What program for editing of RAW images you use?

[Torcidas]

As name of title say.. I wanna know what program for editing of RAW images you use? What's best on on your opinion.... As i start to take pictures with RAW i wanna buy (download) or ... some program what is best..

I have Canon 20D camera and still use standard Digital Photo Professional what i get with my camera...

[steven]

I don't think, or have not seen any, programs that directly edit raw images.
What happens is you convert the raw image into some format and then edit them.

I use PS CS and have been trying GIMP on linux.

[Pekka]

If you talk about RAW conversion (converting RAW to TIFF/JPG/BMP/whatever) then my tool of choice is Capture One Pro, see http://www.phaseone.com and http://www.rawworkflow.com

With C1 you rarely need Photoshop, although some 16-bit capable image editing software is sometimes needed. Photoshop CS is very good (includes internal RAW converter), so is Corel Photopaint and Paint Shop Pro.

[Torcidas]

I never ever use RAW format only JPEG because speed is what i need in sending sport pictures, but last few days i take some pictures with RAW format and now trying to find what to do and how to edit, convert RAW format picture. and of course what is better in RAW then in JPEG... :) I'm realy dummy for that... I need to take boook RAW for dumies :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

For starers,.. use the DPP software that came with the 20D.. (better yet,. be sure and download the latest version)

[gmitchel]

I've been using Adobe Camera Raw 2.3 with Canon 20D images for a few weeks now and very happy with the result.

The public beta for ACR 2.4 supports the 20D and also my 1Ds MkII images. I had to purge the cache to get the thumbnails to display in the PS CS File Browser. No issues other than that. I have been *VERY* happy with the 1Ds MkII RAW conversions in ACR 2.4.

Thomas Knoll and his colleagues have done a great job of making ACR II into a superb RAW converter. I love being able to click on an image in File Browser. Make basic changes to White Balance, Exposure, Shadows in ACR II. Then edit right away in PS CS.

Cheers,

Mitch

[Holly]

I'm so confused about these RAW images and editing them. I took one picture in raw format, but it was labled a jpg and it look just like a jpg in photoshop cs. How does one edit one of these files? or did I do something wrong?

[85lesabre]

I use CS2. i really like the variety of options is gives me.

[jbkalla]

Anybody used Aperture or Adobe's Lightroom? I'm curious as to how good they are...

[thundery]

I really like Aperture as my raw workflow tool. Easy uploading into it, easy rating and keyword application, several adjustments and filters to fine tune your shots (all nondestructive), good exporting to several formats then basically one button archiving to an external disk for long term storage. It's basically not made to replace PSCSII but I have found that I only use PS when I have to do some hardcore retouching and resizing that Aperture doesn't handle. It's a hardware hog, however, so you need a machine with mucho guts.

[jbkalla]

...It's a hardware hog, however, so you need a machine with mucho guts.

I know that's true! My system doesn't even meet the minimum requirements! Guess I'm gonna have to start budgeting for that new Desktop Mac! :-)

[Holly]

thank you. I need to upgrade to cs2, but in the meantime I found a program that will edit the raw files. :)

It's easier than i thought it would be....I hope I'm doing it right.

[Jesper]

I use Canon Digital Photo Professional. It works well with the files of my 5D. There are lots of other RAW conversion programs available. Most of them do a good job, and which one you want to use is mainly a matter of personal preference. Here are some names. You can download and try out all these programs before you buy them (some are even free).

Capture One (http://www.phaseone.com/)
RawShooter (http://www.pixmantec.com/) (RawShooter Essentials is free)
Bibble (http://www.bibblelabs.com/)
BreezeBrowser (http://www.breezesys.com/)

There's also Aperture (http://www.apple.com/aperture/) from Apple, but it works only on the Mac ofcourse. Adobe is busy making a new piece of software called Lightroom, but currently there's only a beta version available that also works on the Mac only (a Windows version is going to be available later). Photoshop also includes a RAW converter (Adobe Camera Raw).

[jfrancho]

Mostly ACR, but I'll try RSE and DPP if an image is giving me some trouble. I haven't used C1 in a long time. I prefer using ACR since it integrates smoothly with my workflow.

[Holly]

I use CS2. i really like the variety of options is gives me.

I have upgraded to CS2, but the files I shot in raw mode will not open. Do I need a plug in for this? My camera is the canon rebel XT (350D). I tried another program that opened them and I was able to edit them, but I really want to use photoshop for this.

