What Raw Converter do you recommend?

[Marburg]

I have a Canon Rebel XSi 450D. The raw files are CR2. I don't like the DPP program that comes with the system. I have Photoshop CS2 and Bibble. Does anyone know of a really good converter for CR2 Canon files that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I would love to get a newer version of Photoshop but can't afford to right now.

[texkam]

I use Adobe Camera raw in PS, but here's some info.
dcraw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
RawTherapee - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scarab Darkroom

[d2creative]

Lightroom. You can download a 30 day full working trial.

[Marburg]

Thanks. I'll check out those. My problem is for some reason my Photoshop CSII doesn't recognize the Adobe Camera Raw that is supposed to work for Canon CR2. I don't know why.

[Marburg]

Thanks. I'll give that one a try also.

Originally Posted by d2creative

Lightroom. You can download a 30 day full working trial.

[princer7]

I really like Lightroom.... I converted from using Adobe Bridge that comes with Photoshop. The same sliders are there for tweaking RAW files but allows quick use of filters/effects and plug-ins.. as well as printing.

[texkam]

Lightroom is great but after 30 days Adobe would like your arm and leg. : )

[Marburg]

Hmm...that could be a problem. I already gave my other arm and leg for the camera and lenses. :-D

Originally Posted by texkam

Lightroom is great but after 30 days Adobe would like your arm and leg. : )

[d2creative]

It's only $299.
That's not bad at all for it's capabilities and it's all the average person needs for initial download, organization, keywording, processing, retouching, cropping, printing, sharing, creating web galleries and even photo books. And as you know it's all non-destructive to the original raw files.
Plus you can add on payed or free plugins to expand it's capabilities even further.
Great choice imho for someone that doesn't already have another good photo editing software/suite.

[Tom]

Lightroom.

[DoublyDan]

I say Lightroom.

to solve your problem you may have to go manually download the new Adobe camera Raw plugin and replace the one that exists in CS2...the instructions are on Adobe website....this is probably due to when CS2 came out your camera did not yet exist on the market. If you have already done this swap out for the plugin then I would just buy lightroom...Its better anyway.

[Marburg]

Thanks. I downloaded the new Adobe camera Raw plugin but it said it was not compatible with CS2. I will try lightroom. I think I can get it for around $99.

[texkam]

....just an arm. Enjoy!

[Marburg]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I really appreciate it.

I'm going to try lightroom.

[DoublyDan]

Originally Posted by Marburg

Thanks. I downloaded the new Adobe camera Raw plugin but it said it was not compatible with CS2. I will try lightroom. I think I can get it for around $99.

What Raw plugin (the number) were you trying to install...I have one from April 5.7 I believe on my computer and am sure that I have some older ones copied on disc for archival purposes that may work...What version was installed that you tried to replace?

I thought that might be the case but wanted to explore all the avenues first. Lightroom is better, because it has all the controls of ACR but you can EASILY open all your RAW files at once as it is a database and editor all in one. If you are a student you may get a discount ... but honestly $300 is not bad for a top notch editor and database for your images...