With the permission of the mods I'm trying to do my own little survay to find out what "RAW" processing software people are using i.e., camera raw, lightroom, aperture, capture one etc
Along with a few words as to why. Quality of finished file, workflow, tools, cost etc etc.
Many thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to any feedback you can pass on.
regards
Kevin
Posted by Tim Munsey on November 12, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Hi Kevin,
I'm a nikon NX2 raw converter, I feel that this gives the best conversion for nikon nef files, it seems that is the general consensus, even though some complain about speed, but no big deal for a non professional like myself.
Hi I have ACR, Nikon capture 4.4.2 Nikon NX2, C1Pro, Bibble Pro 4 & Bibble 5.3 Beta pluse a few other ones that are free, bibble is the absolute best for me not only does it drag more detail out of the raw file than nx2 but I find it extremely easy-to-use & it's very fast, the latest version 5 hasn't been released yet but I have at all beta versions up to & including 5.3 and the way it is developing there will be no need for any other raw converter.
The other great plus point is that it works with a large amount of different cameras which is great for me as I tend to try a lot of different cameras.
Phil.
Posted by Graham Goddard on November 12, 2009 at 8:47 AM
I used to use LR2 but have started using Canon DPP following a recommendation.
DPP is easy and fast and I find that using the simple adjustment tools allows me to quickly decide whether to bin, or process....
I also have a copy of Breeze Browzer - again on recommendation. I've not really tried this out much though as I find DPP more than good enough for my needs.
Its Canon DPP for me. It comes free with the camera, It seems to work OK and I'm fed up spending money on computer software that seems to change every two minutes!
I did like the look of Lightroom as 'one stop solution' for the whole workflow but it is a bit expensive for me at the moment.
Robert
As already mentioned to you Kev, I've plumped for Aperture. Simply as an all-in-one solution to the total and utter mess that is image workflow on modern computers - one bit of software for downloading, another for browsing, another for raw conversion, and yet another for cataloguing.
I used to use DownloaderPro, Breezebrowser, CaptureOne Pro, iMatch or iViewmedia, and Photoshop before I switched to the Mac. Metadata integrity was a total nightmare between all those bits as nothing talked fully to one another .
When I switched to Mac, I looked at Lightroom, but at the time I made a decision on a DAM system 3yrs ago, Lightroom's database and interface was clunky and didn't have the simplicity and flexibility that C1Pro had, nor could it cope with a large DAM database of over 50K images. I still use Lightroom, but only for creating/printing contact sheets .
Aperture has stood the test of the last three years - the image database now numbers over 210K images, and it still runs happily. (Yes, I need to clean some out... but can't face it!). The interface doesn't get in the way and is easy to use, and the RAW conversions are good enough for clients. If I really want the n'th degree of raw conversion, then I guess I'll fall back to C1Pro - although in truth I've never had to touch it in the last 3 years. I think they missed the boat somewhat with the DAM side of things.
The only other bit of software I use in the workflow today (aside from PS) is Photomechanic - purely to download, add default metadata and renumber the images prior to importing into Aperture.
Now if I where using P1 backs and doing hi-end fashion, then life might be different... but I'm not ;).
I always used to use Capture One but they seemed very slow in upgrading the software and seemed to be left in the shadows, whilst other software was steaming ahead. I decided to switch to Lightroom and have been using it ever since.
I did a few brief comparisons between Capture One (an older version) and Lightroom and I thought the Lightroom conversions were of better quality, this was some time ago.
I re-visited Capture One very briefly a while back to see what had changed in more recent versions. I didn't like the way it kept creating new folders here there and everywhere, so promtly left it alone and continued with Lightroom.
I'll perhaps try again with the latest release and see how that compares to Lightroom, although if the difference in image quality is minimal I'd far rather stick with the program I'm most familiar and comfortable with, i.e. Adobe Lightroom.
Posted by JMACTAVISH on November 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
I'm one of only a handful of sports togs I know who shoots solely in RAW.
I've always done it and can see no benefit in speed that shooting in Jpeg makes, apart from I could get a more frames shot of a scene I've probably captured as I want in either the 1st or 2nd frame anyway.
