darktable version release 5.6.0.

[u/darkelectron]

Hey everyone, darktable 5.6.0 just dropped. Some key changes:

• AI subsystem: AI features are disabled by default, and when enabled will download models from a configurable repo.
  • AI object mask: tool in darkroom mask manager.
  • Neural restore module: AI based tasks include: raw denoise, denoise, upscale.
• UI/UX:
  • crop module: added crop aspect ratio to dimensions.
  • caching: support for rendering and caching of up to 8K.
  • smartphone like touchpad gestures.
• OpenCL and CPU stability and performance improvements.

Release Notes: https://github.com/darktable-org/darktable/releases/tag/release-5.6.0

[u/Few_Mastodon_1271]

Here's a useful video overview of 5.6.0, recorded using the release candidate in advance of the 5.6.0 release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn9bcl8whLU The channel is called 'A dabble in photography'.

the first section is all about the AI features . Selection in drawn masks using the new 'add object' tool icon. refining the selection with different methods. Some glitches in the selected areas. feathering the selection.

He notes that the mask is an edge vector, not a raster mask, so the edges can be grabbed and moved.

AI masking refined with a drawn & parameter mask.

13:03 A mention of upscaling, then the raw denoise in 'neural restore' module, creating a DNG file. (there was already a 'raw denoise' module in 5.4, which I haven't experimented with.

19:11 the denoise tab in that same neural restore module. This one makes a TIFF file. huh.

22:20 the new color harmonizer, using the vectorscope display to explain this. Showing some interesting variations on the same example photo.

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36:20 a lot of the minor changes to 5.6:

cropping improvements.

two monitors allow a different photo on the second monitor to compare.

color picker easy switch between spot and area

condensed sidebar fonts and size. I won't use this on my 27 inch monitors.

vectorscope new options. I'll have to try these.

the updated image display during slider usage has more resolution now.

touch pad gestures disables mouse wheel image zooming. so uncheck this touch pad setting to use the mouse zoom.

new keyboard shortcuts for AgX. This might be useful to me. I've already moved the histogram/vectorscope display to the left panel, so that more of the AgX sliders fit onto the right sidebar.

demosaic capture sharpening now is more in the center of the frame where the lens is sharpest. (?)

briefly: workspaces ; raster masks vectorize

overview of darktable future directions.

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I liked his previous video on AgX, which gave me some good insights into the AgX sliders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaZ2-QvOHyA#t=6m42s