DxO PhotoLab 8: Why Its DeepPRIME XD2s Denoise Is a Game-Changer for High-ISO RAWs, Don't be afraid to switch from Lightroom!

 DxO PhotoLab 8 Review: The Best Noise-Reduction I’ve Used for Real-World RAWs

Here's the Down-Low

If you shoot wildlife at dusk (isn't that when most of us are shooting?), handheld street at ISO 12,800, or indoor events where flash kills the mood, noise is your constant companion. I shoot with a 45 MP Canon R5, so at high iso I really start seeing noise. Cue-DxO PhotoLab 8. It doesn’t just reduce that noise—it rebuilds detail you thought was gone. After testing it on high-ISO files from shots shot at high as 25,600 iso, I’m convinced PhotoLab 8’s denoise engine is the standout reason to try (or switch to) DxO. Another piece of software from DXO that I've used for years is DXO PureRaw which doubles as an incredible de-noise machine. 

What’s New in PhotoLab 8

PhotoLab 8 isn’t a “.5” update. DxO added a new generation of its AI denoising along with genuinely useful editing and masking upgrades. It features

-DeepPRIME XD2s: The latest evolution of DxO’s denoise + demosaic engine for cleaner files and crisper micro-detail at very high ISOs.

-Live denoising previews: A large loupe you can drag over the image to see denoise (and other edits) at 100% before exporting.

-Hue Range Masks for precise local color edits, plus a revamped Tone Curve with on-image controls and a Luma channel so you can change brightness without shifting saturation.

Those quality-of-life tweaks matter, but the headline is still noise reduction. DxO literally markets 8 around its “unbelievable noise reduction and detail extraction,” and this time the pitch holds up. I rarely worry about what iso I shoot at anymore, I know I have DxO on my side.

 Why DxO’s Denoise Looks So Clean

Most editors denoise *after* demosaicing (the step that turns the color filter array on your sensor into full-color pixels). DxO’s DeepPRIME family denoises *during* demosaicing using a neural network trained on billions of samples, which helps retain fine texture while scrubbing chroma noise and wormy artifacts.

DxO says the newest model can deliver the equivalent of up to three extra stops of usable ISO compared to conventional pipelines—exactly what you feel when a 12,800 ISO file suddenly behaves like 1600–3200.

That “inside the RAW pipeline” approach is also why DeepPRIME works on RAW files, not JPEG/TIFF; it’s tied to demosaicing. If you try it on a non-RAW, the options are disabled.

DeepPRIME 3 vs. DeepPRIME XD vs. DeepPRIME XD2s (I know the names are kinda nuts)

PhotoLab 8 gives you three AI denoise modes:

1) PRIME– The fastest of the trio; great default when you don’t need surgical cleanup.

2) DeepPRIME 3 – “Extra detail,” stronger noise removal and texture recovery with a modest hit to export time.

3) DeepPRIME XD/XD2s– The latest and most aggressive model for extreme ISO, underexposed shadows, and heavy crops. Pair it with the live preview magnifier to check edges and skin before you commit.

*Note for Fujifilm shooters: XD2s isn’t available for X-Trans RAWs; PhotoLab falls back to DeepPRIME/XD for those sensors.

Here's a sample: 

Above: Here is the edited photo I envisioned while taking this shot. 

Above: here is a screen shot of the RAW file/uncropped or edited.

Above: Here's an extreme crop of the raw file. This was shot at shutter 1/2,000" f/5 and ISO: 25,600! What the heck was I thinking? (It was evening and getting darker and puffins are f******* fast that's what). 

With the DeepPRIME XD/XD2s and some slight adjustments to contrast and teasing out some highlights of the bird the extreme crop looks like the photo below:

Holy cow that's impressive. 

Here's another example of my favorite shot from that day.

Here's the RAW sample, honestly it looks pretty clean right out of the camera. 

Here is the de-noised and slightly edited photo. It looks very clean. This was shot at 1/5,000 to freeze the feathers. Similar to the other photo it was shot at 256000 iso.

 Where PhotoLab 8 Shines

-High-ISO wildlife and action: Backlit fur, feather detail, and distant subjects hold together better, so you can crop without the “waxy” look.

-Low-light events and concerts: XD2s cleans blotchy color noise in shadows while preserving stage textures and metallic highlights.

-Older or smaller sensors: You’ll feel the “extra stops” the most when dynamic range and pixel pitch aren’t as forgiving.

 How It Compares to Adobe’s AI Denoise

Lightroom’s AI Denoise has improved, but many tests still give DxO an edge in fine-detail retention and color integrity—especially on difficult files. If you live in the Adobe ecosystem, you can preprocess tough RAWs in PhotoLab (or PureRAW) and continue editing in Lightroom/Photoshop with a denoised DNG. I used to use Lightroom for years, and yes I can't deny Adobe has a great set of products. I was nervous to get rid of Adobe once and for all, but with DxO photolab I left and haven't turned back. My photos can go head to head with those edited in the Adobe ecosystem.

