Who uses Bibble and why?

[2tcreative]

I use Photoshop CS2 for my post-processing. I use Camera Raw for all my raw conversion. I downloaded Lightroom and played with it awhile, but still looking at other post-processing applications for raw conversion.

Anyone use Bibble? If so, what are it strengths and weaknesses?

Any other preferences for raw conversion? I currently shoot a Canon 20d and getting a 40d as well.

[janetg]

i'm a former bibble user - and it was the only conversion software i used before lightroom came out. haven't touched it since..

i think one of it's strength's is definitely batch processing and the clearview function - weakness? ability to tweak the image easily - UI is a bit clunky, cropping is a pain

[Wil_Bloodworth]

I used to use Bibble almost exclusively but since LightRoom, I use it much less... and now that LR 2.0 works natively on 64-bit Vista and takes advantage of multiple-core CPUs, I won't be using Bibble much anymore.

However, I really loved it (Bibble) much more than any other RAW converter. It is extremely fast and easy to use. I mostly used it to process large amounts of image files... for sports. It allowed me to get done 50% (or more) faster than with another processor. So, I do like it but am now too used to LR in order to keep using it (much). I still fire it up every now and then.

I agree completely with what Janet said.

- Wil

[Anthony Martinez]

I use it largely because it was the only acceptable solution for a RAW workflow in Linux. It got bonus points from me for being fully cross platform. I now use it because it is what I am used to, and getting the exact results I want is quick and easy. It does chew through RAM like a shark in bloody water, but it gets the job done, and gets it done very fast. I've also got Photoshop CS3, but don't care for Camera Raw much at all - I rarely use PS for anything, typically the entire job happens in Bibble.

[rickm]

I just purchased Bibble for my raw workflow. I played around with both Lightroom and Bibble and decided to go that way because:
a) true cross platform support with explicit licensing to allow multiple installs if used only one at a time.
b) fast conversion
c) great batch processing
d) Perfectly Clear - really useful when doing snapshots, etc where you want to quickly improve the photos without the time to hand manipulate
e) easy editing of multiple photos at the same time with simultaneous editing or copy and paste of settings
f) decent number of 3rd party plugins to enhance the functionality
g) noise ninja noise reduction
h) about 1/2 the cost of lightroom

Negatives I have run into are:
1) UI is not as nice looking and sometimes a high learning curve - this looks like it is going to change in B5 which is currently a free upgrade if purchased now.
2) stability - some times dealing with large numbers of photos or if you have too many things going on at the same time - this is also supposed to be much improved in B5
3) no change history or last step undo - you have to do it manually or go back to the "as shot" setting (removing all changes) - again supposed to be in B5

[bgpro611]

I've been useing Bibble for 2 years or so for raw conversion only. I find fast and easy to use. Noise Ninja is a great added benifit IMHO

[JaertX]

Another former Bibble user here. I like it just fine, but batch processing a whole wedding with it is a pain. It does great on noise removal (NN) and renders skin tones beautifully, but not so great on handling blown highlights (pink rimmed clouds anyone?) Now I use Bridge and ACR, but still have my Bibble license in case I want to use it.

[PhotoByMark]

I bought Bibble cause LR was so slow on my old machine. Bibble was nice raw processor and is very fast for doing large batches. I have a new PC with Vista 64 and LR2 works great now. Still waiting to try Bibble 5 - Is is out yet? Been waiting for a long time now...

[rickm]

No, Bibble 5 is not out yet but they have announced it will be released before the year's end. It definitely looks like an improvement in the UI as well as functionality. I'm looking forward to it as well.

[PhotoByMark]

Thanks Rick.

I know I have received several emails related to the release of 5 but last I had checked it was still not out. No rush for me, as I have more than enough photo processing tools to play with.

[Ahh!]

I use Bibble now and have been for over a year. I have no need to run LR, although I have a copy. If you buy Bibble now, then the next version will be a free upgrade according to their website.

I like the speed of Bibble, and the efficiency of the CPU utilization. Nothing will process raws faster. Yes, the UI needs some work, but it is still faster to use. Noise handling is outstanding and easiest to use! Click white is accurate item to item. Sharpening is fast. Sometimes, when critical, I will use CS3 and Ron Nicols for sharpening. Perfectly Clear is excellent for one button picture "pop". And the Fill slider and very intuitive. Highlight recovery processing, when coupled with exposure adjustment is fast and reasonable. Copying the healing brush for sensor dust across all images is Fast! I am looking for more improvements in the new version and don't expect to use LR much. I use it to process 99% of my workload and don't ever present camera-produced jpgs any more, even as proofs.

The other reason I like Bibble is the batches you set up are flexible as to location of final files. Just stop and restart Bible, and the output locations reset. All my forum posts now are resized, then sharpened after the resizing using Bibble.