RAW converters

[elmoslate]

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Greetings!

I just found out that the C1 software that came bundled with my gently used M, is non-transferable from the original owner. The rep from Phase One advised me to purchase my own copy of v.5 for US$129. Before I do that, I wanted to get the advice of experienced shooters and find out if I should stick with C1 or go with another raw converter. Alternatively, I remember burning a copy of Rawshooter Essentials when it was still available but never installing it. I know RSE became Lightroom after Adobe bought it, but does anyone know if RSE can process DNG files before I started rummaging through boxes? Much appreciated!

paul

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[Goombah6]

Try downloading IRFANVIEW. It is free software, and if you download the DNG plug-in, it will readily convert the raw files from your camera into a number of different formats. I started out with that approach, but eventually decided to purchase LR2. Still trying to get used to that and the best workflow...

 

---Dave

[hx911]

I use Aperture (on a Mac) - for me the ideal tool. tried C1, Lightroom, Photoshop but found Aperture easiest to use and it does what I need (want).

[elmoslate]

Thanks both. I d/l'ed LR3 beta to try out until it expires at end of June and go from there.

[john_j]

Paul-

 

If you bought your M8 from a Leica dealer, I would suggest you go back and see if an accommodation can be made.

If not, Lightroom 3.0 beta is more superior in processing RAW images than Capture I, especially in noise reduction at higher ISO's. I do not like its (LR) method of bringing in images; I prefer to manage from Bridge. This is a sticky point for me.

 

Photoshop CS5 is around the corner and its RAW processing engine should be the same as LR 3. That's what I'm waiting for.

 

Just an opinion from a guy who will never give up b & w from the "wet" darkroom.

 

Best,

[jaapv]

It is debatable whether LR 3 is "better " than C1-5 at RAW conversion imo. Anyway, it is a game of leapfrog anyway, so we can be sure that C1-6 will be better still - etc.

[Jamie Roberts]

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If you can get C1 v5 for $129, forget the other options and go for it. For the m8, especially, you won't be sorry you did (and come to that, for the M9 I still far prefer C1 over LR, even the beta).

[microview]

If you can get C1 v5 for $129, forget the other options and go for it. For the m8, especially, you won't be sorry you did (and come to that, for the M9 I still far prefer C1 over LR, even the beta).

 

Wish I could agree: C1 easier to work with but M9 images superior from LR IMHO:D. In any case OP can trial Capture One 5 without having to pay first!

[Chroma project]

If you can get C1 v5 for $129, forget the other options and go for it. For the m8, especially, you won't be sorry you did (and come to that, for the M9 I still far prefer C1 over LR, even the beta).

 

Very true indeed.

[Jamie Roberts]

Wish I could agree: C1 easier to work with but M9 images superior from LR IMHO:D. In any case OP can trial Capture One 5 without having to pay first!

 

Yes, well, we totally disagree on this But I'll wait for my final say till LR beta is actually released.

[Clemgill]

Hi,

 

Picasa3 (Google) reads DNG files too and is free.

 

Gilles.