Simon Songhurst | Photographer & Filmmaker

DxO PhotoLab 9 DeepPRIME XD3 Workflow Tutorial

This is the complete workflow behind the video: how to identify a difficult high-ISO RAW file, apply DeepPRIME XD3, inspect the result correctly and decide whether the default settings already provide the natural balance of noise removal and retained detail that you need.

Technology Explained

What Is DeepPRIME XD3 in DxO PhotoLab 9?

DeepPRIME XD3 is DxO’s high-quality machine-learning mode for denoising and demosaicing RAW photographs. Denoising reduces the unwanted luminance grain and coloured speckling created when a camera is used at a high ISO sensitivity. Demosaicing converts the incomplete colour information recorded by the camera sensor into a finished colour image. DxO processes these connected tasks together rather than treating noise removal as a simple blur applied at the end of an edit.

That distinction matters. Conventional noise reduction can make grain less visible by smoothing neighbouring pixels, but aggressive smoothing can also erase eyelashes, hair, fabric, foliage, masonry and other fine textures. DeepPRIME XD3 is intended to distinguish image detail from sensor noise more intelligently.

The objective is not merely to make a photograph look smoother. It is to produce a cleaner RAW conversion while retaining believable texture, edges and colour transitions.

In the current DxO PhotoLab 9 generation, DeepPRIME XD3 supports RAW files from both Bayer and Fujifilm X-Trans sensor cameras. It is the more intensive “eXtra Detail” option, designed for difficult photographs where maximum output quality matters more than the fastest possible processing.

DxO also states that its latest DeepPRIME processing combines denoising, demosaicing and chromatic-aberration correction within the RAW conversion process.

Short answer for photographers

Use DeepPRIME XD3 when a valuable RAW photograph contains heavy high-ISO noise, difficult shadow detail, fine texture or colour artifacts and you want the strongest available DxO conversion. For routine images that are already clean, the faster DeepPRIME 3 or Standard mode may be sufficient.

Why High-ISO Photographs Become Noisy

Raising ISO does not create more light. It amplifies the signal recorded by the camera, including imperfections within that signal. When the captured light level is low, the useful image information is weaker in relation to random variation and electronic noise.

The result may appear as brightness fluctuations, coarse grain, colour blotches, false coloured pixels or a loss of fine detail.

Small-sensor and high-resolution cameras can make the challenge more visible because each photosite gathers less light than a larger photosite under comparable conditions.

That does not make a compact camera unusable in low light. It simply means that an advanced RAW conversion and denoising workflow can make a particularly noticeable difference. This is why the Sony RX100 VII photograph used here provides such a useful real-world test.

Real-World Demonstration

The ISO 5000 Sony RX100 VII Test Photograph

The example photograph was made inside a London Underground station using the Sony RX100 VII. It is a capable compact camera, but ISO 5000 is demanding for its relatively small one-inch sensor.

The station ceiling and shadow areas reveal obvious digital noise, while the train, platform, signage and repeating architectural details make it easy to judge whether denoising has removed genuine information along with the grain.

Camera body Sony RX100 VII

Capture format RAW file

ISO sensitivity ISO 5000

Aperture f/2.8

Shutter speed 1/250 second

Exposure mode Manual

Noise reduction DeepPRIME XD3

Starting adjustments Default settings

The most important part of this test is its simplicity. I am not using a complex preset or carefully hiding the noise with local masks. I reset the image to its original RAW state, open the Detail palette and select DeepPRIME XD3.

The resulting cleanup comes from the default processing, making this a useful demonstration for a beginner who wants strong results without first learning every advanced slider.

The before-and-after difference is most apparent in the darker ceiling, the train surfaces and the lower-contrast areas of the platform. The unprocessed version contains dense grain and colour noise.

The processed version is substantially cleaner, yet the structure of the train, edges around the doors and details throughout the station remain recognisable. This is the balance a good high-ISO noise-reduction workflow should pursue.

Practical Editing Guide

How to Remove High-ISO Noise with DeepPRIME XD3

The following workflow mirrors the demonstration and adds the inspection steps I recommend when evaluating your own photographs. The exact interface position can vary slightly with workspace customisation, but the underlying process remains straightforward.

