RAW Files

[Pete's prints]

I am intrested in finding out what would be the best program for working with RAW files/images? I am using Canon Digital Pro at this time. But know there must be more out there. I would appricate any info or suggestions anyone may have. Thanks in advance.

[Paulo]

I've heard great things so far with Bridge on PS CS3. For my shooting style, I've been very satisfied using Adobe Lightroom ($199-250) for my RAW conversion/processing. I've used Bridge on PS CS2 and really liked it but just had more stuff than I plan on ever using.

[Pete's prints]

Thanks for the info, I have read a little on Bridge. I am still in the stone age (Using PS 7). I will have to do some more reading. Thanks!

[sbp]

I uses Canon's DPP.

[Paulo]

It really depends on your processing style. If you're happy with PS7, Adobe Lightroom is a great stand alone program that's worth looking into. Here's the link for their 30-day trial program if you're interested:

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

[Wes]

I know that ACR has worked well for a lot of people here, but I didn't find it very intuitive and had some struggles. I have been very happy with Bibble Pro (http://www.bibblelabs.com/index.html) If you want to learn more about it go to the site and click the "Learn" link in the top right corner. Download the 4 QuickTime instructional videos and you'll see how easy it is to use. I was productive within 5 minutes after installing the software. One nice feature is that it comes with Noise Ninja built in. Batch processing and conversion is a snap.

That's my .02 cents.

[JohnT]

The new Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) simply rocks in my opinion. The previous version, I didn't really care for so I used Lightroom (LR) or Canon Digital Photo Professional when necessary. If I need to turn out a large batch of images quickly, especially for client review, I still use LR. However, ACR is my go-to program.

[MarcoLaino]

Take a look at Capture One Pro from Phase One the makers of medium format digital backs. It also works well with 35MM DSLRs and is the defacto software used for high-end digital capture.

It's a little challenging to learn, but once you get the hang of it, is a powerful program. And, knowing Capture One Pro (well) would allow you to double as a digital tech, if you are so inclined.

Best, Marco

[FreshPhotography]

I use Bridge + RAW presets that I purchased from a photographer, do about 3/4ths of my post-process work right in Bridge, opening only the ones that need something special (a little more crop, a stray hair removed, etc.) over in CS2. It has really made my post-processing so much faster. I love it! From Bridge, I convert to JPG to upload to my printer, and I'm done. Fast!

[ClearfliteCharles]

Thanks for this post. I am giving Lightroom a try. I also have old PS7. C.

[Gordeez]

I use Adobe Bridge to view em, and ACr
to edit them and work on them.
If my Mac wasnt out of date, Id run Lightroom.

[Clint_Smith]

I use Capture One Pro.

[AndrewCCM]

I am using Lightroom mainly these days...along with ACR... Lightroom will be great once it goes through a few revisions IMO. I am using 3GB RAM and still have to shut down the program every hour or so due to "OUT OF MEMORY" errors.. I am thinking that my catalog size is contributing...but regardless...It bugs me. I do get a lot processed in LR without any need for PS...I also like the WEB flash exports too.

[Dokk]

All of the above are fine products and in most cases you should get great results with any of them. However, I have seen on some Canon and Nikon RAW files, the corresponding manufacturer's software actually gets a better final product. The reason for this is that a camera maker's RAW data format is proprietary information and ACR. Lightroom, Phase One and the like have to, at some point, reverse engineer or take very educated guesses at how to handle that data and the results are not quite the same as the camera maker who knows exactly how to achieve the best result with the data format that they invented. I've seen this especially in a Canon and ACR. The differences are minute but can be seen.

[darktiger]

I am using Capture One and loving it...