[Holly]

nevermind, I had to download the plugin and now it works great. Thanks for all your help. I learned how to use the search option for the forums. :)

[René Damkot]

I use DPP, and lightroom if I want to do some quick B&W conversion (6 color channelmixer, straight from the RAW file!), I tried several,, including ACR, Silkypix, & C1pro, and DPP gave the best results in my circumstances. C1 came close when using Magnes ETC profiles, but was crap otherwise. Just MHO off course ;)
Results online Here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=137974&highlight=Lightroom)

[Brian Puccio]

I use dcraw to go from RAW to 16 bit images. I then have a bunch of nautilus scripts to easily batch convert, resize and even crop the images as I see fit.

[zeus]

1. dcraw + netpbm to get 8 bit files
2. dcraw + netpbm + cinepain to process 16 bit files

[malcolmp]

I have been using Adobe Camera RAW and CS2 (Mac) for about a year. I like CS2 but ACR is just ok -- it really is a bit cumbersome and doesn't have all the controls to make full use of the data in the RAW images.

DPP was ok but a bit too simple.

I have tried using Raw Shooter Essential on my PC. Not bad, not enough to pull me from ACR + CS2

I tested Adobe LightRoom, which has much improved RAW manipulation, even in the early beta 2 version. Some workflow aspects didn't fit that well with me -- exporting to CS2 is cumbersome e.g. LightRoom creates huge temporary TIFF files created and no easy way to delete them. I think it will improve though.

Haven't yet tried Aperture, but it look very good and the price has dropped. It can also do a few simple CS2 things like healing brush. I'm not sure how fast it will go on my 2GhZ G5 iMac, I will probably get a MacBook Pro later in the year though.

Finally, I've recently started to use Bibble. I don't like the interface very much, and exporting to CS2 must be done in 16 bit because Bibble is slow in converting to 8 bit. However, it has some excellent built in features like Noise Ninja, Perfectly Clear technology to assist with getting the right balance, and some other nice tricks. Lots of good controls for manipulating RAW data.

So far Bibble is ahead. I will probably get Bibble Lite and then see how Aperture & LightRoom mature over the next few months.

Malcolm

[liza]

I prefer Raw Shooter for its ease of use.

[chtgrubbs]

I've been using SilkyPix. The user interface is a bit clunky, but the colors and tonal quality of the image is really gorgeous. I've also downloaded the trial for Bibble Pro which has some very useful shadow fill/highlight recovery features.

[garbidz]

CaptureOnePro does not support 30D RAW files whereas Bibble does.
Jus donloaded the lo-cal version. I am havin a bit of hard time accepting its hues. Maybe it is just the beginning. But the bugger does not understand .dng files.

The CS2 hack gives thumbnails on Bridge but leaves it there. Maybe because this is a no-good Frog-Pomme ordinateur... (lousy Grenouille-Apple computer)

Well, I just wait for the Adobe upgrade. It is the only sensible thing to do!

Holly, you need to upgrade your Camera Raw Plugin from Adobe's site.
After, it works like a charm.

[vjack]

I'm using the ACR plug built-in to CS2. I tried RawShooter Premium and the raw editor that comes with ACDSee Pro, but I didn't care for either of them (at least not enough to justify the cost when I already have CS2).

[Bodog]

CaptureOnePro does not support 30D RAW files whereas Bibble does.

From the release notes for Capture One LE v3.7.4:
RAW file support
RAW files from the following cameras are supported in Capture One LE:
Canon:
• 1D Mark II N, 1Ds Mark II, 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1D
• 5D, 30D, 20D, 10D, 350D/Rebel XT, 300D/Rebel, D60, D30
• Pro 1, G6, G5, G3, G2

[melster]

acr and bibble

[garbidz]

I downloaded the Capture One free tryout two days ago and it wouldn't open the 30D files.

[Bodog]

You probably have v3.7.3

[garbidz]

On the "about..." it boasts 3.7.4
Even without beer, it won't let me open the 30D files.
Which obviously is the reason I got the Bibble in its stead....

I am getting to know Bibble and it is quite impressive.
There was the Noise Ninja in the same package and that will certainly be useful in my available light-shoots. Of course, it is time-consuming and frustrating to have to learn new techniques instead of just making photographs. But it seems the Bibble guys have understood a thing or two. Multiplatforming, for instance and the levels/curves interface.