Open the Original RAW Photograph

Start with the camera’s RAW file whenever possible. A RAW photograph retains far more of the sensor data required for sophisticated demosaicing and noise reduction than a finished JPEG.

Select the image in PhotoLibrary and allow DxO PhotoLab to identify the camera and lens combination. If an appropriate DxO Optics Module is offered, download it before making your final quality assessment.

Check the Exposure and ISO Metadata

Look at the metadata before deciding how much processing is necessary. In this example, the file was captured at ISO 5000, f/2.8 and 1/250 second.

ISO tells you that noise may be significant, but do not judge by ISO alone. An underexposed photograph brightened heavily in editing may show more noise than a correctly exposed image at the same sensitivity.

Establish a Genuine Before View

If the photograph already contains corrections, temporarily reset it or create a virtual copy so that you can compare the original conversion with the denoised version.

This prevents contrast, sharpening, ClearView or local adjustments from disguising what the denoising algorithm is actually doing. A fair before-and-after comparison should use the same framing and zoom level.

Open Customize and Find the Detail Palette

Switch to the Customize workspace. Open the Detail palette and locate Denoising & Demosaicing.

PhotoLab 9 provides Standard denoising and its DeepPRIME modes in this area. Keeping denoising near the beginning of the workflow is sensible because later tonal, geometric and local corrections can make real-time processing more demanding.

Select DeepPRIME XD3

Choose DeepPRIME XD3 as the processing method. On a supported RAW file, PhotoLab will analyse the sensor data using its maximum-quality eXtra Detail network.

Processing may take longer than Standard denoising or DeepPRIME 3, particularly on an older computer, because XD3 performs a more intensive calculation.

Begin with the Default Settings

Do not assume every slider must be changed. The default settings are a strong starting point and, in this ISO 5000 demonstration, they produce the transformation shown in the video.

First inspect the automatic result. Only intervene if the image still contains distracting noise, appears unnaturally smooth or needs a different balance between grain and fine texture.

Preview the Result at a Meaningful Magnification

Use the Loupe tool or enable full DeepPRIME rendering in PhotoLab’s display preferences. Examine important regions at 100% or greater: shadow transitions, hair, foliage, fabric, signs, fine edges and areas of smooth colour.

Fit-to-screen views are useful for judging the whole photograph, but they can conceal both residual grain and over-smoothing.

Compare Before and After

Use PhotoLab’s Compare mode, Loupe or Reference Image workflow to check the processed version against the original.

Ask three questions: Is the distracting noise reduced? Are genuine textures still believable? Do smooth areas and colour transitions look natural? A successful result should not resemble plastic or watercolour paint when examined closely.

Export the Finished Photograph

Once you are satisfied, export to the format appropriate for the next stage of your workflow.

Choose JPEG for straightforward sharing and web delivery, TIFF when sending a high-quality rendered file to another editor, or an appropriate DNG workflow when you want additional RAW-style editing flexibility. Final processing is the point at which the complete DeepPRIME XD3 result is rendered.

Workflow efficiency tip

DeepPRIME processing is computationally demanding. Cull and rate a large shoot first, then apply XD3 to the photographs you intend to deliver. This reduces unnecessary export time while reserving maximum-quality processing for the files that matter.

Fine-Tuning

When Should You Adjust the DeepPRIME XD3 Defaults?

The one-click result is the central point of this demonstration, but no automatic setting can anticipate every subject, output size and creative preference.

A photograph intended for a small online post may tolerate stronger smoothing than a large fine-art print. Portrait skin, bird feathers, night skies and highly detailed urban scenes also create different requirements.

Luminance: Balance Grain Against Detail

The Luminance control adjusts the balance between visible brightness grain and the preservation of texture. Raising it produces a smoother rendering; lowering it retains more grain and may protect a more natural texture.

DxO’s current guide identifies 40 as the default. Treat that number as a starting point, not a target that every image must keep.

Force Details: Use Restraint

Force Details is available for RAW files using DeepPRIME modes. Moving it to the right can extract more apparent detail, while moving it left creates a softer result.

An excessive positive setting may make the rendering look less natural or emphasise artifacts that resemble detail but were not present in the subject. Inspect repeated textures and high-contrast edges carefully before increasing it.

