Big upgrades for DxO PureRAW, PhotoLab & Nik Collection — grab 15% off today!

DxO has released major updates for three of its products — and the best part is, you can now get 15% off with our exclusive checkout code “Rumors15”!

 

DxO PureRAW 5.5 -> 15% off with our code “Rumors15”

  • The third generation of DxO’s pioneering technology, DeepPRIME 3, delivers unprecedented image quality — free of noise and with exceptional color rendering — for images captured at high ISO levels.
  • DeepPRIME XD technology is designed for the most demanding files captured in challenging conditions. It not only removes noise but also extracts outstanding detail from RAW files. Introduced in DxO PureRAW 5, DeepPRIME XD3 for X-Trans brings DxO’s most advanced denoising to Fujifilm users.
  • Exclusive to DxO software and backed by over 20 years of research, DxO Modules automatically optimize lens sharpness and correct distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration for more than 100,000 camera and lens combinations.
  • New in DxO PureRAW 5.5, integration with Photoshop’s Smart Filters gives users complete control, allowing them to revisit DxO PureRAW settings at any time.

DxO PhotoLab 9.2 -> 15% off with our code “Rumors15”

  • Re-organizable masks with improved labelling — With this update, users gain even greater control over their local adjustments. Masks and sub-masks can now be freely reordered, making it easier to keep complex edits organized and intuitive. When a mask is duplicated, the software automatically labels the new version with a sequential number, saving time and avoiding confusion. These refinements streamline workflows and help photographers stay focused on the creative process.
  • New PhotoLibrary filters — File management and image curation become even more efficient in DxO PhotoLab 9.2 thanks to three new filters designed to speed up how photographers locate their work. Alongside existing options, users can now instantly display only Unedited Images, quickly isolate Edited Images, or focus specifically on Edited Images featuring Local corrections. These filters simplify navigation and editing across large photo libraries.
  • Improved History panel for Windows — Already available on macOS, the History panel now remembers every step of an edit even after the software is closed and reopened. Windows users can step back to any point in their workflow across multiple sessions, ensuring complete editing continuity.

Nik Collection 8 -> 15% off with our code “Rumors15”

  • 30 authentic paper surfaces — Inspired by traditional photographic, artistic, and antique papers, the new textures add grain, depth, and character to images.
  • Fine control — Adjust intensity, blend modes, and tonal integration to achieve everything from subtle mood to striking artistic impact.
  • Effortless workflow — Nik Collection 8 integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop and works efficiently alongside DxO PhotoLab, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Affinity Photo.

Sony Holiday deals started: Up to $900 off on Sony cameras and lenses!

The massive Sony holiday savings started today and you can find them on those pages at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama. And the additional $50 cashback has been extended to January 1st!

Sony Camera rebates:

Sony Lens rebates (most of them with additional $50 cashback):

Accessories:

  • $50 off on a ton of Alpha accessories at BHphoto.
  • Big savings on Sony Type A and SD cards at BHphoto.

You now save up to 77% on the Luminar Neo software (Click here). Add our checkout code “SAR” to get additional 10 Dollar/Euro discount!

For the next 48 hours, you can save 15% on all products at the SmallRig Store (Click here) by using the checkout code “ATC15.”

A Photographer’s New Secret Weapon? Meet the XLaserlab E3 Ultrafast UV Laser Engraver

Xlaserlab has launched the new E3 UV engraver on Kickstarter (Click here). And it’s selling hot!

This compact, industrial-grade ultrafast UV laser engraver isn’t just for makers and tinkerers—it’s a precision powerhouse that can engrave on virtually any surface, including glass, wood, metal, acrylic, leather, and even stone. For photographers, that opens up some exciting possibilities:

  • Custom prints on wood, leather, or metal — a tactile, premium alternative to paper
  • Personalized branding on photo albums, boxes, or USB drives
  • Etched signature logos on camera gear, packaging, or promotional gifts
  • One-of-a-kind client keepsakes, like engraved portraits or wedding dates on slate or acrylic

Thanks to its ultrafast femtosecond laser technology, the XLaserlab E3 produces incredibly sharp, detailed engravings without burning, melting, or damaging delicate materials. It supports vector and raster files, has ultra-high 8000 DPI precision, and runs quietly from a sleek desktop enclosure.

