DxO Labs has announced a new version of its RAW processing and image correction software. Optics Pro 5 features a new RAW conversion engine with a demosaicing algorithm that DxO says produces images with much more detail and fewer artifacts. The new engine also applies noise reduction before converting and demosaicing images, with the goal of retaining details that would be lost when noise is amplified by the RAW conversion process.

Like previous releases of Optics Pro, version 5 provides lens-specific tools for correcting optical flaws, color, exposure, and dynamic range. New with this version is a tool for removing dust and blemishes. The software’s interface has also been reorganized to reflect feedback DxO received from photographers. It groups tools in four main sections: Light, Color, Geometry, and Details. The interface can be customized to accommodate individual photographers’ workflows. DxO has also made changes to the project and preset functions, with the aim of making them easier to use.

In addition to providing expanded digital SLR support — including support for the Canon EOS 40D, Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300, and Nikon D3 — the new software performs operations faster than the previous versions. DxO claims it works up to four times faster than version 4.0.

DxO Optics Pro 5 will be available for Windows in late October 2007 and for Mac in late November. The Standard edition will cost $169 or $95 for an upgrade. The Elite edition, which provides support for the most advanced professional SLRs, will cost $299 or $125 for an upgrade. Customers who purchased version 4.5 of the program on or after August 1, 2007 will be able to upgrade for free.

Source: feeds.feedburner.com