DxO tweaks Optics Pro

Award-winning image processing software maker DxO Labs today announced a new release of its flagship product, Optics Pro. The new release from the Paris-based company, version 5.1, is being offered in both Windows and Macintosh flavors. In this edition of the application, Mac users, for the first time, will have access to DxO's improved RAW conversion engine that reduces noise and artifacts in images before they're amplified by the conversion process. Among the features in this version of the program is support of three new digital cameras--the Canon EOS 450D/Rebel Xsi, the Canon EOS 1Ds MKIII and the Nikon D60.

Owners of release 5.0 of the application can upgrade to 5.1 for free. Users who bought version 4.5 of the program on or after August 1, 2007 are also entitled to a free upgrade. Users who purchased the the standard edition of the software before August 1, 2007 can upgrade for $95; buyers of the elite edition before that date can upgrade for $125. Shelf price for new users is $169 for the standard version and $299 for the elite release. Free 15-day trial versions of the program are also available at the company's Web site.