DxO just released the brand new Nikon collection 7 (Click here to see all new features). You can download a free trial version here.

Nik Collection 7 by DxO, with a New Faster and Smoother Workflow

Paris (France): DxO Labs, the company that is standing at the forefront of photo editing technology, presents the latest edition of Nik Collection, the photo editing suite of seven premium applications which, extend the capabilities of programs such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity Photo, and DxO PhotoLab.

“Nik Collection exists to accelerate visual creativity in any photography workflow. With version 7, not only have we maximised performance, but we’ve introduced new selection tools that deliver a remarkable level of control,” Boris Oliviero, Product Director.

New Options for Nik Color Efex

• Nik Color Efex now features an extended HSL filter for extending colour range selections. complete with a new Vibrancy slider.
• Dynamic Filters enables you to stack and reorder filters and even create local adjustments.
• Access Nik Viveza plugins as filters from within Nik Color Efex introducing a fluid and simplified workflow.

U Point Local Adjustments now have Powerful New Adjustment Tools

Nik Collection’s signature U Point technology gets three new tools to give users outstanding precision when making selections for local adjustments.

• The new Polygonal Tool allows photographers to quickly select irregular shapes.
• Control Points can now be modified into any elliptical form.
• Luminosity Masks can be used for accurate and faster selections by targeting levels of brightness.

Work Faster with Speed Upgrades

• Images now launch up to 30% faster, enabling a more efficient workflow.
• New Switch To, feature enables you to seamlessly move between plugins.
• Quick Export lets you output images without leaving the plugin or app, allowing you to make fast comparisons of image versions.
• New look and functionality for the library with a Quick Search tool and the ability to organise users presets and filters for faster access.

Other Changes

Nik Perspective has been removed from Nik Collection 7. With parallel installation, owners of Nik Collection 6.3 will still be able to continue to use Nik Perspective.

Price and availability

Nik Collection (Windows and macOS) can now be purchased at: www.dxo.com
Nik Collection 7 upgrade £145 €159 $159
Nik Collection 7 full version £79 €89 $89

This time for real! We are finally getting “something”….but what can we hope to get?

Kristian Dowling shortly tested the 2 million dollar Leica Apo-Telyt-R 1600mm f/5.6. He writes:

Testing in-store at ‘the Classic Store’ Leica Camera, Wetzlar Germany. Liam Arning of the store was kind enough to let me take his portrait. While never created as a portrait lens in mind, I decided to see what the compression of the 1600mm focal length would do to his face when taking a portrait – watch the video and see. disclaimer: this was not meant to be a promotional video nor anything serious. Just something fun to try the lens out on the new Leica SL3. It was quite sharp at the closest focusing distance I shot at, however it’s performance was optimised for longer distance shooting, so don’t look too much into the quality – just the compression of the very simple image.

BACKGROUND ON THE LENS:

In 2006, Leica Camera AG unveiled a groundbreaking creation: the Apo-Telyt-R 1600 mm f/5.6 lens, a true marvel of engineering. This extraordinary lens, weighing in at a staggering 60 kg and boasting dimensions of 1.2 meters in length (expanding to 1.55 meters with the lens hood attached) and a barrel diameter of 42 cm, redefined the limits of telephoto capabilities.

The genesis of this colossal telephoto lens traces back to a unique request from Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, the former Minister of Culture of Qatar. His vision for an exceptionally large and heavy lens pushed the boundaries of traditional optics, resulting in a piece that stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its sheer size and weight. While its practicality may seem daunting, its creation marks a testament to Leica’s dedication to innovation and the pursuit of excellence in optical design.

And nope, you cannot buy this lens even if you sell your organs. Leica only made three copies of this lens and is to jealous to sell them!

One more video: