DxO PureRAW 3 and then edited in Lightroom before being converted to JPG [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/60, ƒ/4, (35mm = 24)]

DxO PureRAW 3 is a powerful software tool that offers users an easy and efficient way to enhance the quality of their raw images. The software is designed to automatically apply corrections and noise reduction techniques to produce a new raw file in the DNG format that is of a much higher quality. This new file retains all the extended dynamic range, color data, and editability of a regular raw file while being fully corrected.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using DxO PureRAW 3 by comparing images processed using different methods. We will compare three additional photos: one from the Nikon Z9 NEF file to JPG, one from DxO PureRAW 3, and then converted to JPG. The last one was processed using DxO PureRAW 3 and edited in Lightroom before being converted to JPG.

Before we begin, it’s worth noting that Lightroom has significantly improved its processing capabilities, so the jump in image quality may not be as noticeable as in previous versions of PureRAW. However, we still believe that PureRAW 3 offers significant improvements, particularly for photos above ISO 16000.

We shot over 6000 images and ingested them into Photo Mechanic Plus to test this. We then sorted the pictures by ISO and selected all those taken at ISO 16000 and above. We then dropped these images into PureRAW 3 to process overnight while we slept. This batch processing saved us significant time, as all 3010 images were processed when we returned from shooting the last event at noon.

When comparing the images, we noticed a significant improvement in the quality of the images processed using PureRAW 3. The noise reduction technology used by the software was awe-inspiring, producing clean and detailed images. In addition, the corrections applied by PureRAW 3 also improved the overall quality of the photos, resulting in sharper details and better colors.

It’s worth noting that while PureRAW 3 can produce high-quality images, it does require some additional processing time. However, we believe the investment in time and money is well worth it, particularly if you want to minimize the noise in your photos.

Overall, DxO PureRAW 3 is a powerful software tool that offers users an efficient way to enhance the quality of their raw images. While Lightroom has significantly improved processing capabilities, PureRAW 3 still provides significant benefits, particularly for pictures taken at higher ISO levels. If you want to minimize the noise in your photos and produce high-quality images, then DxO PureRAW 3 is worth considering.