Raw software

What is the best software to use when editing RAW files? Currently I do not have zoom browser installed. I am using Adobe Bridge / Photoshop. Is that enough or should I install the Canon software on my computer? I just recently started shooting in raw..
Any advice or help would be great!

What's best is what you like. I use the (now unavailable) raw Shooter Pro from Pixmantec (absorbed by Adobe for LightRoom). Canon's Digital Photo Pro is very good if you happen to like the way it works. Give it a whirl before you spend on something else.

I use Photoshop/Bridge and never felt the need to use anything else. I'm sure others will tell you they have a different preferred workflow.

Mark

You could always try a trial version of Lightroom, but the problem is that if you really like it it'll cost you £200 to carry on.
If you're happy with your software and your workflow then just stick with it.

Adobe Lightroom.

Like Jon said, Raw converter software is a very personal thing. There are about two dozen different Raw converters around, each catering to different likes and dislikes. There is nothing to be done except to try out the ones that look like they might meet your personal needs. Or if you're happy with what you're already using, then just keep using it.

Best? DPP. Except for highlight recovery.
Easiest to work with: Very personal.

I use Lightroom myself, now.

DPP is good, but ACR is also good, as Rene said, its a personal choice... whatever gives you the results you want... (make sure you have latest version of ACR, also)

I had trouble with ACR, since its initial conversion was so far off for my camera... took alot of time, but finally have a calibration preset that gets me pretty close (still tweaking it)

DPP always did alot better for me, as far as initial conversion goes, but had the highlight recover problems Rene' mentioned.

There are only a few hundred threads on this subject.

It's a matter of personal preference. All of the converters are going to come very close to each other in the final conversion. It is a matter of getting used to their UI.

I personally still prefer Capture One Pro. Not cheap but definitely worth every penny in my book.

Just about all of them have the try before you buy programs. Give them a test and find one and stick with it to master all of its strengths.

I now use Lightroom but I used Capture One (C1) by Phase One before this.
As others have said, try them out and see how you get on with them, they all have free trials as far as I know.

If you decide to try Lightroom, as an accompanyment to Photoshop, you won't go back. The workflow ease (coupled with Bridge of course), the simple presets and the output management of LR are superior to DPP, ACR etc. What can't be done in LR (sharpening is an issue) can quickly be finished in PS.
Will you be making albums in the future? If so, most sites are ADOBE compatible (notice i said MOST).

psuphoto09 wrote in post #3216412
What is the best software to use when editing RAW files? Currently I do not have zoom browser installed. I am using Adobe Bridge / Photoshop. Is that enough or should I install the Canon software on my computer? I just recently started shooting in raw..
Any advice or help would be great!

What you have is plenty.
Cannon DPP is very good but not as many sliders as ACR. I'd say you are fine.
I really like DPP for my RAW though and then edit in Photoshop

I love Lightroom, at first I preferred Bibble, but Lightroom has won me over

Thanks all for your input. I d/led the trial of Lightroom and am loving it.
I think I am either going to go with Lightroom or Aperture.

Try Aperture 1.5.3. maybe, you will love it.

I tried LR, DPP, others and I never returned to them again after I bought Aperture 1.5.3

I use both Aperture 1.5.3. and PS, that's all I need.