newbie software and pp questions

[LDB]

First an apology for what is probably duplication. I'm working on the search as well as just reading back but perhaps there are new thoughts to share with new versions. OK, I'm getting a D300 at the end of the week. Until now I've been a p/s type hiding behind a dslr. I've always just used jpeg. I'm planning to set the 300 to do RAW and jpeg. That gives me the safety net and instant share ability of jpeg plus RAW to play with and learn with. Considering my current knowledge level for RAW is about -3 on a 1-10 scale I need advice on what software to use.

I'm looking for SIMPLE but capable. I won't ever be a pro making my living from this. I'll be the dad/granddad annoying the family with too many photos as well as the guy recording scenery etc. etc. so I don't need a $xxxx priced mega package. I don't mind paying for a product if it's the best option for my needs.

Also, if there's someone in the Houston area that uses the package and wouldn't mind someone watching from the sidelines I'd love to observe someone that knows what they're doing putting images through the process from start to finish.

[Graydon]

I've use ACDSee Pro 2 for some RAW processing and I like it. I cannot compare it to anything else since I've never used anything else... but it has worked for me.

[kenw]

Leo, many folks are going to recommend Photoshop (PS) or one of the many variants of that. The problem I have with PS is that while incredibly powerful, the vast majority of the functions are available for a lot less $$. The biggest issue with Photoshop is that it does have a significant learning curve. Unless you are using it a lot and almost daily, the learning curve can be frustrating.

I use PaintShop Pro (PSP), and while it does have limitations, it does have all of the most-used features of PS, in a package that worst case costs around $100 and often less, and is much, much easier to learn. It supports the RAW files, layers and all the usual suspects. Any editing software has a learning curve, so don't expect miracles on day 1 with any package.

I have been using PSP since before digital cameras were affordable (in my case by using scanned images), and there is a significant users' support network out there (as there is on most editors).

[LDB]

I definitely won't be using it every day so I need one that doesn't require constant use to be competent. I won't even consider the phrase to master since I don't expect to do that. I just want the option to work with RAW images if one of the jpegs isn't suitable. I'll put PSP on the suspect list along with ACDSee.

[kenmyers70]

I also use PSP and find that it provides excellent bang for the buck. It does have some limitations but these are not showstoppers.

[CaptainTom]

Here are a couple of FREE programs that may work for you.

Google's Picassa

I just read about a brand new program from Adobe that is Free, but I can't recall the name. I'll add it when I think of it.

A very powerful and not too hard program to learn is Lightroom. You can get the educational version for under $100. Search here for lightroom educational and you'll find a long thread about it. They have a free downloadable sample program (30 days?)

[erisian pope]

My camera's a canon, but it came with it's own RAW processing software called DPP (digital photo pro). Your Nikon will probably come with software, too. DPP is very powerful and I seldom used Photoshop anymore other than to add borders.

[Dakinetx]

Leo,
I use Lightroom and CS3 (with D300).
Lightroom is one of THE best software programs for digital photographers EVER produced. The learning curve to use (rather than master) it is not bad at all. In fact much is VERY intuative!
If it's soooo good why do I have/use CS3? Well, MUCH cannot be accomplished in LR, like touching up skin, cloning (although LR can do somthing like) etc. However, if you don't need these, ya don't need em!
Lightroom is built to be like a "film" users Darkroom and gets ya from import, to develop to print and or web.
I work from home but you are welcome to come check it all out if ya want, us "addicts" need to stick together :)
But, I would download the trial (ver.2) and play. It really is a revolution!

[Mycin]

I've used PaintShop Pro for years (thru version 8), and it was always a good product. However, when I decided to set up a color-managed workflow, I needed to upgrade to a later version to get color management. I downloaded the X2 trial to see how well the color space support worked. The program crashed every time I tried to bring up the color management window. I contacted support and was informed that they couldn't help me until I purchased the software. Since I wasn't willing to purchase it until I was sure color management worked as expected, I uninstalled the demo and moved on.

I'm currently using Photoshop Elements, and it does pretty much everything I need to do, but not always with the level of control I'm used to from PSP.

I downloaded the demo version of LightZone and really like what I've seen of it. I plan on purchasing it later in the year (after a few other priorities are taken care of). Give it a trial and see if you like using it.

Note that I don't have a DSLR, and so can't speak to how well any of these packages work on RAW files. They all have trial versions you can download. I highly recommend doing so to see which works best for you.

[3n-Out]

I'll get into this converstation. As I speak only for myself and my opinion only! That's my legal disclaimer.. LOL

I use Photoshop CS and every photo I post goes through an extensive processing routine. I do however use DPP to convert my RAW File into TIFF and export it to Photoshop then edit it. Some heavily some very lightly and that all depends on my vision.

You should shoot in RAW unless you are a very good photog. Things can be fixed so much easier in a RAW file the JPG.

Thanks...

[Debbi]

Bibble is also another option for a much lower pricetag than CS3 (and pretty easy to use). I'm not sure if this is still the case but when I bought my D300 it came with Captuture NX, which is yet another less expensive option.

[kenmyers70]

Up until a couple of days ago, I also used DPP to do my RAW editing. With the recent arrival of Lightroom, I will never go back. DPP seems very primitive now! I'm still keeping PSP X around for a bit longer.

[barP]

lightroom: $300 and very, very good for what you probably want to do.

photoshop elements: $100 and also very good.

nikon capture: i think it comes with the camera for free. if it's like canon digital photo pro it will let you do some very, very basic editing.

wp.

[venchka]

Adobe Lightroom. I'm the dad/granddad of my clan. Lightroom does everything I need to do with 35mm, 6x7, 4x5 AND digital originals.

Don't waste memory making the JPEG in camera. Good RAW convertors (Lightroom again) will spit out print ready JPEGs or web ready JPEGs in a flash.

[LDB]

The reason I was going to do both is because anyone (kids, dad, sister) could just copy the jpg file off the card without having to go through my pc to convert first.