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DxO Optics Pro 3.5
Digital has provided much greater control over image correction that’s
beyond simply setting the shutter speed and aperture. In addition to
having the ability to manage white balance and sharpness, we have the
potential to enhance or correct optical qualities found in individual
lenses.
DxO Optics Pro 3.5 Standard is an advanced RAW processor, but it also
provides the means to correct for barrel distortion or pincushioning,
as well as color fringing that can appear with certain lenses. Rather
than a general correction, the compensation provided by the software is
designed specifically for individual lenses, each of which has been
tested with individual models of cameras. Its advanced Noise Engine
also allows you to use your camera’s higher ISO settings and experience
significantly less noise when processed through the software. List
Price: $149.
Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0
One of the great strengths of digital is the opportunity it provides
for experimentation. With traditional photography, you had to invest in
an individual optical filter to experiment with a single technique that
you might or might not eventually embrace. Software packages that
include a multitude of filters offer us the opportunity to “play” and
discover exciting new ways to use and present our photographs.
Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 provides a multitude of color, black-and-white,
and special-effect and traditional-enhancement filters that can be
applied to both 8-bit and 16-bit images. In addition to providing a
Preview screen to view the impact of an effect, the filters include
individual controls for customizing an effect and saving it for later
use. The filters can also be applied selectively when using a Wacom
graphics tablet for the ultimate in control. List Price: $329.
PhotoTune 20/20 Color MD
When it comes
to evaluating and adjusting color, it’s always good to compare “before”
and “after” images. Even subtle color changes can benefit greatly from
having a reference to judge any changes that one makes to a digital
image.
PhotoTune 20/20 Color MD uses this principle with its six-step wizard
that walks you through each enhancement for dynamic range, contrast,
color and more. With a before and after screen, advanced
color-correction algorithms and the ability to fine-tune the effects to
your preference, this software reduces the time needed to improve the
look of your digital photographs. List Price: $49.
Nik Sharpener Pro 2.0
Every image that comes out of a digital camera requires sharpening,
especially when those images are being printed. However, Photoshop’s
Unsharp Mask tool, while powerful, leaves many photographers confused
and uncertain as to what settings are appropriate for the Amount,
Radius and Threshold controls.
Nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 helps eliminate the intimidation factor
surrounding sharpening by providing a straightforward interface that
sharpens images based on resolution, image and print size, as well as
the expected viewing distance between the subject and the final
photograph. List Price: $329.
Pixel Genius PhotoKit Sharpener
Sharpening an image is often a multistage process that involves
applying varying levels of sharpening after an image is imported,
during image editing, and finally for output after the image has been
resized and is ready to head to the printer. However, understanding how
and when to apply such enhancements can be difficult.
Pixel Genius PhotoKit Sharpener takes the guesswork out of this process
by creating a workflow for enhancing an image from beginning to end.
Its intuitive user interface provides the tools you need to improve
images, whether they’ve originated from a digital camera or a scanner.
Its Creative Sharpening controls allow for selective sharpening of
images so you can isolate the software’s effect to only those areas
that you wish to enhance. List Price: $99.
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