On touchlines I use Photomechanic, purely for speed and it's superb ftp/email functions
At home on my desktop I use Aperture, for most of the reasons Nick has mentioned above. Only issue I have with Aperture is that it is a wee bit slow at importing files and is a wee bit slow at converting batches.
I have Lightroom 2 and C1 5.0 and Canon's DPP on my desktop also and can see no real difference in quality of converted shots
If you are in the market for a RAW converter, the my advice would be to try a lot of them on 30 day trial and go with the one that best suits your style/budget. They are all pretty much of a muchness in terms of final image quality, although some will swear that x is better than y, the only way to tell which suits you best is to try as many as you can
J
Posted by Dave Courtenay on November 12, 2009 at 10:46 AM
My main use is breezebrowser and CS4, Breezebrowser purley as a browser as its soo quick and CS4 as i am familar with the CS systems and have used them for years, I do have LR as well but have barely used it
Dave
Posted by Cliff Young on November 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I've been using ACR and Capture NX2 on a Windows machine since taking up digital photography seriously three years ago but recently decided to convert to a Mac and have started using Aperture. The idea of a single piece of software to take me through my entire workflow process is very appealing and I am generally very happy with the software. However I have experienced a few problems, particularly working with 100% images and when outputting files for submission to Alamy - with interpolation artifacts - so maybe I'm not quite as proficient with Aperture as I thought .............. To get my submissions accepted in the short term at least temporarily I've resorted to software I'm confident will give me the results I require so I'm now using ACR and PS Elements 8 on the Mac.
PhotoMechanic to download, iView MediaPro/Expression Media to catalogue, CS2 to convert, but have Lightroom and using it, but realising I dont like it. The interface is not pleasant and some controls are so clunky I cant believe they included them. Metadata handling is not as good as it could be in my opinion. It was a toss-up between Aperture and Lr and I chose Lr. I think when the new version of Aperture arrives (soon I believe) I might migrate as Lr is driving me daft.
Posted by Peter Woods on November 12, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I use LR2 for RAW processing and any finishing touches in CS4
Why - Probably because I was introduced to Lightroom by a good friend.
That said I am considering Capture one5 Pro as it seems to handle the Canon Raw files better colour wise or so I am told by many. I have downloaded the trial and will be giving it a go over the next few weeks...
Posted by Mike Smith on November 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Breeze systems Downloader Pro to download the cards, Breezebrowser Pro to view and make first cut deletions
I tend to shoot in RAW/Jpeg mode now as the Oly Jpegs straight out of the camera are very good. Only HDR/heavy manipulation requires a revisit back to the RAW file
For RAW conversion I either use Oly Studio 2, but I find this clunky after Photoshop albeit it generates very good colour Tiffs, or convert the .Orf files to .Dng using the Adobe DNG converter and then manipulate the .Dng raw file in P. CS2
Life would be simpler if I updated P. CS2 but I haven't seen the need for later versions of Photoshop other than the RAW converter updates. P. CS2 is more than good enough for the colour management to print stage or image manipulation I do - I prioritised an investment in an Epson 3800 printer rather than updating my software. The problems moving Adobe software between machines is a bigger issue, I am long overdue an upgrade of laptop and desktop, both are 7 years old now...........so I may be revsiiting this next year
Posted by David Sewell on November 12, 2009 at 12:22 PM
As a confirmed luddite, I do take my shots in RAW and JPEG combined, and find the JPEGs usually quite good enough for what I want. I tend to use RAW mainly for back ups (I have been known to save a file without changing the name after re-sizing down). On those occasions when I do need RAW I find Photoshop Elements adequate for my needs. Reading the comments of others, I am sure there are better packages around, but like I said, a confirmed Luddite.
David
Posted by Mark Caton on November 12, 2009 at 1:02 PM
I have been using Capture One 5 trial recently, and before that version 4. I sometimes use Oly Studio - as Mike says, better colours, but C1 has good dynamic range features, excellent interface and good enough colour. It doesn't have DAM like features, but it's not trying to be all things.
I have tried Silkypix and ACR but just don't get on with them. Have been advised to look at the trial version of DXO, but haven't got round to it yet.
Discussions like this are useful every now and again because s/w moves on, always leapfrogging and it's good to get a heads up on what other people are using - I'm going to look at PhotoMechanic/Imedia based on this discussion - been trying to get my metadata sorted out with Bridge/LR and I'm all over the place!
