Apple introduced the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) image format with its latest iPhone models 8, 8 Plus and X. Essentially, the new format is more efficient than current standards at compressing image data—images with the same size and level of detail occupy up to 50% less space on your device storage or hard drive—while also offering additional features like the ability to store burst photos, focal stacks, and exposure stacks in a single file.
In the long term, HEIF is meant to replace JPG as a the most common image standard, but until now the format could only be viewed or edited on iOS 11 devices or an Apple Mac. . . not exactly universal. That all changes today with the latest release of Zoner Photo Studio.
Zoner Studio X is officially the first software package to bring HEIF support to the Windows platform. Its makers still call the feature "experimental" and recommend keeping a backup of your HEIF photos in a separate format (just in case), but this is a big deal if you're an iPhone user who uses a PC instead of a Mac. No need to sacrifice image quality to save space or visa versa.
Zoner Studio X offers more than HEIF support, of course, and is a potent image editor in its own right. The feature set includes: image organization, layers, non-destructive RAW editing, retouching, and automatic adjustments.
To learn more or download a 30 day trial, visit the Zoner website. The full version will cost you $49.
. dpreview.com2017-11-30 19:19