Editor's Choice 2006: Imaging Software

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This sophisticated software fixes problems endemic to digital shooting—in particular, the lens imperfections that higher sensor resolution can reveal. It addresses not just noise and other digital artifacts but also vignetting, optical distortion, and chromatic aberration. The program now comes in several editions, including Optics Pro Standard (for entry-level and “prosumer” D-SLRs) and Optics Pro Elite (for high-end D-SLRs). Once you get the version you need, you can download all the specific lens modules you want at no further charge. A Starter edition offers support for EVF cameras with noninterchangeable lenses. Useful improvements in version 3.5 include the ability to perform all fixes on RAW files and to crop an image after you do your distortion correction, better for perspective control. About $80 (Starter), $150 (Standard), and $300 (Elite).

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