Posted by Fran French on November 12, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Hi Kevin,
I manually transfer RAW images from the card, to my computer and then transfer wanted files to my external hard drive manually ....
All my images are shot in RAW. I view them, and get rid of the rubbish with Faststone Image viewer ( a freebie download) and then convert in DPP also a free software with the camera. I see no point in buying expensive software as I cannot afford to keep updating it, and DPP suits my needs for quality and ease of use.
Kevin I view my raw images in View NX, process in Capture NX2 and convert for web using Elements 6. To top it all I print using Picasa 3. A bit of a faff but I get there..... eventually
Posted by Dave Bartlett on November 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
I used the early versions of Photoshop and then started with Lightroom when it first emerged. I now use LR2.5 and have been dabbling with the LR3 beta. I like LR and find it simple to use for cataloguing and manipulation; it suits my amateur needs for workflow and processing, although having said that, I really don't have that much to compare it with. I have the occasional excursion into CS4 which I use at work.
Posted by Ian Haskell on November 12, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I used to use a PC and used Lightroom all the time. Since moving to the MAC about 6 months ago I have hardly touched Lightroom. I was beginning to get lots of files and needed a process for screening images full screen of which I use Photo Mechanic. I had intending to move all my useable files into Lightroom to index and catalog but am not overall sure on this yet. Lightroom has some unique processes for processing RAWs but I find the same capability within Adobe CS4...which is where I seem to be looking at most of my work currently. I have yet to test out a number of different RAW processors which include Raw developer and Capture One. I really have a desire to keep my work as natural as I can...
Ian
Posted by Mike Smith on November 13, 2009 at 8:13 AM
A quick question if I may having not followed Adobe CS2 progressing to CS4 - I see that the UK stores are selling "CS4 - Student" version now for about 1/3rd the price of full CS4. "student" isn't detailed on the main Adobe website as a purchase option (that I can find anyway) - what is this version? is it seriously cut down or time limited or what?
Sorry now found the answer on Warehosue express website - you have to be a student in full time eductaion for course 2years plus and provide evidence of studies, ie sudent card etc with unlock code then provided by Adobe
Mike - FWIW, I'm sure I read somewhere that adobe is considering changing it's upgrade policies so that 'upgrades' need to be within 2 versions of the current one or else you buy again @ full license. So by the time CS5 appears on the horizon, you may not be able to upgrade from CS2, only from CS3 or CS4. I think they where also thinking of charging different amounts from each lower version eg CS3-5 would be more expensive than cs4-5. Can't recall where I spotted that - so you may want to double check it's right.
Posted by David Taylor on November 13, 2009 at 4:28 PM
As the only Sigma user on here (I think) I use Sigma Photo Pro 3.5, but I have just downloaded SilkyPix Developer to try out when I get round to it.
Discussion
22 repliesHi all
With the permission of the mods I'm trying to do my own little survay to find out what "RAW" processing software people are using i.e., camera raw, lightroom, aperture, capture one etc
Along with a few words as to why. Quality of finished file, workflow, tools, cost etc etc.
Many thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to any feedback you can pass on.
regards
Kevin
I'm a nikon NX2 raw converter, I feel that this gives the best conversion for nikon nef files, it seems that is the general consensus, even though some complain about speed, but no big deal for a non professional like myself.
Tim
The other great plus point is that it works with a large amount of different cameras which is great for me as I tend to try a lot of different cameras.
Phil.
DPP is easy and fast and I find that using the simple adjustment tools allows me to quickly decide whether to bin, or process....
I also have a copy of Breeze Browzer - again on recommendation. I've not really tried this out much though as I find DPP more than good enough for my needs.
Cheers, Graham.
I did like the look of Lightroom as 'one stop solution' for the whole workflow but it is a bit expensive for me at the moment.