For photographers who want to stand out — whether in portraiture, wedding, fine art, or commercial work — this tool offers a new way to bring physical storytelling to life.

The E3 is currently live on Kickstarter with early-bird pricing. It’s worth checking out if you’re ready to take your creative output beyond the image itself.

Joe Bressler: I Won An Emmy With A Sony FX3

Director of Photography Joe Bressler shares how he shot an Emmy-winning commercial for Katz’s Delicatessen using minimal gear and a small crew. Despite a tight budget and shooting in a live restaurant, he captured a cinematic ad using only his Sony FX3 and Sony 24–70mm GM lens, along with budget-friendly lights like the Zhiyun Molis G300, Amaran 100x, Amaran F21c, and Amaran 300c. His takeaway? Great storytelling and strong characters matter more than expensive gear.

Again new wild rumors: Sony A7V has new 33Mp (partially?) stacked sensor?

The leaked image of the new Sony A7V shows a 33MP resolution. Unclear if ti’s the same A7IV sensor or a new partially (or fully) stacked version

A new source told me this. Now, while he has not track record yet of sharing reliable rumors he told me he had a direct chat with someone testing the Sony A7V. And this is what he told me:

Sony has taken customer feedback seriously and developed the a7 V from the ground up. It’s intended to reaffirm Sony’s leadership in this category. The upgrade over the previous generation a7 IV is described as very significant, and both customers and retail partners are being advised that — if their need isn’t urgent — waiting for the new model will be worthwhile. Hints made about the camera’s performance strongly suggest a notable increase in speed. A launch is expected before the end of the Japanese fiscal year.

Based on this, here’s what seems safe to expect:

  • The 33MP figure is likely accurate, but the sensor will be stacked. A 40MP sensor would push it too close to the a1.
  • Autofocus will benefit from recent machine learning developments, along with improvements to IBIS and overall system responsiveness.
  • Speed will be increased over the previous generation, but not drastically. I wouldn’t expect more than 15 fps in RAW. A more modest buffer is likely, to limit burst duration and help separate it from the a9 III/a1 lines. As performance increases, there may be trade-offs: lower bitrate, limited or absent blackout-free EVF, or reduced EVF resolution.
  • Expect slightly reduced video capabilities compared to the a1.
  • The rumored body change is uncertain. While possible, I don’t see a strong reason to withhold a new body design from the mid-range, particularly if it’s already well received. It’s not strictly a premium feature of the a9 III/a1 series — functional segmentation will come through performance, not chassis.
  • Release is expected before the end of the year.
  • Pricing will likely be in line with the a7 IV’s original launch, or slightly above.

A few additional notes:

  • A long-standing rumor suggests that the a7 V was mostly completed some time ago, but its release was delayed — partly to avoid interfering with other launches, and partly because Sony believed they could continue selling the a7 IV for a while longer. Since the a7 IV remained a capable and well-performing body, this delay may also explain why the new model could launch in the existing body format.
  • Rumors about an “a1 IIa” revision are almost certainly incorrect. The a1 II faced unexpectedly high demand and logistical issues that caused backorders. However, those issues were resolved earlier this month, and the camera is now widely available. Recent shipments show no design or feature changes. There’s no credible information suggesting a revised variant.
  • On the other hand, the a9 III tells a different story. Despite the initial hype around its global shutter, sales haven’t met expectations. This seems to be due to the camera’s more niche appeal. While users within that niche appear satisfied, little positive feedback has made its way back to retail channels. Concerns around low-light performance are discouraging potential buyers, and many opt for the a1 II instead. In short, the a9 III is not selling particularly well.
    (The same appears true of the Canon R1 — it too is underperforming.)

My take:

As I’ve said many times before, I’ll stay skeptical until we see solid evidence. That said, it would make perfect sense for Sony to introduce a new sensor — especially with the Canon R6 III launching on November 6. It’s expected to feature the fast new 34MP sensor from the C50, capable of impressive video specs like 7K RAW, open gate recording, and 40fps with the electronic shutter.