New to using RAW files. Easiest to use, functional RAW software with no subscription?

Totally new to using RAW files. Easiest to use, functional RAW software with no subscription? I noticed some of the info here is pretty old. I don't mind purchasing retail software. Was looking at Elements and maybe Corel.

What brand of camera? If Canon, DPP RAW conversion software is usually included with the camera. The RAW convertors found in Elements and PaintShop Pro are typically not as robust as the RAW conversion of Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One.

Admittedly, this is a 9 year old comparison I did, on a severely underexposed error of mine...
https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=13474119

Its Canon and for some reason it doesn't like Windows 10 Pro. Typo earlier: The installed software is DPP 4.12.70 opens then shuts down a few seconds later. I tried both the included CD and software from Canon and unzipped it for installation.

The issue with Windows 10 Pro has some history behind it.

"I always used DPP 4.11 without problem, but few days ago windows10 did some updates by itself and as result, now any time i try to start DPP, i get an error message "Runtime error" : " this application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way- microsoft visual C++ runtime library".
I tryied to uninstall DPP and reinstall it few times,but I could'nt find a solution to make it start.
If someone had my same experience and maybe found the solution yet, please let me know."

Another user adds...

"I'm having the same problem as well when starting the DPP4, I get "Runtime Error! This application has requested runtime to terminate in an unusual way." I've tried reinstalling DPP4, booting in Safe Mode, update display drivers, deleting all the old Microsoft Visual C++ that didn't have "Repair" option and did the "Repair" for the ones that allowed me the repair option. I still get the same error."

Then someone else contributes

"I contacted Canon tech support and here's what I got, "Canon is currently aware of the run time error with DPP 4 and Windows 10. The issue occurred when Microsoft updated their .Net Framework and Canon is working with Microsoft to come up with a resolution to the issue however at this time I do not have an ETA of when this issue will be resolved"."... My biggest frustration at this time is, the same DPP4 v4.11.0 works just fine in two of my laptops running Windows 10 pro with the same latest OS updates, Canon go figure."

So it is obviously NOT you or your PC.

Then someone suggested a fix...

"I discovered a few things that may benefit some of us here. Immediately after a startup crash, deleting the Canon_Inc_IC folder in C:\ProgramData\ resolved the startup crash, not necessary to uninstall and reinstall DPP 4. Occasionally you may have to kill 'Digital Photo Professional 4' using the Windows Task Manager after a startup crash to ensure DPP 4 is not running in the background and then delete the aforementioned folder.

That said, I rolled back my computer to DPP 4 version 4.10.0.1 and EOS Lens Registration Tool version 1.10.0 that comes packaged with the DPP 4 version 4.10.0.1 installer from Canon site. Be sure to uninstall the exisiting versions of both these programs and then manually delete the Canon_Inc_IC folder in C:\ProgramData\ prior to the new installation - a reboot after uninstall wouldn't hurt, was not necessary for me. With this version of DDP 4, I have all my functions restored including the 'Add or Remove lens data' operation. I'm up and running now, touch wood. I hope this helps."

And someone else tried it...

"I deleted the Canon_Inc_IC folder and now the version 4.11.0.2 loads up well. First problem solved.

I checked and found that my Lens Registration Tool version is 1.7.10. For some reasons, even though it has been enabled [/] EF-S10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, I noticed that under the "Notes", it is not indicated as "supported". Some of my other lenses are listed here, except for the EF-S10-18mm. Even after I "delete" and "add" it back.

I could not find any latest version of the Lens Registration Tool when doing a search. Incidentally, the new version DDP4 crashed when I was clicking on the [Lens data] button to get the EF-S10-18mm "registered" as it mentioned "Lens data: not available".

So, now that the crash issue has been solved."

Good luck with this.

vision35 wrote in post #19136010
Its Canon and for some reason it doesn't like Windows 10 Pro. The software DPP 4.1.0 opens then shuts down a few seconds later. I tried both the CD and software from Canon and unzipped it for installation.

