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The latest update extends DeepPRIME XD3 — now for both Bayer and X-Trans sensors — adds diffusion to its acclaimed AI Masks, and introduces High-Fidelity Compression to create DNG files up to four times smaller.
DxO, an imaging leader has launched their new version of PhotoLab. With version 9.6, DxO brings us DeepPRIME XD3, which is one of the best image processing engines out there. If you're not interested in the subscription model of Adobe, PhotoLab is still sold by version licensing. You only ever need to upgrade if you want to.
Upgrade pricing is $119 from version 7 or 8, so it's a good time to get in if you're using one of the older versions. RAW support for newer cameras does end with older version eventually, which is understandable.
I really enjoy using PhotoLab 9, and I use it alongside Lightroom as each has its strengths and weaknesses.
If you're not sure, DxO does offer a fully-functioning 30-day free trial that you can check out. You'll just have to give them an email address to get the download link. You'll get a simple nag screen when you open the software.
Don't forget to use the coupon code CANONRUMORS at check out.
Image Editing
DxO PhotoLab 9.6
Industry-leading photo editing and compositing with AI-powered tools.
Press Release: Introducing DeepPRIME XD3
The latest update extends DeepPRIME XD3 — now for both Bayer and X-Trans sensors — adds diffusion to its acclaimed AI Masks, and introduces High-Fidelity Compression to create DNG files up to four times smaller.
DxO, the imaging science pioneer and developer of the world’s most advanced RAW photo editing software, today announces the release of DxO PhotoLab 9.6, a major update focused on pushing image quality and workflow efficiency even further. Version 9.6 brings three headline innovations: the arrival of DeepPRIME XD3 for Bayer sensors, enhanced creative control with diffusion for AI Masks, and High-Fidelity
Compression for DNG export — dramatically reducing file sizes without compromising RAW quality.
“PhotoLab 9.6 is all about removing limits,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, VP of Product Strategy at DxO. “Whether it’s extracting more detail from the most demanding RAW files, refining selections with greater subtlety, or dramatically reducing storage requirements, this update gives photographers new levels of freedom — without sacrificing image quality.”
DeepPRIME XD3 for all sensors
Previously exclusive to X-Trans cameras, DeepPRIME XD3 now extends its groundbreaking denoising and demosaicing technology to Bayer sensor cameras, marking a major leap forward in RAW image quality.
An evolution of DxO’s renowned DeepPRIME technology, DeepPRIME XD3 is designed specifically for the most demanding files captured under challenging conditions. It produces cleaner, sharper images than ever before, extracting phenomenal detail while maintaining natural textures and accurate color reproduction. From high-ISO night scenes to finely detailed landscapes, DeepPRIME XD3 establishes a new benchmark for what’s possible in RAW conversion.
Paired with DxO’s exclusive DxO Modules, which deliver the most precise camera and lens corrections on the market, DeepPRIME XD3 offers the ultimate image quality pipeline. For photographers shooting at exceptionally high ISO values, it represents the current market leader in noise reduction, detail extraction, and color fidelity.
AI Masks gain diffusion for smoother, more natural selections
DxO PhotoLab’s acclaimed AI Masks — already celebrated for their speed, accuracy, and flexibility — become even more powerful in version 9.6 with the addition of diffusion controls.
This new option allows photographers to soften mask edges and smoothly feather selections, making transitions more natural and adjustments more refined. Whether working on portraits, landscapes, or complex scenes with subtle tonal changes, diffusion provides greater creative control while preserving the intuitive workflow that has made AI Masks a standout feature of DxO PhotoLab.
High-Fidelity Compression: RAW-quality DNGs up to four times smaller
DxO PhotoLab 9.6 also introduces High-Fidelity Compression for DNG export, delivering
RAW-quality files that can be up to four times smaller than standard uncompressed DNGs.
This breakthrough technology means photographers no longer have to choose between image quality and storage efficiency. DxO outputs Linear DNG files, meaning images are fully demosaiced while retaining full dynamic range and editing flexibility. Intelligent compression now dramatically reduces file sizes without affecting image quality. Large-scale processing, archiving, and long-term storage become faster, lighter, and more efficient — without compromising a professional RAW workflow.
Price and availability
PhotoLab 9.6 is available today. If you already have PhotoLab 9, you can upgrade for free at your convenience.
New licenses are priced at $239.99 / 239.99 € / £219.99. You can upgrade from PhotoLab 7 or 8 for $119.99 / 119.99 € / £109.99.
Use of less storage. I did not check yet if this improved the processing speed as well.
That's good to hear, I haven't had a chance to jump in yet. I generally shoot cRAW, so we'll see if it still has an effect.
The CRAW file is 34 mb. The DNG uncompressed is 163 mb. The compressed DNG file is 31 mb !
Albeit, with one test. Don't have the time now to do more tests.
- CRAW: 197.72GB (17.8MB/file on average)
- Compressed DNG output: 190.63GB (17.2MB/file on average)
- For comparison, out-of-camera JPEG cumulative size: 108.16GB (AdobeRGB, non-HDR; 9.7MB/file on average)
So my numbers are very similar to your findings, in that the compressed DNG output is slightly smaller than the CRAW file on average. My settings were "luminance" 40%, "force details" 5%. Just for reference, processing took around 21 hours.Hope this helps!