We Review DxO PureRAW 4

Last week, I walked you through the features in DxO's PureRAW 4 but didn't have the software to actually test. Now I've had it for several days and have some observations and comments. For those not knowing about it, PureRAW is an app and plug-in that pre-processes raw files, cleaning up lens distortions, noise, sharpness, and optical aberrations as well as issues caused by the mosaicing process of all color sensors.

This latest version contains new algorithms based on the analysis of billions of images and, like previous versions, it has thousands of camera/lens combinations to remove artifacts. This new version 4 allows users to compare different output files (DNG, TIFF, JPEG) with the original raw file when viewing images after processing, and it has a revamped processing window that should be easier and more efficient to use.

Using DxO PureRAW 4

I gave the software some raw files taken with my Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera, and also some drone photos taken with a Mavic 3 Classic. PureRAW 4 recognized my Tamron lens on the Sony as well as the camera and optics on my DJI drone. Their database is really complete and is always being updated, so chances are whatever camera and lens you use, DxO will find a match. If the software is seeing a particular combination for the first time, you are prompted to download the files, which only takes a couple of seconds.

I did not see dramatic differences in image quality between version 3 and this new version 4 but did notice a slight opening up of shadows and a slight but discernible increase in sharpness.

Certainly, as you can see above, DxO nicely brings out details when compared to the original raw which is to the left. The vegetation and details in the water are greatly improved, and the lens distortion is removed, along with some color fringing around small details.

In this extreme crop, the detail increase is obvious.

The new XD2 module is a solid improvement over previous versions, using deep learning and an advanced neural network to learn from the images it has seen.

PureRAW 4 is not just a black box; there are controls where you can decide what acceleration methods are used on your particular computer, and there is a new feature to automatically launch PureRAW when a camera card is inserted into your computer.

You can also compare DxO's legacy algorithms with the latest XD2 software, and you'll likely go with the latest iteration.

Under preferences, you can determine where and in what format your images are saved, and make some decisions as to how PureRAW integrates with Lightroom.

My Summary 

DxO PureRAW 4 is a noticeable step up from prior versions of the software, but if you are on version 3, the improvements will be noticeable but slight in most cases. Still, either version of the DxO software will be a big improvement over just loading a raw file into your editor.

Things I Like

• Every raw file I loaded was improved in sharpness, noise, and having optical aberrations reduced.
• The software is easy to use on a Mac or PC. On a Mac, PureRAW is native on Apple Silicon.
• Updates for new lenses and cameras are frequent.

Things That Can Be Improved

• Processing time on my M3 MacBook Pro is about 15% slower than version 3.
• The software has a few icons scattered around. Tool Tips on all of them would be helpful for new users.

Getting DxO PureRAW 4

DxO PureRAW 4 (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website at the following prices:

• DxO PureRAW 4: $119
• DXO PureRAW 4 Upgrade: $79