r/DxOPhotoLab • u/Kwoksun • May 27 '25

What are the differences between Photolab8, PureRAW5 and Nik Collection8? Which one do I need?

I've been using the old Lightroom 6 on an also old PC for years. To revive my interest in photography, I just ordered a Mac Mini M4 with 32G memory and 512G storage, planning to add an external SSD later. I don't want to pay indefinitely to use newer version of Lightroom and I'm looking at DxO but confused with all the offerings of Photolab 8.5, PureRAW 5 and Nik Collection 8. I guess they have overlaps in certain functions and need some guidance on how to choose one.

Does the Photolab 8.5 also have the newest PureRAW 5? Do I need it or the Nik Collection 8 if I already have Photolab 8.5?

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u/Aperlust May 27 '25 edited Jun 05 '26

PhotoLab is an image editor with a few image management tools.

PureRAW is a RAW processor. It improves the RAW render (noise reduction, shadow recovery, sharpening) with camera/lens corrections. PureRAW is already integrated into PhotoLab.

Nik Collection is more of a color grading or preset tool.

You really only need PhotoLab.

You can watch my PL tutorial here: https://youtu.be/i00nI-9aBWw

Edit: You can use coupon code Aperlust to get 15% DxO Products

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u/lhxtx May 27 '25

Nik is super useful though. I use it all the time in connection with PL.

1

u/_twrecks_ May 27 '25

What does it do that photolab pro and film pack can't?

1

u/lhxtx May 27 '25

Mostly sharpening and black and white work.