At least I can process my 30D .cr2's now. Have to check if all is well with the 350 also.

Oh yes, tried the hack after a couple of beers and then sober. Probably the French are using different pathnames or something. Bridge crashes.

[Pef]

First, I shoot exclusively in Raw.
Second, I use DXO Optics...It's wonderful to accelerate your work !
Why ?

If your lens is supported you can correct very easily local contrast, geometry artefact, colour aberration.
But, you can always use DXO Lightning that can correct exposure and mix low and high exposure without sacrificing color.
I explain : when you try to save some highlights, the clipping of your histogram is not the same into the three components (RGB) and you have to try to go the right without loosing information into a component (strong color shifting).
And, you have not to make some intricating masks in order to mix low and high exposure !

So, DXO is my tool of choice, before using ACR (you can export result of DXO into DNG and process RAW with ACR !).

[garbidz]

The approach of DxO is quite scientific. I downloaded its tryout version but at my level could not really se any point in going to all the details of tweaking distortion according to the lens profiles which DxO can do. You are the first one I've encountered who is actually using DxO.

[Pef]

To use Dxo Optic, I advise you to try the "dxo lighting" part and "exposure part".
It's very efficient to capture most of the dynamic range of a raw capture.

For the rest, I have some good examples of grainy texture that has been corrected by DXO and that PTLens and/or USM can not have corrected so cleverly.

Perhaps, if I get some time, I'll put on my website some good comparisons.

But, give it a try, it's slow but you have always some tradeoff !
Whatever, I prefer long time to process automatically my image than shorter time to manually process it !

[neil_r]

CS2

[bryno74]

Holly, You need to update the camera raw 3.3..

[thx-1138uk]

I'm impressed with Lightroom, although I've just ordered another 2 Gig of memory for my Powermac to try and keep things moving along a bit more.

[kheops]

bibble doesn't keep makernotes from my raw (350d) in the jpeg files
since i want to use them in a great technical gallery (EE) it's a no go for me
http://support.bibblelabs.com/webboard/viewtopic.php?t=4541
+

[JohnnyG]

I use RawShooter and really like it! I used the free version for a while and it worked fine!

You can download it at http://www.pixmantec.com/products/rawshooter.asp

The free version is at the bottom and is called RawShooter Essentials.

[Wilt]

As much as I liked Rawshooter Essentials, when Rawshooter Pro was offered I immediately switched.

[fivegallon]

As much as I liked Rawshooter Essentials, when Rawshooter Pro was offered I immediately switched.

i've just upgraded to the "Premium" myself..... how do you find it as compared to Essentials?

[weka2000]

I had a play with the beta of lightroom on a mac the other day. Looking forward to the PC version.

I just use the canon zoom browser most of the time. I think thats due to lack of experence.

I have a 5D and bigma so I need to find a way in CS2 away to start reducing the light falloff.

[Wilt]

<<i've just upgraded to the "Premium" myself..... how do you find it as compared to Essentials?>>

The ability to batch process is terrific productivity gain. And the ability to copy adjustments from one photo to others is also a great productivity gain. Not sure any more what new features in RSP vs. RSE, but their web site lists the advantages of RSP.

[Mike R]

I had been using ACR within PSE4 and just recently tried RawShooter Premium, RSP has Curves which ACR is lacking in the PSE4 version. I like my results much more with RSP and will not use ACR anymore, The Curves feature makes all the difference. THe program is a bargain on line and you can download a 15 free trial.

[Kadath]

I love Raw Shooter Premium but cant wait for lightroom.

[msad1217]

I love Raw Shooter Premium but cant wait for lightroom.

The windows version of lightroom should be coming out very soon as the Beta 3 for Mac is about to be released.

For me, I have been using Lightroom for a couple of months. It has pretty much replaced C1 Pro on my workflow. As far as I am concerned, Lightroom is a dodge and burn, heal and patch away from being perfect for my needs.

I agree with someone saying that aperture is a GPU hog to be specific. I have a 2.3ghz dual core G5 with 2.5gb of ram. Just got it last week. But I can't use aperture with it as I chose the stock graphics card when I bought my mac. If I want aperture to work properly I needed to spend an additional $400 for a graphics card.

