Software for working with RAW-format files?

[NTB]

Just wondering. I've been trying to help a friend find one, since the Nikon D40x he just bought apparently doesn't come with any. Who's brilliant idea was that?

Anyway...I know there are a bunch of different programs that can handle RAW files, and I suppose they all have their own merits: There's Photoshop & Lightroom from Adobe, Phase One's Capture One, Nikon's own Capture NX, and I believe newer versions of Corel's Paintshop Pro can handle raw files as well. Have I missed any? Also, assuming someone already has a general image editor such as Photoshop, Paintshop, the GIMP, etc., what reasons are there for recommending any one of the RAW-specific programs over another? I realize this is a matter of oppinion, but I'd like to find out what some of the differences are between these programs.

Personally, I downloaded bibble's free trial just to give it a shot, and so far, I like it. And it's only $70 to boot. I might actually buy this one myself. Other than that, all I have is Paintshop Pro and Canon's own ZoomBrowser/Digital Photo Pro software that came with my Rebel XT.

Nathan

 

[Brainonska511]

I was using the trial (which is the full version for 30 days) of Lightroom and a I really liked using that; If you're a student, you can get it for 1/3 the cost through Adobe's academic store or you might be able to get it from a college bookstore for even less if they have a special agreement with Adobe. I've used the basic Canon stuff too that came with my XT, but it's really limiting and a bit confusing to use.

I liked Lightroom because of all the ways that you can adjust a photo; how it tracks all of your changes and you can revert to any change at any point in time. Also, how you can easily create different groups and some various other things. I'm sure there is more to the program than I've seen too.

 

[soydios]

I have Lightroom as well (I bought it with a student discount). It's great. All the basic adjustments are there. It's only for touching up images, however. Photoshop still has all the heavy duty tools for editing images, though nothing comes close to the ease at which you can batch process in Lightroom.

 

[corkyg]

I have had good results with RawShooter by Pixmantec - but they were acquired by Adobe. So, check that out.

RAW

Looks like it was folded into Lightroom.