Local Denoising for Mixed-Noise Photographs

PhotoLab 9 also supports local refinement of DeepPRIME denoising. This is useful when one part of a photograph needs a different balance from another—for example, a clean face against a deeply underexposed background, or detailed feathers in front of smooth out-of-focus foliage.

A local mask can vary Luminance and Force Details without applying the same treatment everywhere.

Increase Smoothing When

Shadow grain remains distracting, colour transitions are breaking up, or the photograph will be viewed at a size where the remaining noise is more visible than fine texture.

Protect Texture When

Skin, hair, feathers, fabric, foliage, stone or other natural detail begins to look waxy, painted, brittle or artificially sharpened.

Choosing a Mode

DeepPRIME XD3 vs DeepPRIME 3 vs Standard Denoising

The strongest option is not automatically the correct option for every photograph. Select a processing mode according to the difficulty of the file, the importance of fine texture and the amount of time available for previewing and export.

Mode	Best suited to	Quality and speed	Recommended approach
Standard	Clean files, everyday previews, JPEG/TIFF processing and speed-sensitive workflows	Fastest and least computationally demanding	Use when noise is light and maximum RAW reconstruction is unnecessary.
DeepPRIME 3	General high-quality RAW processing and moderately noisy photographs	Strong quality with faster processing than XD3	Choose for an effective balance of speed, detail and noise reduction.
DeepPRIME XD3	Difficult high-ISO RAW files, deep shadows, fine texture and maximum-quality output	Most intensive option, prioritising eXtra Detail	Reserve for selected files where the strongest conversion is worthwhile.

For the ISO 5000 photograph in this tutorial, DeepPRIME XD3 is the logical choice because the noise is heavy, the sensor is relatively small and the station contains many fine structural details that could be damaged by crude smoothing.

On a well-exposed ISO 100 landscape, the visible difference may be smaller and the extra processing may be unnecessary.

Quality Control

Common High-ISO Noise-Reduction Mistakes

Judging Only at Fit-to-Screen Size

A reduced preview can make almost any denoised photograph look convincing. Check a meaningful 100% view before exporting, then return to the intended output size to judge the whole picture. Both views matter.

Removing Every Trace of Grain

A completely featureless surface is not always a better surface. Fine residual grain can look more photographic and preserve the impression of texture.

The goal is to remove distracting noise, not necessarily to force every pixel into perfect smoothness.

Adding Too Much Sharpening After Denoising

Strong sharpening can re-emphasise noise, create halos and make extracted detail look brittle. Evaluate Lens Sharpness Optimization and any creative sharpening alongside the denoising result rather than treating them as unrelated stages.

Applying Maximum Processing to an Entire Shoot

DeepPRIME XD3 requires more resources than lighter modes. Applying it indiscriminately to hundreds of images increases export time and may provide no visible benefit to clean files. Select your final photographs first and process strategically.

Expecting Noise Reduction to Repair Motion Blur

Denoising can reveal detail that was hidden by noise, but it cannot recreate sharp information lost through camera shake, subject movement or incorrect focus.

A cleaner blurred image is still a blurred image. Assess focus and motion before investing time in detailed processing.

Buying Guidance

Who Is DxO PhotoLab 9 DeepPRIME XD3 For?

DeepPRIME XD3 is particularly valuable for photographers whose work frequently combines limited light with the need to preserve detail. Wedding and event photographers often need shutter speeds that prevent subject movement. Wildlife photographers raise ISO to freeze action.

Concert and theatre photographers work under dark, uneven illumination. Travel and street photographers may depend on compact cameras in locations where tripods are impractical.

In each case, a stronger RAW conversion can extend the usefulness of photographs that would otherwise be difficult to deliver.

Low-light and night photographers who routinely work with deep shadows and high ISO settings.
Wildlife and sports photographers who need fast shutter speeds in imperfect light.
Wedding, event and concert photographers who cannot repeat important moments.
Compact and small-sensor camera users who want cleaner results from portable equipment.
Owners of older cameras who want to revisit noisy RAW archives with newer processing.
Print-focused photographers who need a careful balance between smoothness and fine texture.

If most of your photography is made at low ISO in controlled studio lighting, DeepPRIME XD3 may not transform every file. PhotoLab’s broader RAW editing, optical correction and local-adjustment tools may still be relevant.

The best way to decide is to process several of your own difficult photographs during the free trial.

