Demanding photographers worldwide invited to preview major upgrade of software providing Digital-SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement

Paris, May 3, 2005 - DxO Labs today made available a public beta version of its soon-to-be released DxO Optics Pro version 3.0 software. DxO Optics Pro V3.0 automatically enhances images produced by Digital Single-Lens Reflex (Digital-SLR) cameras and their lenses with revolutionary optics, noise and lighting corrections packed in an all-new, easy-to-use feature rich application.

Serious photographers worldwide are invited to download and test-drive DxO Optics Pro V3.0 from the DxO Labs Web site (http://www.dxo.com) and provide feedback on all aspects of this landmark application.

"I'm delighted that DxO Optics Pro software has won the praise of photographers and journalists worldwide since it was originally introduced in May 2004," said Luc Marin, Vice President of the Photography Business unit at DxO Labs. "Now, less than one year later, with the announcement of Version 3.0 we are also adding significant new image enhancement technologies to benefit even more Digital-SLR photographers around the world."

Digital-SLR and Lens performance enhancement
Following on the success of the award-winning previous versions, DxO Optics Pro V3.0 takes camera and lens performance enhancement to a new level with the incorporation of several new DxO technologies.

Award-winning DxO Optics Engine
DxO Labs' unique, automatic optical corrections are a core part of DxO Optics Pro V3.0. Based on sophisticated models of camera and lens performance, DxO Optics Engine together with the associated lens correction modules automatically removes lens distortion, vignetting, lens softness and lateral chromatic aberration. Corrections can be accomplished automatically with no user interaction required even though the corrections required can differ greatly from one image to the next.

New DxO Noise Engine
Based on a set of unique algorithms developed by DxO Labs and on precise camera sensor modelization, the all-new DxO Noise Engine automatically achieves a reduction of up to two stops in image noise while preserving maximum detail. For example, an image shot at 1600 ISO and processed by DxO Noise Engine will present a noise level equivalent to an image shot at 400 ISO.

New DxO Lighting Engine
A brand new DxO technology included in this release, DxO Lighting is a unique local exposure and dynamic range optimizer. Automatically replicating analog film techniques known as "dodging and burning", DxO Lighting Engine brings out shadow detail of digital image files while preserving highlights, textures, colors and a natural look.

Operating modes to meet every serious photographer's needs
Different photographers have different workflow requirements. Recognizing this, DxO Optics Pro V3.0 now provides a choice of three operating modes. All modes are fully batch-oriented for the greatest productivity. Users can switch between modes at any time.

Fully Automatic Mode
Fully Automatic Mode can really be thought of as a PC-based camera and lens upgrade: every image (JPEG or RAW) is automatically processed with all DxO image enhancement technologies without requiring any user intervention. This is ideal for photographers who want to spend the least amount of time in front of their computers, yet take advantage of the software's unique capabilities for outstanding results.

Key Control Mode
Key Control Mode allows adjustment of the essential controls that determine image rendition. In addition to the intrinsic camera and lens enhancements offered by DxO Optics Pro, Key Control Mode is especially useful for quickly fine-tuning the interpretation of an image. It is also ideal for users who want control of their photos without being overwhelmed with choices.

Expert Control Mode
Expert Control Mode is the operating mode for users who want to combine DxO Labs' unique image enhancement technologies with their own interpretation and processing. In particular, for RAW file processing, the Expert Control Mode offers a full set of adjustment options, presets, output choices, etc.

Availability of DxO Optics Pro V3.0 Public Beta Software
DxO Optics Pro V3.0 Public Beta software is available now, free of charge through www.dxo.com. In addition, DxO Labs has setup a dedicated blog at www.dxo3beta.com to provide continuous interaction with the photography community throughout the beta-test period.

Pricing and upgrade programs
As is customary, once the final software is released DxO Optics Pro V3.0 will be offered in two versions with the same functionality but different levels of camera support:

• DxO Optics Pro V3.0 (US 159 / € 124,90 excl. tax) for prosumer and expert amateur Digital-SLRs.
• DxO Optics Pro V3.0 Elite (US $249 / €189,90 excl. tax) for all supported cameras, including professional Digital-SLRs.