Which 1?

[EricL]

After purchasing my new XTi and uploading the discs to my computer, I acquired the following new programs: Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, and ZoomBrowswer EX. I believe I used the EOS Utility when I uploaded some RAW shots straight from the camera. It appears as though the other 2 do basically the same thing, which I believe is process RAW shots. Can anyone explain to me the differences? I've been looking at buying an Adobe Photoshop software. Would this software take the place of all this other stuff? EricL

[sageone]

Do yourself a favor and buy photoshop cs2. Then download Adobe's DNG Raw Converter. Your workflow should be using DNG Converter to get the shots off your card - converting them to a widely used raw format (dng) that will embed the original raw file just in case. Then use CS2 for post processing. The software that comes with the canon line of cameras is garbage.

[rammy]

Do yourself a favor and buy photoshop cs2. Then download Adobe's DNG Raw Converter. Your workflow should be using DNG Converter to get the shots off your card - converting them to a widely used raw format (dng) that will embed the original raw file just in case. Then use CS2 for post processing. The software that comes with the canon line of cameras is garbage.

I agree! You cannot beat the industry leaders (Adobe) in the workflow. Some times though, I do use RawShooter for the speed of RAW processing; on my dual-core laptop, it is lightning (Kind of :D )!

EricL, I think you are looking at more precise control with Adobe.

[Longwatcher]

While I agree with the buy Photoshop CS2,

I disagree with the assesment that DPP is not good. I use DPP frequently because I get better end results then using just PS CS2. Not really fond of the other Canon software though.

depending on what the job is, I either do all the work in DPP or I downselect, color balance and trim in DPP and then transfer image to PS CS2 for further editing and actions. Much faster as well as better then just using PS CS2.

[Curtis N]

The software that comes with the canon line of cameras is garbage.Not by a long shot. DPP is a very capable RAW converter.

Suggesting to a beginner that the only way to make good pictures is by purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of software is poor advice. Why didn't you just go ahead and tell him his XTi is "garbage" and he needs a 1DsMark2?

DPP is a great choice for someone new to RAW. It's not a complete workflow solution, but not everyone needs that.

[TeeJay]

I have to totally agree with Curtis.

As I've said in another thread a few days ago, I have recently returned to using DPP, and whilst it certainly isn't PS CS2, and doesn't try to be, it is IMHO a perfectly usable piece of software.

I would even go as far as to say that its simple sharpening tools for RAW files is pretty impressive (Note to self: stand back and wait for impact of last statement! ;-))

TJ

[woffles]

You will get some of the best skin tones out of DPP. Workflow isn't the greatest though. You can try Adobe Lightroom also. It's in beta right now and can be downloaded for free. It puts out really nice files.

[Citizen_Insane]

I also suggest you get photoshop, not sure if you should buy it however...

[sageone]

Not by a long shot. DPP is a very capable RAW converter.

Suggesting to a beginner that the only way to make good pictures is by purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of software is poor advice. Why didn't you just go ahead and tell him his XTi is "garbage" and he needs a 1DsMark2?

DPP is a great choice for someone new to RAW. It's not a complete workflow solution, but not everyone needs that.

I never suggested that buying the software would MAKE GOOD PHOTOS. I said in the long run and in my professional experience, results have been better with Adobe products CS2. Personal and professional opinion. That's what was solicited. So poor advice? Maybe not the advice you like, but not poor.

[sageone]

RawShooter is also good, but will be discontiued when Lightroom is officially released. I've used the latest beta of lightroom. It's pretty good, but still buggy. I'd like to see what that program can do when it's released and a couple of patches or even v2 comes out...becauase as most know, first versions of software typically still have issues.

[Jon, The Elder]

The opinions expressed here are from the various members, some with stronger opinions about things than others. While not always expressed with delicate nuances and political correctness, none the less honest in feeling. Now....

Any program mentioned so far has a fully functional downloadable trial version. I find this to be a very good way to find out what I like and establish its value to me. Give it a try.
Adobe "Elements" is a slightly scaled down version of CS2 and works quite well for many. It is also less expensive than it's big brother.

[amonline]

After purchasing my new XTi and uploading the discs to my computer, I acquired the following new programs: Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, and ZoomBrowswer EX. I believe I used the EOS Utility when I uploaded some RAW shots straight from the camera. It appears as though the other 2 do basically the same thing, which I believe is process RAW shots. Can anyone explain to me the differences? I've been looking at buying an Adobe Photoshop software. Would this software take the place of all this other stuff? EricL
The truth is, yes - you need a good program like CS2/PS for deeper post processing. However, DPP is an incredible application. In many eyes, it is the best RAW converter available. Most use it to do a good 75% of their processing before taking an image to PS.

As for the rest, I'd install EOSU as well. It can be handy if you need to shoot tethered stuff as well as update some info in your camera.

Sorry if this was already stated... I didn't really read all the responses.