Capture one vs. Canon fileViewerUtility

[Joytek]

I currently rely on the Canon software to convert my raws but keep reading about people using this Capture One program. given that the Canon program is slow as, I am curious about C1.

Can someone tell me what advantages there are to using Capture One.

Thanks.

w.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

W,

These are the things that immediately spring to mind.

I generally prefer the quality of output from Capture One DSLR. Very occasionally it does something strange.

C1 uses a high quality preview to show the effect of adjustments, so it's much simpler to make changes to exposure compensation, gray balance, levels, curves...

Conversion (development C1 calls it) happens in the background so you can work on the next image at the same time.

In the LE version, there are some restrictions to functionality to justify the big price difference between the pro version - USD 99 to USD 499. The most significant of these is a batch limit of 20 files. Whether this is a problem depends on how you work. I don't find it a problem (even with my fairly slow PC) because I tend to adjust pictures individually; images are developed fast enough that I don't reach the limit - when a picture is completed, it drops out of the queue making room for another.

Regards,

[scottbergerphoto]

Consider BreezeBrowser. Available at www.breezesys.com. I have been using it about six months and really like it. I find it much simpler to use then C1LE. All of my posted photos were converted in BreezeBrowser.
Scott

[dbarthel]

I have both BB and C1LE. Either is infinately better the the Canon software. Which is better is very much related to how you like to work. BB will take a whole directory and convert it according to your settings. BB is also nice for creating web galleries. C1LE is much more like working in a darkroom on an individual negative. I find that when I'm done with a C1LE image, all that's left in PS is a final rez up if necessary for a big print, sharpening tweeks, and then output. The C1LE film look sharpening is very nice if used at high values.

Dan

[defordphoto]

Votes here too for C1LE and BB. The Canon FVU is pretty much useless compared to these two invaluable utilities, but then again, it was free.

[WSpruance]

Capture One LE lets you see your changes immediately and lets you undo a change immediately. In Canons software you have to try and remember what the image looked like before you changed it. To me this is the only way to go. If you follow the vertical tabs in the order that they are presented in C1LE you should be able to process an image in less than 5 minutes.

You can try C1LE for free for 15 days at:
http://pictureflow.com/CaptureOne/Pages/C1-Main.html

I also recommend reading the review at:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/software/c1-le.shtml

It's a great program.

[Jorge]

You should most definetly TRY IT OUT. Download it and see if you like it. There is a somewat lengthy debate with various comparisons here:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/45063