What is the best software for processing raw files?

[flashmaster123]

My 10d came with Cannon File viewer utility. Is there anything better out there? Is there a plug in for photoshop to process and view raw files?

I use PC and Photoshop 7

[TonyKInTexas]

I am sure this has been covered many times and it tends to be a religous issue at times (just like which is better, Canon/Nikon; Mac/PC; Yankees/Mets *grin*).

I use the following:

Capture 1LE
BreezeBrowser
PhotoShop CS

I like the results out of C1LE and PSCS. BreezeBrowser is nice enough. It uses Canon's files though.

As you have PS7, I need to ask a question. Did you get the ARC add-on that came out during mid-product cycle. ARC is Adobe Raw Converter and it retailed for about $100 USD. If not, then you might be better off purchasing C1LE (I think it is about $149) and using PS7 for cleanup stuff.

Later,


My 10d came with Cannon File viewer utility. Is there anything better out there? Is there a plug in for photoshop to process and view raw files?

I use PC and Photoshop 7

[iof]

You can also upgrade to PS CS for about $150. This has the Adobe Raw converter built in. If you are comfortable using photoshop, you will love this upgrade. Just make sure your PC meets minimum requirements.
System Requirements
Intel Pentium III or Pentium 4 processor
Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or Windows XP
192MB of RAM (256MB recommended)
280MB of available hard-disk space
Color monitor with 16-bit color or greater video card
1024x768 or greater monitor resolution
CD-ROM drive
Internet or phone connection required for product activation



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=303556&is=REG

[robertwgross]

Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or Windows XP
192MB of RAM (256MB recommended)


Rule of Thumb on Windows XP. If 256MB is the minimum memory recommendation, then you really want at least twice that.

Four times that is not silly. I was amazed at how much some batch scanning was sped up when I moved from 512MB to 1GB of memory.

---Bob Gross---

[Jesper]

I like Capture One best. There are several versions, which support different cameras; LE (Light Edition), SE (Standard Edition) and a Pro edition. There's not much difference between the versions. If you have a 10D, get the LE version, which is cheapest. You can download a trial version (http://www.c1dslr.com). Unfortunately there are also some negative points; Capture One still contains some bugs, most are minor annoyances but I've also had it crash in the middle of a batch once, loosing all the adjustments I had made to the images in the batch.

I also use Photoshop CS for RAW conversion occasionally, but it's not as easy as Capture One to do batch conversions.

BreezeBrowser (http://www.breezesys.com/) is another popular RAW converter; I've never used it. As already said, it uses Canon's libraries, so the result will probably be the same as with File Viewer Utility.

Note that Canon also has a new program, EOS Viewer Utility (http://software.canon-europe.com/software/eos_viewer_utility_for_windows_ens19900.asp?model= EOS%20300D), which is faster and more user-friendly than File Viewer Utility.

[scottbergerphoto]

It has been repeatedly noted that BreezeBrowser and Canon's EOS Viewer Utility which both use Canon's SDK (software development kit), give the truest color reproduction. SI uses Canon's software.

Personally, I'm a big fan of BreezeBrowser. C1 is just too complicated for me.
Regards,
Scott

[Scottes]

I'm definitely a big fan of Capture 1 because it suits my workflow. I like to tweak an image while another is being processed in the background. I don't like getting stuck waiting for something to complete before I can continue.

I'm also used to C1 now, so I like the controls a lot. I find PS CS's a little odd (but not too bad), and I don't like BreezeBrowser's controls at all.

I also like Capture 1's response time. Changing a setting (well, most of them) results in an almost instantaneous update of the display. This means that I can play with things and get instant feedback, so tweaking an image in C1 takes me less time.

I have no patience, so the instant updates and background processing are very important to me.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use the following:

Capture 1LE
BreezeBrowser
PhotoShop CS

I like the results out of C1LE and PSCS. BreezeBrowser is nice enough. ...

DITTO!
I actually use BB daily .. but usually only to "browse" the RAW files...

I use C1 and PSCS for conversion and then eventually everything ends up in PSCS for post processeing, cropping, sharpening etc...

[scottbergerphoto]

I'm taking my ball and I'm going home! (To use BreezeBrowser of course :lol: )
Regards,
Scott

[TonyKInTexas]

And I run 1.2 GB of RAM and wish I had 2GB.


Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or Windows XP
192MB of RAM (256MB recommended)


Rule of Thumb on Windows XP. If 256MB is the minimum memory recommendation, then you really want at least twice that.

Four times that is not silly. I was amazed at how much some batch scanning was sped up when I moved from 512MB to 1GB of memory.

---Bob Gross---

[TonyKInTexas]

I started with BB and it is a good implentation. I happen to prefer C1LE and PSCS for most of my stuff. I still use BB on occasion. Just on a regular basis.

Thanks,

I'm taking my ball and I'm going home! (To use BreezeBrowser of course :lol: )
Regards,
Scott

[chris.bailey]

I have used several but have settled on PSCS so all my processing is done in one piece of software. I prefer the additional options in C1 and I personally think the results are marginally better but not so much as to make the extra time needed worthwhile.