How it Works

Technically accurate film rendition

In contrast to other software solutions available today, which rely on generating artificial Gaussian noise and then “rigging” the results to imitate one film type or another, DxO Labs has extracted the precise “film grain matrices” directly from test images. These matrices are then applied to your digital images. The results are very accurate.

DxO Labs’ scientific approach

To meet the challenge of an accurate rendition, respect for good science is essential. To have a reliable base on which to work, DxO Labs engineers conducted a series of film-photography shots integrating both calibrated test patterns and calibrated real-life subjects (still-life objects with colors and textures). In addition, the films were exposed under precisely-controlled lighting conditions.

With the help of renowned film development labs

To ensure an artifact-free results in the film development phase, two highly-reputable laboratories were recruited to assist.

Some film types were developed by Picto in Paris, and others by Duggal in New York.
Kodachrome^® films, on the other hand; were developed at Kodak^®’s professional lab, the sole remaining plant capable of developing this legendary film.

Once the films were developed, the color channel calibration process involved a thorough scan using a professional color scanner. Two areas were then analyzed separately: one part dealing with color rendering based on colorimetric measurements of all scans, and the other part dealing with characterizing the grain.