Try It on Your Own RAW Files

Start Free for 30 Days and Save 15%

Test DxO PhotoLab 9 with the photographs your current workflow struggles to process. The official trial provides 30 days of access, so you can compare DeepPRIME XD3 against your existing noise-reduction method before purchasing.

If it fits your workflow, use my creator code SIMONSONGHURST for 15% off eligible DxO software.

Try DxO or Claim 15% Off → Learn PhotoLab with Simon →

Discount code: SIMONSONGHURST. Offer eligibility, upgrade rules and compatibility with other promotions are determined by DxO and can be checked at checkout.

AIO & Search Answers

DxO PhotoLab 9 DeepPRIME XD3 FAQs

What is the best DxO noise-reduction mode for high-ISO RAW photographs?

DeepPRIME XD3 is DxO PhotoLab 9’s maximum-quality eXtra Detail mode and is designed for demanding RAW files. It is the strongest starting point when heavy high-ISO noise, difficult shadows and fine texture make output quality more important than processing speed. DeepPRIME 3 is a faster alternative for less demanding photographs.

Can DeepPRIME XD3 remove noise with one click?

Yes, selecting DeepPRIME XD3 can produce a substantial improvement without manual adjustment. The ISO 5000 Sony RX100 VII example on this page uses the default settings. You should still inspect the photograph at 100% because some images benefit from changes to Luminance, Force Details or local denoising.

Does DeepPRIME XD3 work with Sony RAW files?

Current DxO PhotoLab 9 releases support DeepPRIME XD3 for both Bayer and Fujifilm X-Trans RAW files. Sony cameras generally use Bayer sensors, but support is model-specific, so check DxO’s current camera compatibility information and keep PhotoLab updated.

Is DeepPRIME XD3 better than DeepPRIME 3?

XD3 prioritises maximum denoising and detail extraction, while DeepPRIME 3 provides excellent quality with faster processing. XD3 is the stronger option for exceptionally noisy or important RAW files; DeepPRIME 3 can be the more efficient choice for a large group of moderately noisy photographs.

What ISO should I use DeepPRIME XD3 for?

There is no single ISO threshold because noise depends on sensor size, exposure, camera generation, shadow recovery and intended output. Consider XD3 whenever noise becomes visually distracting or fine detail is difficult to preserve. Compare modes on the actual photograph rather than choosing solely from the ISO number.

Why does DeepPRIME XD3 take longer to process?

XD3 uses a more intensive machine-learning network than lighter denoising modes. Preview and export speed depend partly on the computer’s graphics hardware and whether AI acceleration is available. Processing selected final images instead of an entire unculled shoot is usually more efficient.

Can I preview DeepPRIME XD3 before exporting?

Yes. Use PhotoLab’s Loupe tool, or enable full DeepPRIME rendering in the application’s display preferences. Full live rendering can require more computer resources, so the Loupe remains a useful way to inspect important areas at high magnification.

Can DeepPRIME XD3 be applied locally?

PhotoLab 9 supports local refinement after a DeepPRIME method has been selected. Local masks can adjust Luminance and Force Details in specific parts of the photograph, helping you protect a detailed subject while smoothing a noisier background.

Is DxO PhotoLab available as a free trial?

DxO currently offers a 30-day PhotoLab trial. This gives you time to process your own RAW photographs and compare the results with your existing editor before purchasing.

How do I get 15% off DxO PhotoLab 9?

Visit DxO through Simon’s creator link, choose the eligible software you want and enter SIMONSONGHURST at checkout. The code provides 15% off eligible DxO software purchases. Eligibility and compatibility with other promotions can be confirmed during checkout.

Exclusive Creator Discount

Rescue Your Own High-ISO Photographs

Download the trial, open one of your most difficult RAW files and compare DeepPRIME XD3 at its default settings. If the cleaner shadows, retained texture and more natural colour fit your workflow, use code SIMONSONGHURST to save 15% on eligible DxO software.

Start the Free Trial or Save 15% → Watch the Beginner’s Course → Visit My DxO Software Hub →

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support my channel and the content I create for photographers and filmmakers, while the code SIMONSONGHURST still gives you 15% off eligible DxO software.

Technical references: DxO PhotoLab 9 features , DxO DeepPRIME technology and the official PhotoLab user guide . Product features and offer terms can change; verify current details with DxO.