Try the latest version of DPP, which is 4.12.70 and see what happens.

Digital photo professional still not working even the newest version. Weird even did a command prompt system file scan and nothing wrong. Windows version 10.0.18363.1082 Its Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790 CPU @ 3.60GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s) has 16GB memory, 5 months ago upgraded to a brand new 4TB WD hard drive 7200 RPM. I could try adding a video card with memory I doubt thats the whole problem.
Now trying Corel paint shop free 2021 30 day trial. I used adobe elements 12 for a very long time. Elements 12 is just a few basic elements so comparing the two is somewhat unfair.
Corel paint shop free 2021 is pretty powerful but its tougher to get used to.
All of my images are JPEG and the Corel auto correct does pretty good and improved several under exposed images I personally couldn't correct easily using other software. It has lot of features and the undo feature works.
I'll have to take some RAW photos and see if it works before the 30 days is up.

Did you try deleting the Canon directory, as suggested in another thread on another forum, before loading the new version of DPP?

No I did try that and didn't appear to work for me. I hope the 2 software manufacturers figure it out and if they do let customers know.
Okay I'll try pulling everything do a full shut down and re-boot then re-install.
The Corel After Shot Pro 3 has quite a few settings or adjusters for RAW and seems good. It has a camera profiles but may be missing a few.
I got it the Microsoft store a few months ago pretty cheap on sale.

Running DPP 4.12.60.0 on Win 10 pro, version 2004 (build 19041.508). Works fine so far. I suppose you restarted the computer after uninstalling DPP. Might give mix-ups otherwise, from what some people say.

Installed DPP 4,12.70.0 to check if I can encounter your problem. Works too.

The only difference I can think of is.. I used a builders OEM operating system CD vs retail Win10 Pro. I pulled all of the Canon software minus the printer software. Fully powered down the computer and full re-booted then try installed from the Canon CD instead of un-zipping stuff. Wow. That's just disappointing and strange that the DPP4 screen opens for 5-10 seconds then poof. I guess I'll be stuck paying and using different software until I email technicians or support. I'll try installing a video card with its own memory next.

vision35 wrote in post #19135713
Was looking at Elements and maybe Corel.

Just FYI Elements is not a proper RAW editor (or at least wasn't when I last used it some years ago).

It had a cut down/crippled version of Adobe Camera Raw which only allows for limited RAW adjustment. For other edits you have to move to the (cut down) photoshop editor where most edits are limited to 8 bit file formats.

It's a nice package for someone shooting JPG and looking to organise and do a bit of editing but it basically eliminates the benefits of shooting RAW.

True very true. Its called elements for a reason for sure.
I found that The Corel After Shot Pro 3 has to the most RAW power and editing features.
The Corel Paint Shop Pro free trial very good for JPEG editing.
The Corel After Shot Pro 3 gets more serious about RAW files..
The Corel Paint Shop Pro software advertised the Corel After Shot Pro 3 its very nice.
I still need to learn how to read histograms and use all the other advanced stuff.
The Corel After Shot Pro3 is advertised as being very good without subscription.
The main differences between my oldest 2012 elements and the new 30 day free trial is a few extra features. But the editing power "appears to be similar."

I would still give one workaround a try before giving up.
See if you can run dpp4.exe in compatibility mode. Right-click the file, go to properties, choose the compatibility tab and see if you are being offered Win 7 or Win 8 instead of Win10.

I have not given up yet.
Not sure why but the DPP4 may not like the motherboards built-in video graphic card.
I'll try to double check the system requirement details in depth. The software opens for 5-10 seconds appears normal then poof it closes by itself.
A search pulled up this. Canon also strongly recommends using a graphics card by NVidia. Running Win 10 updates as well. I'll probably have to upgrade the power supply to add a graphics card with its own memory.

Win 10 Pro with the upgrade to 4.12.70.0 working fine. I am running an NVidia GeForce display adapter.

I think I can do the update on an older machine (not NVidia) a bit later in the day. I'll check back.