Bottom Line

If you care about squeezing every last bit of quality out of high-ISO RAWs, DxO PhotoLab 8 is the most compelling denoiser you can buy right now—and the rest of the editor has matured too.

For adventure, wildlife, and travel photographers, the practical benefit is simple: more keeper files in bad light. You’ll shoot at higher ISOs without fear, recover shadow detail that used to look mushy, and spend less time wrestling with color noise. That’s not just cleaner pixels; it’s more photos you’re proud to share.

Other Tips for shooting in low light...

A game changer I learned a while back was to "expose to the right." It's hard with puffins because they're black and white which are the complete opposites when it comes to exposing. I took a few test shots and made sure the highlights weren't clipped and unrecoverable. Sometimes it doesn't take much, even just overexposing by 2/3 of a stop will help when editing a high iso photo. The other tip is more obvious and that's to open up your aperture. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Brooks Falls: Katmai National Parks's Gem

Don’t Go to Brooks Falls Without Reading This First!

    Planning a trip to Brooks Falls in Alaska’s Katmai National Park? This iconic bear-viewing spot is on many travelers’ bucket lists—and for good reason. Every summer, brown bears gather here to feast on salmon leaping up the falls. But before you book, there are a few things you should know to make your trip unforgettable.
This guide covers -how to get to Brooks Falls, the best time to visit, what gear to bring, bear photography tips, safety advice, and insider recommendations from my own experience as a bear photographer and adventurer.

Here's what this blog will cover:

• Initial thoughts on Brooks Falls
• Where is Brooks Falls?
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Permits and Accommodations
• What to pack for your trip

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 1. My Initial Thoughts on Brooks Falls

When I first booked Brooks Falls, I’ll admit—I was hesitant. (Okay, maybe I'm a little spoiled.) After visiting remote corners of Katmai like Halo Bay—where I’ve seen wolves stalking grizzly cubs, massive boars battling for dominance, and entire bear families fishing—I wasn’t sure a “touristy” spot like Brooks Falls could compare.

Crowds aren’t really my thing (hence why I love Alaska), and Brooks Falls can see 200+ visitors per day in peak season. Most floatplanes only carry 6–11 passengers, so that’s a lot of flights coming in. Plus, I’d heard the rangers are strict (for good reason—bear safety is no joke).
But, I’d always wanted my own shot of the iconic bear catching salmon mid-air photo. And I’m glad I went—because Brooks Falls surprised me in the best way. Let's dive in.

2. Where Is Brooks Falls?

Brooks Falls is in Katmai National Park, a 4-million-acre wilderness on the Alaska Peninsula. Established in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes after a volcanic eruption, Katmai is now world-famous for its brown bear population and thriving salmon runs. Check it out here: Katmai National Park
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 3. Best Time to Visit Brooks Falls

The peak bear-viewing season depends on salmon runs and can change year to year:
-Late June – Mid-July: Highest bear activity as salmon begin their upstream migration and bears will be mating.
September: Another great viewing window as bears fatten up before hibernation. 
Shoulder Months: Fewer crowds in early June and late August, but bear sightings can be less predictable.
If you’re after the classic “bear at the falls” photo, aim for early to mid-July. We went in mid-July and did not get this photo, so remember it's wildlife, wildlife is unpredictable.
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 4. How to Get to Brooks Falls

 Option A: Fastest Route
        -Anchorage → King Salmon (commercial flight)
        -Floatplane → Brooks Camp (~\$450 round trip via Katmai Air)
* Ideal for travelers short on time—book well in advance.

 Option B: Most Flexible & Weather-Resistant
        -Anchorage or Homer → King Salmon
        -Shuttle to lake Naknek via boat launch
        -Katmai Water Taxi (~45 min; $400–$550)
* Less weather-dependent than floatplanes.

Option C: Private Charter
* Charter from Anchorage, Homer, or Kodiak directly to Brooks Camp via floatplane
* Perfect for groups or those with flexible schedules and budgets

Our view going across Katmai on the way to Brooks Falls.

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 5. Permit & Accommodation Tips

-Camping at Brooks Camp: Reserve early via Rec.gov—spaces sell out quickly, like day of open quickly. Camping gives you multiple opportunities to see bears at different times of day.

-There's a lodge at Brook with a restaurant and what looks like great accommodations: https://www.nps.gov/places/brooks-lodge.htm

-River Permit: Required to walk the river corridor. Only worth it if you have a guide, waders, and bear safety experience. River Permit

-Gear & Food Cache: Brooks Camp has a storage area for food and equipment—very handy for waders, boots, and gear you don’t want to carry on trails.
* Food Rules*: You can only eat in designated fenced areas. No food in backpacks while hiking, no eating on trails.