[EOSAddict]

Looking forward to trying Lightroom on Windows too - but I love RSP - hardly touch PSE now. Curves/levels, levelling, croping, downloading/renamein, proofing are all in RSP. Plus I find the interface really intuitive (but I can see how not to everyone's taste).

[Brian Puccio]

I agree with someone saying that aperture is a GPU hog to be specific. I have a 2.3ghz dual core G5 with 2.5gb of ram. Just got it last week. But I can't use aperture with it as I chose the stock graphics card when I bought my mac. If I want aperture to work properly I needed to spend an additional $400 for a graphics card.

I have been using Lightroom on a MacBook (intergrated) graphics and haven't had any problems. I assume then that I would have a problem if I were to purchase Aperature? (I really wish they had a demo some place)

[msad1217]

I have been using Lightroom on a MacBook (intergrated) graphics and haven't had any problems. I assume then that I would have a problem if I were to purchase Aperature? (I really wish they had a demo some place)

A lot of users who has Aperture on their MBP only use it for simple adjustments on the field. On my PB 15" 1.5ghz, I prefer to use PS and Lightroom.

I am hoping Beta 3 of LR includes spot, patch, heal, etc.. Beta 2 is set to expire June 30.

As far as a demo is concerned, the Apple Store on 5th Ave, New York is open 24 hours a day. Unless of course you meant a downloadable demo.

[Brian Puccio]

Yeah, I'd rather download something and play with it for a week or so, rather than drag a CF card full of images to the store. Thanks, though!

[RedWingNut]

I'm a RawShooter Professional (RSP)person. I like the way it works, and it offers some better features to me than ACR did in PSCS. I think RSP is worth the money over the freebie version RawShooter Elements (RSE)

[oni0n56]

I use lightroom and its great. Recommend it for all of you who like pcs2 (and who are on a mac..)

[coolopticks]

First, I shoot exclusively in Raw.
Second, I use DXO Optics...It's wonderful to accelerate your work !


Another vote here for DxO Optics Pro. RAW converter plus a whole lot more. Definitely the easiest way to automate processing of things like pincushioning, vingnetting, CA and purple fringing.

[coolopticks]

The approach of DxO is quite scientific. I downloaded its tryout version but at my level could not really se any point in going to all the details of tweaking distortion according to the lens profiles which DxO can do. You are the first one I've encountered who is actually using DxO.

What I find is that I'm often tempted to use the "advanced" modes with DxO. But really the automated adjustments based on lens and camera (plus some manual intervention for white balance) is almost all that I ever need for a good exposure. With exposure adjustments, I'm often going to the curves tool, etc. Or in the case of CA or purple fringes, I'll go in and turn that on. But the fully automatic mode is really an eye opener. (Especially clicking back and forth between the original and the adjusted version. Sometimes it just wows me.)

Personally I find the biggest weakness in DxO to be its noise filtering, in high ISO images. But to me that hasn't been a showstopper.

[Marloon]

In the past, I used Photoshop, and Aperture. Since i have a crippled macbook (Early 2006 version), editing RAW pictures was a pain in the butt as PS CS2 wouldnt accept CR2 Raw Files. I couldnt upgrade to CS3 as i had to update to Leopard. So then i turned to Aperture. Aperture is not user friendly. Once i found out about Lightroom (LR), i have never turned back. I find that Lightroom gives me the best performance for my macbook. I edit ALL of my RAW and JPEG pictures in Lightroom. Its a really light program to use. If you have an older computer, you will find that LR will give you optimal performance with little or no lag.

You can also find user presets online. Its really great. and the import function is great too. It sorts it in dates. :D

[Jim M]

I tried the free trial of DxO and really liked it to a point. A have to process large quantities of images and as I did more and more, it got just hinky as all get out. It seemed to have some limit of how many images it would do before I had to restart it. I've been using DPP lately. It's OK, but I wish I could fix horizons with it. That would save me tons of time.

[pknight]

Wow! Talk about rising from the dead! I didn't realize how old this thread was until I saw someone recommending ACR 2.3!

[Sorarse]

Photoshop ACR for me.

[dradb]

UFRaw will import RAWs directly into GIMP.
RAW Therapee is a free RAW editor.
Sagelight is best because unlike most RAW editors, it edits in 16 bit, avoiding quality degradation during edits. It has some great features.

[hollis_f]

Zombie thread alert!