives can correct and enhance your images like DxO PureRaw. Thus, unlike other noise reduction applications, DxO PureRaw is just as helpful in enhancing clean photos.

Overall, DxO PureRaw is unique in combining highly precise image enhancements and top-tier noise reduction with outstanding hands-off batch processing. Thus, If you don’t care about JPEG and want the fastest, laziest route towards a spectacularly enhanced and denoised image, DxO PureRaw 4 is without equal. Get DxO PureRaw 3 Now.

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Richard Adams

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