-Before embarking on your adventure you'll have to attend "bear school" that teaches you appropriate behavior around these bears. The ranger center opens at 8 am. I'd recommend doing that first and then hitting the falls before too many planes make it to the lake. Bear school

Weather permitting your float plane will land in Naknek lake and places you near the ranger center. 

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6. What to Pack for Brooks Falls
* Long telephoto lens (200–400mm or more)

* Lightweight monopod or tripod especially if you're taking video

* Polarizing filter (CPL) for glare reduction, a neutral density filter for the falls

* Waterproof boots and  waders (mostly for river permit holders)

* Rain jacket and layers (weather changes fast and it gets HOT in the sun there)

* Dry bag for camera gear and rain covers for lenses/cameras or a backpack to carry your items

* Bug spray & sunscreen

* Binoculars for spotting bears from afar

*Sturdy hiking books as most of the trails are gravel/ dirt and are uneven in many places.

A photo of the food and gear caches. The Restrooms are pit toilets on the other side of the building.

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 7. Photography Tips for Brooks Falls

* Stay 50 yards away and try and maintain that distance from bears*: Park rules require this distance from bears to keep you safe and avoid changing their behavior.
*Lenses: I used a Canon 200–400mm f/4 with 1.4× teleconverter (560mm). A 200–800mm or 600mm with a TC would also work very well for this trip.
* Falls Shots: A 70–200mm is great for wider views with a bear in frame and the waterfall scene, longer lenses for detail shots like fish in mouths, claws, etc.
* Filters*: A CPL filter helps with glare, especially in midday light, it can also naturally boost contrast in your images. For the falls shot where you want to blend the water, a 1 stop or even 1/2 stop ND filter is probably enough especially on a cloudy day. I was able to get some blur in the water even in bright sunlight. 
* Tripod/Monopod*: Optional, but useful for heavy lenses. I handheld my lens all day and was fine.
* Weather Readiness*: Conditions can flip between rain, clouds, and bright sun in minutes. Make sure your gear is protected.

Sample photos from my trip: 

A view from the falls platform into the river. I had harsh light so I decided to shoot silhouettes 

More salmon jumping action, I actually had to snap a few frames here to get the grouping and look I wanted.

This bear sat in the river patiently waiting for the right fish. The river was teeming with salmon. 

I grabbed this frame walking back to our float plane. This bear walked the beach, swam out into the lake and ate a dead salmon.

This was taken on the river, this young boar was a ready fisher on the river. 

I was across the river when this big boar #801 made his way into the stream and started looking for fish.

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 8. Safety Tips for Brooks Falls
* Never approach a bear—let them pass if they’re on the trail.
* Follow ranger instructions at all times.
* Keep a safe distance (50 yards from bears).
* Store all food in designated areas.
* Move slowly and avoid running—bears can run faster than you think.

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9. What I’d Do Differently

* I'd try Camping at Brooks Camp to maximize bear-viewing time.
* Maybe next time I'd bring a 2× teleconverter for even more reach.
* Shoot more video of bear behavior.
* I'd use a monopod for long sessions with heavy glass or a monopod with holster so it can stay on my body
* I'd 100% Keep the river permit—it’s where we saw the most action, but we are also very comfortable hiking in, through, and around bears and bear habitat (at least in Alaska). 
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10. My Final Take

Our flight from Kodiak was unforgettable—flying past rugged mountain peaks, glittering glaciers, and landing on a glassy lake.
Brooks Camp was busier than my usual bear-watching spots, but there was still plenty of bear activity and behavior to photograph, I didn't feel like I was in a crowd of people.
Would I go again? Absolutely. Halo Bay will always be my favorite for remoteness, but Brooks Falls is worth every penny—and should be on every Alaska traveler’s list during bear season at least once. You can always contact 
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 11. Brooks Falls FAQ

Q: How many bears will I see?

A: In peak season, you might see a dozen or more at once. Numbers vary by salmon run and time of day. Walking the river I saw at least 8 bears along one small stretch of river. We saw at least two bears on the trails and two bears right near the ranger station. 

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Q: Can kids visit Brooks Falls?

A: Yes, but supervision and following safety rules are critical, youngsters should not leave more than a few feet from adults.

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Q: Do you need a guide?

A: Not for the main platforms, but guides are recommended for river access or photography-focused trips, especially if you're new to bear viewing and walking streams.

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Q: Are tripods allowed on the platform at the falls. 

A: No, but they can be used as a monopod, there is also a railing if you need to stabilize your camera