DSLR owners: what software do you use for RAW processing?

[NTB]

Just wondering. I moved to Vista-x64 a few weeks ago and have been in the process of re-installing software, and am debating what to use...I've got a couple of choices:

Canon's own DPP, which came with my Rebel XTi

Bibble labs version 4x, which I've tried before and do like...but do I go with lite, or Pro?

Paintshop Pro has raw-editing facilities too, though I admit I haven't messed with those much.

Photoshop does too, but I don't have the money for a new copy of CS3 (I think that's what they're up to now? )

And I'm sure there are a few more that I've forgotten

The reason I haven't just bought a copy of Bibble is because I'm not sure which one to get...how much of a difference would the multi-threaded Pro version make on a Core2 based system? And while I'm thinking about it, are there any issues that I should be aware of concerning running any of these programs under 64-bit Windows?

Nathan

 

[corkyg]

I started using Pixmantec's Rawshooter back in 2006. Since then, it was acquired by Adobe and is incorporated in their RAW capable software. But, Rawshooter Elements is still available as a free download.

RAW

Never used Bibble - the Canon ware works OK. RAW is not something I use often with a FF Canon 5D, where my normal output is used for DVD slideshows.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I started using Pixmantec's Rawshooter back in 2006. Since then, it was acquired by Adobe and is incorporated in their RAW capable software. But, Rawshooter Elements is still available as a free download.

RAW

Never used Bibble - the Canon ware works OK. RAW is not something I use often with a FF Canon 5D, where my normal output is used for DVD slideshows.

I used RSE for quite a while, too. It's no longer updated though, is it?

Nathan

 

[Brainonska511]

I first started shooting in jpeg only. Around October/November of last year, I downloaded the 30 day trial of Lightroom and got the education discounted one a month later. I've been using Lightroom (v1.4) ever since.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
I first started shooting in jpeg only. Around October/November of last year, I downloaded the 30 day trial of Lightroom and got the education discounted one a month later. I've been using Lightroom (v1.4) ever since.

No education discount for me Been out of school for a couple years.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Bibble Pro. Both Adobe and Lightroom have definite quality issues when dealing with A700 RAW files. Bibble does not. Made the choice simple for me.

ZV

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Bibble Pro. Both Adobe and Lightroom have definite quality issues when dealing with A700 RAW files. Bibble does not. Made the choice simple for me.

ZV

I don't own a Sony / Minolta camera, but that's still good to know. Thanks for the warning.

 

[Deadtrees]

Lightroom2 is 64 bit and it works more than great.

Zenmervolt, can you elaborate those 'definite quality issues'?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
Lightroom2 is 64 bit and it works more than great.

Zenmervolt, can you elaborate those 'definite quality issues'?

They come up at ISO 800 and above, Lightroom/ACR has issues with "watercolor" results on A700 files. Basically, ACR/Lightroom apply additional noise reduction in the conversion process at high ISO that cannot be turned off (even with the NR sliders set at "0", the NR is still applied).

Personally, I think that the best quality for the A700 is reached using Raw Therapee and the AHD conversion method, but Bibble has much better workflows and the slight tradeoff was acceptable IMO.

Note in the link below that Raw Therapee uses the same engine as Raw Photo Processor, but is for Windows instead of MacOS. Also, note that while other examples have color noise reduction enabled, there is no NR whatsoever in the Bibble example.

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/...-seven-raw-processors/

EDIT: To be fair, the problem is specific to the A700 and does not apply to other cameras that I know of.

ZV

 

[jpeyton]

I use Lightroom 2 (ACR 4.5) day-to-day. Capture NX2 is the best Nikon RAW processor, but I only use it for the occasional "extra-special" photos.

 

[IeraseU]

Nikcn NX2

 

[foghorn67]

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS3
If it's something for print, I'll adjust colors and sharpness in Canon DPP.
DPP will get the most accurate color out of Canon RAW files. It also sharpens up pics like nothing else. And it does so without fuss.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I use Lightroom 2 (ACR 4.5) day-to-day. Capture NX2 is the best Nikon RAW processor, but I only use it for the occasional "extra-special" photos.

I do the Lightroom v1 part, but I suppose that's how it should be done: Lightroom for most things, Capture NX2 + Photoshop for top-level work.

 

[Deinonych]

Photoshop CS2 here.

 

[JDub02]

Lightroom and Photoshop.

Thinking about upgrading Lightroom 1.x to 2.

Don't use RAW too often, though. I pretty much shoot JPG on my D40.

 

[randomlinh]

Heh, I guess I'll be the first to chime in w/ Aperture+Photoshop. I just can't get the hang of Lightroom after using Aperture. That and I don't want to move everything over.

 

[OdiN]

Lightroom, then CS3 for any major edits.

 

[jamesbond007]

Echoing most everyone elses' comments, it's Lightroom (version 2, 64-bit) and then into Photoshop CS3. I use CS3 on every photo for high-pass sharpening, various coloring actions, and any kind of slight WB and color tweaking.