Capture One vs. Photoshop CS workflow questions

[OversighT]

This post is going to be heavy in questions so brace yourself. If these questions have all been asked before please point me in the right direction...I searched the forums, but this post includes a situation that I think is unique to me...

So I just got finished watching the video manual for the WhiBal white balancing cards (http://www.whibal.com) and Michael Tapes went through a lot of examples with Capture One and now I'm all confused about which software would fit best into my work flow :?

Currently I shoot only JPG. I've played with RAW a bit, but after watching Michael and his use of WhiBal and Capture One to correct color problems (I know I've definitely had a few of those and just tossed the photos) I think I need to start shooting RAW and extending my workflow to take advantage of the corrections I can make in post processing my photos.

If I decide to make the switch I now have software to consider. I have a licensed copy of PS Elements 3 which I've pretty much stopped using in favor of PS 7 (mainly because PSE doesn't support actions which I thought it did when I purchased it). PS CS2 provides better RAW support and updated noise reduction abilities, but because I don't have a valid license for PS 7 the upgrade from PSE 3 would cost $499 (OUCH!!).

So, Capture One LE looks MUCH more appealing because of the cost ($99). The major limitation I see to C1 is that the LE version will only batch process 20 images at a time. Does CS2 have a similar limitation? My hunch is no, but I haven't downloaded the trial version yet.

C1 would change my workflow to the following:
1. Import from CF card to YYYY.MM.DD FOLDERDESCRIPTION/RAW directory
2. Open RAW files in Capture One
3. Choose those I would like to edit and save into TIFF directory (maybe create low res JPGs of all for the wife to look at)
4. Open TIFF files in PS 7 to complete editing (crop, run filters/actions, etc.)
5. Save sized down copies for the web in JPG folder

Would having to deal with 2 different programs be a pain in the butt? Maybe...I'm not sure since I currently do everything in JPG in PS 7, but I'm interested in finding out what software y'all use (using the poll) and how you use it. If you shoot RAW, please post a reply as well and say what you like about the software you use and what you like/dislike about your workflow. I'd like to have as much information as possible before making a decision and your experience will definitely help me.

I'm planning on downloading and installing the trial versions of both Capture One and CS2 next week (I'm going on a trip this weekend so it has to wait) to get a feel for the software myself, but the collective experiences of our forum members will greatly help me get a bigger picture of the pros and cons of the software.

Many thanks to everyone who responds.


T.

[Bartman01]

Personal opinion: Don't download both trials at once. Do them one at a time. That way you don't run out of time before you get them both fully auditioned.

I don't have true professional workflow needs, but PSCS (and now PSCS2) has everything that I *need* in one place. Don't discount the ability to do it all in one package. The reason most people run multiple programs is that they haven't found one that fits their total workflow needs. For example, I would probably not rely on PSCS2 at this point as an easy to access inventory of all of my images. I would need a second tool for that - and there doesn't seem to be a heads up winner in that category right now.

[LoungeLizard]

I've tried Capture One after seeing someone use it - gave up on it since I had PSCS and didn't want the extra step.

RAW converters are religion - some swear by one, some swear at one. I've seen comparisons. I'm not advanced enough to do the tests myself, but one of my co-workers and I were recently talking about it (he's been in photography for about ten years.) He said he's got C1, PSCS, and Raw Essentials. Each is different. Each gives him different results. Each is good. Each is bad. He doesn't use just one - but sometimes converts the image using all three and then decides which to keep.

He did say that PSCS gives the most pleasing skin tones (he does mostly portrait work.) He emphasized they're not the most
To me, I've been pleased with PSCS.realistic but they are the most pleasing.

I use PSCS simply because it was the best fit in my workflow - and I didn't want to spend the extra money on additional software.

Not sure if this answered your question, but you can certainly use the whitebal stuff with PSCS (my friend does...)

[OversighT]

Originally Posted by Bartman01

Personal opinion: Don't download both trials at once. Do them one at a time. That way you don't run out of time before you get them both fully auditioned.

Good suggestion...I have a little time tonight so I'm going to install CS2 and play with it (I'll have 30 days). After that (or just after I get a feel for what I like/dislike about CS2) I can try Capture One.

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

I've tried Capture One after seeing someone use it - gave up on it since I had PSCS and didn't want the extra step.

That's what I'm afraid of as well...wasting the money on a separate piece of software and then just ponying up the money for CS2 anyway. I'm not discounting a single software package handling everything, but $99 vs. $499 is a huge arguement...especially when I'd rather spend the money on new glass. I'll just have to play with the software and see how it goes. I'm planning on taking a few photos at the zoo tomorrow in RAW to run it through the updated workflow with CS2 when I get back.


Thanks for the responses guys.


T.