Phase One has announced a new edition of its raw image conversion software, Capture One Pro 10, which, beyond the new features, is faster and more powerful.

Phase One has improved the user experience by increasing performance when browsing, zooming, panning, and switching images. It’s instantaneous, according to Swiss photographer Quentin Décaillet, who said in his review of the beta version for Fstoppers that its speed is astonishing

‘Capture One used to be faster than Lightroom for displaying large files, but they seem to play in totally different leagues now,’ he said. Apparently Phase One rewrote many major features to do this.

There’s a new default workspace, re-designed to assist newcomers and oldtimers working with the new software to adjust workflow and become familiar with things.

As for new features ‘on-screen proofing’, an improved preview mode for the conversion process, allows resolution, size, colour, sharpening, and compression artifacts to be shown prior to conversion.

There’s a new three-step sharpening process. It consists of a lens tool to correct diffraction; a Halo Suppression sharpening slider and blending algorithm that can be used on specific areas or the entire image; and output sharpening tool used as a final step depending on what the image is used for (web, print).

Also, there’s something called Tangent panels, which is a new, optional interface. Tangent systems are used by video editors, but Phase One is using them to allow photographers to make multiple adjustments simultaneously.

‘This fully integrated panel is literally a new interface into image editing – for deep dive colour and image adjustment –– allowing fast, multiple input commands simultaneously, while viewing the master monitor as the editor “feels” input into the application,’ says Phase One.

Full list of features:
– Three-phase sharpening tools;
– Output proofing;
– New default and intuitive workspace;
– Camera focus tool module for tethered cameras;
– Tangent panel: full integration;
– New filter option: search by orientation of images;
– Optimization of Jpeg output for size/quality;
– Move folders in catalogs;
– Auto masking extended to any editable file type (including Xtrans);
– Improved compressed RAW and Fuji support;
– Hardware acceleration – OpenCL is now enabled by default;
– Stripe reduction LCC for 100MP;
– Optimized LCC creation;
– Computer ID in license for activation management;
– Apple script – new properties (Mac only).

Capture One Pro 10 is available for a 30-day trial version. For owners of Capture One Pro 8 and 9, the upgrade is available for $132. New purchases are $385.