Robert
I used to use DownloaderPro, Breezebrowser, CaptureOne Pro, iMatch or iViewmedia, and Photoshop before I switched to the Mac. Metadata integrity was a total nightmare between all those bits as nothing talked fully to one another
When I switched to Mac, I looked at Lightroom, but at the time I made a decision on a DAM system 3yrs ago, Lightroom's database and interface was clunky and didn't have the simplicity and flexibility that C1Pro had, nor could it cope with a large DAM database of over 50K images. I still use Lightroom, but only for creating/printing contact sheets
Aperture has stood the test of the last three years - the image database now numbers over 210K images, and it still runs happily. (Yes, I need to clean some out... but can't face it!). The interface doesn't get in the way and is easy to use, and the RAW conversions are good enough for clients. If I really want the n'th degree of raw conversion, then I guess I'll fall back to C1Pro - although in truth I've never had to touch it in the last 3 years. I think they missed the boat somewhat with the DAM side of things.
The only other bit of software I use in the workflow today (aside from PS) is Photomechanic - purely to download, add default metadata and renumber the images prior to importing into Aperture.
Now if I where using P1 backs and doing hi-end fashion, then life might be different... but I'm not ;).
I did a few brief comparisons between Capture One (an older version) and Lightroom and I thought the Lightroom conversions were of better quality, this was some time ago.
I re-visited Capture One very briefly a while back to see what had changed in more recent versions. I didn't like the way it kept creating new folders here there and everywhere, so promtly left it alone and continued with Lightroom.
I'll perhaps try again with the latest release and see how that compares to Lightroom, although if the difference in image quality is minimal I'd far rather stick with the program I'm most familiar and comfortable with, i.e. Adobe Lightroom.
I've always done it and can see no benefit in speed that shooting in Jpeg makes, apart from I could get a more frames shot of a scene I've probably captured as I want in either the 1st or 2nd frame anyway.
On touchlines I use Photomechanic, purely for speed and it's superb ftp/email functions
At home on my desktop I use Aperture, for most of the reasons Nick has mentioned above. Only issue I have with Aperture is that it is a wee bit slow at importing files and is a wee bit slow at converting batches.
I have Lightroom 2 and C1 5.0 and Canon's DPP on my desktop also and can see no real difference in quality of converted shots
If you are in the market for a RAW converter, the my advice would be to try a lot of them on 30 day trial and go with the one that best suits your style/budget. They are all pretty much of a muchness in terms of final image quality, although some will swear that x is better than y, the only way to tell which suits you best is to try as many as you can
J
Dave
Why - Probably because I was introduced to Lightroom by a good friend.
That said I am considering Capture one5 Pro as it seems to handle the Canon Raw files better colour wise or so I am told by many. I have downloaded the trial and will be giving it a go over the next few weeks...
I tend to shoot in RAW/Jpeg mode now as the Oly Jpegs straight out of the camera are very good. Only HDR/heavy manipulation requires a revisit back to the RAW file
For RAW conversion I either use Oly Studio 2, but I find this clunky after Photoshop albeit it generates very good colour Tiffs, or convert the .Orf files to .Dng using the Adobe DNG converter and then manipulate the .Dng raw file in P. CS2
Life would be simpler if I updated P. CS2 but I haven't seen the need for later versions of Photoshop other than the RAW converter updates. P. CS2 is more than good enough for the colour management to print stage or image manipulation I do - I prioritised an investment in an Epson 3800 printer rather than updating my software. The problems moving Adobe software between machines is a bigger issue, I am long overdue an upgrade of laptop and desktop, both are 7 years old now...........so I may be revsiiting this next year
David
I have tried Silkypix and ACR but just don't get on with them. Have been advised to look at the trial version of DXO, but haven't got round to it yet.
Discussions like this are useful every now and again because s/w moves on, always leapfrogging and it's good to get a heads up on what other people are using - I'm going to look at PhotoMechanic/Imedia based on this discussion - been trying to get my metadata sorted out with Bridge/LR and I'm all over the place!
I manually transfer RAW images from the card, to my computer and then transfer wanted files to my external hard drive manually ....
All my images are shot in RAW. I view them, and get rid of the rubbish with Faststone Image viewer ( a freebie download) and then convert in DPP also a free software with the camera. I see no point in buying expensive software as I cannot afford to keep updating it, and DPP suits my needs for quality and ease of use.
Fran
Ian
Sorry now found the answer on Warehosue express website - you have to be a student in full time eductaion for course 2years plus and provide evidence of studies, ie sudent card etc with unlock code then provided by Adobe
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. All very interesting.
Kevin