Jump to content

Which RAW/DNG convertor?


Quintilianus

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Without a doubt C1 v3.77 extracts the most detail on screen from the M8 files, however that is only one part of the equation, the others being ease of use, image management, printing, webpage generation and so on.

 

I have a preference for Apples Aperture on the Mac platform as an all in one package, it's my comfort zone. But all the packages lightroom, Aperture, bibble, C1 are available at trial downloads usually 30 days. If you have a fast connection it makes the most sense to try them all before you buy. Most people here change like the weather once a new version of a package is released, but then they seem to drift back to their comfort zones, find one that suits the way you work and gives results you are "happy" with.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Without a doubt C1 v3.77 extracts the most detail on screen from the M8 files, ............

 

This is one of those impossible questions - however - a few weeks ago I did some very careful testing of C1 -v- ACR 4.2 and I am now convinced that although C1 definitely gives the visual impression on screen of being sharper and extracting more from the DNG in fact ACR 4.2 converted files contain more information at lower visibility. (This is analogous to some of the debate about the trade off between contrast and resolution with various lenses.) Others have reported the same finding and have suggested that judicious use of sharpening, USM, will give the same appearance with the ACR 4.2 converted files without losing all the extra detail. I'm finding it a bit difficult to get the precise amount of sharpening but it is certainly possible to replicate the C1 appearance, however as is inevitable with USM some of the detail information advantage of ACR 4.2 is then lost.

 

There is no right answer and the visual perception effects are certainly important in making a choice.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I am afraid I just use the RAW converter which comes with Photoshop Elements. Don't understand why nobody else use it. I have the Capture One that came with the M8, but I never even tried it. Perhaps someone can tell me what I am missing?

 

Please keep in mind that "batch processing" a lot of images is not my style. I carefully select which ones to convert and just dump the rest right away.

 

I used the Elements converter for a while but when I figured out C1 it blew the Elements converter away. Light balance is better, the images are sharper and conversions to black and white have none of the murk I found with Elements.

 

Give it a try and once you get used to how it works you won't go back!

 

Best wishes

Dan

Link to post
Share on other sites

LightRoom mostly as so easy, but C1 (and trying the new C1 4beta) for more demanding pictures. The curves control in C1 took some learning but was useful once I had. Also C1 could use those great anti-magenta profiles that were on this forum, which was very useful before I had my UVIR. For printing A3 I made TIFFs from the DNG using C1, then managed the printing of these with LightRoom.

Matthew

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

New, very proud and happy user of M8, CV 21, Cron Asph 28 and 50. I would like to hear from more experienced users what they would recommend as a RAW/DNG convertor. Of course, this is quite personal and it also depends on the kind of photographer one is, but if anyone could share his/her thoughts on the available possibilities, I'd be very happy. Would I need C1 if I have PS CS3? Or are they totally different things to compare...? Pardon my ignorance, hope you can clarify everything for me. I tend to want to convert to B&W 90 % of my photos. Many thanks!

 

I use Aperture most of the time. I also use Lightzone, which has worked very well for me.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I really liked lightroom but when the free trial ran out i went back to aperture which i really like.

 

I have a preference for Apples Aperture on the Mac platform as an all in one package, it's my comfort zone.

 

I use Aperture most of the time.

 

Ditto here on Aperture. Great management and workflow. Load images, tweak RAW images live, manage library. All editing is non-destructive and is managed seamlessly--original next to "versions." Some of the other RAW solutions aparently have slightly better image quality in the RAW development department but Aperture has been satisfying enough as a package for me to live with "fantastic" quality instead of "The Ultimate" quality. ;)

 

Good luck. Thanks, Will

Link to post
Share on other sites

I am sure the OP is quite confused by now :D. One thing for sure though, I am glad we have the choice of excellent softwares for this purpose. A pole might be intesting but fom the input sofar it seems that Lightroom and C1 Pro are on the top of the heap.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I used the Elements converter for a while but when I figured out C1 it blew the Elements converter away. Light balance is better, the images are sharper and conversions to black and white have none of the murk I found with Elements.

Thank you Dan. I will give it a try then. I suppose C1 means "Capture 1" - that just proves how ignorant I am :o . Thanks to Steve also for addressing my question.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...