Capture One Pro 8 vs Lightroom 5

I shot this video several months ago and it
created some controversy.

I still believe Capture One Pro 8 does a
better job at processing Raw image files.

Adobe Camera Raw is essentially the
same raw processing engine that is
used by Lightroom.

Has anyone else compared the two?

If so what are your thoughts?

I was curious and downloaded the trial (since I use LR5) and do notice a subtle but noticeable difference in the sharpness with the Capture One.

I'll have to use it and see how it works overall.

I downloaded the free trial version for Sony and liked what I was getting so I purchased the full Sony version for $30.00 usd. So far the only thing that I do not like is that the highlight and shadow recovery in the layer adjustment can only be used for recovery not both ways as in lightroom. I did not need any sharpening in the few raw files I edited so far with Capture One Pro.

The interface takes some getting used to.

I am going to create some video tutorials
next week, of a Portrait retouch.

I personally prefer the look of images
from Capture One Pro but some people
have a hard time making the switch.

Craig,

Thank you for posting your comparison and sharing your thoughts with us! I'm a wayward Aperture user that's looking for a new home and have been checking this forum often in hopes of seeing more comparisons of Capture One Pro and Adobe Lightroom. I've been chomping at the bit to see what others think. Yes, I'm aware that I can do free trials of both platforms, but I am traveling a ton right now on field trips and don't have the time to sit down and give both a proper evaluation. I certainly will before committing to a new editing platform, but in the meantime, I love to read the opinions of others. Please keep those opinions coming!

Thanks,
Bryan

I will post a link to a walk through video in a
few days.

I think most people find the interface a little
confusing at first.

I own Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw as well
and I tend to prefer the image quality from
Capture One Pro 8.

It depends a lot on your workflow as well, as to
which Software is the right choice for you.

Stay tuned...

Craig Beckta

Here is video one in my Phase One Pro 8
Tutorial Series.

I am also giving everyone free access to
the raw image so you can follow along.

Here is the first video that walks you
through using the interface.



I hope you find this Capture One Pro 8
tutorial series helpful.

Craig Beckta

A question about ACR, Capture One and Lightroom

I currently use CS5 which I believe has the 2010 ACR engine. I have read that 2012 (and beyond?) work better for RAW conversions.

PS CS5 cannot be upgraded beyond the 2010 ACR engine

I am presently considering signing onto Creative Cloud not for PS6, but just to have access to the newer RAW engine.

Phase One looks good, but $300 for Pro 8 is too expensive.

If I get a standalone of Lightroom, my only need would be using ACR to convert RAW, tweaking, then exporting back to PS CS5.

Questions:

1. Does Phase One ever put Capture One on sale?

2. Can I use Lightroom only for RAW conversion / tweaking and disable (or not use) other features such as cataloging?

(As a sidebar: this thread interested me so I investigated Capture One. Generally, reviews are positive and the app is recommended. However, consistent across the majority of reviews is that Capture One does not have a very intuitive interface, has a long learning curve, and is "different" to the point of confusion for some. So the tutorials offered by the OP would be great, plus if anybody is considering Capture One, you should also look into some sort of tutorials.)

I am an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscriber.

So I have the latest versions of Lightroom,
Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop.

I agree that Phase One's interface is different
than an Adobe product.

But for me, the image quality is superior.

I have no idea, if Capture One Pro 8 goes
on sale.

You will have to contact their support for that
one.

I subscribe to Capture One Pro 8 monthly.

I use both Capture One Pro 8 and Adobe
products on an almost daily basis, so it
make sense for me to own both.

Everyone has a different workflow, what ever
you feel comfortable with is probably your best
option.

Part 2 of my Capture One Pro 8 tutorial comes
out tomorrow.

Craig Beckta

Here is Part 2 in the Capture One Pro 8 Tutorial Series.



Part 3 coming soon.

Craig Beckta

Craig,

Thank you so much for creating these videos! What a great way to get a tour of Capture One Pro. It's especially helpful for those of us interested in the software, and especially for wayward Aperture users such as myself. I also enjoyed watching many of your other videos too.

Good stuff! I look forward to the next in the series.

Bryan

Thanks Bryan,

I will be releasing the next video in
the series, early next week.

Craig Beckta

P.S. I will be shooting a video with the
Mola Setti Soft Light reflector in a couple
of weeks.

I don't even own C1 yet, but I thank you nonetheless.

I know how much work goes into projects like this and your gift to other photographers is helpful and appreciated.

Thanks,

Craig Beckta

Picture North Carolina wrote in post #17431274
I don't even own Lightroom yet, but I thank you nonetheless.

I know how much work goes into projects like this and your gift to other photographers is helpful and appreciated.

I echo that.

I just switched from Aperture to C1... Very helpful!!! Looking forward to more.