Which Raw Converter do you use?

**Sonsey** · 21-01-2007, 00:51

Due to interest in what software there is available to convert and edit photos we are introducing two poll's for each member to show what software they currently use for these tasks.

We understand that member's will sometimes use several different programs for the various tasks and as such each poll is multiple choice. To help newer member's to Pixalo, aswell as those new to photography in general, the forum name of each member will also be displayed beside their choice/s to help with seeking advice etc. After making your choice/s a quick post listing your personal pro's and con's would also be helpful and welcome.

We have tried to include all the most relavent program's available but if you use a program that hasn't been included in the list please choose "other" and reply to the thread quoting which program/s you use.

Charlotte · 21-01-2007, 03:08

I use 3 programmes for my RAW files:

Rawshooter Essentials
Adobe Lightroom Beta (4)
Serif PhotoPlus (v.11)

Each of them has its own advantages, but to mention their disadvantages first:
Rawshooter was taken over by Adobe - the joint result is Adobe Lightroom - final version due out next month, I believe. Thus Rawshooter is no longer supported.
Adobe Lightroom, being Adobe, will probably be outrageously expensive.
Serif PhotoPlus is an excellent all-rounder, but has its limitations for working on RAW files.

Advantages :
Rawshooter - Very easy to use, with plenty of features.
Lightroom (Beta) - Lots of features.
Serif PhotoPlus - Handles basic corrections very well, + you don't have to switch programmes to continue working on the resulting tiff or jpg file! Cheap at the price, but very capable for all but the most advanced users.

Summary: I do swop between the 3 programmes, but find myself lately using Serif PhotoPlus more + more for RAW files (as well as jpg files). If I find it couldn't handle a task, then I move on to Lightroom. When the 'beta' expires, I will probably revert to Rawshooter - just because it's not supported anymore (no upgrades) doesn't make it any less capable in its present form.

I recommend Serif PhotoPlus for basic adjustments; for anything more than that, I'm getting to quite like Lightroom, but probably won't buy it when the 'beta' expires.

RichW · 21-01-2007, 09:56

I use Adobe Raw and Digital Photo Professional (supplied with Canon cameras). Both are good at what they do and easy to use (not so easy to master!!).

**Markulous** · 21-01-2007, 10:32

Sigma Photo Pro - much better than PS!

P-E · 22-01-2007, 08:26

I have several I can use that include;

ACR
Capture One
Bibble
SilkyPix
Rawshooter
DPP

My choice for several months has been Capture One but since using CS3 (beta) I am warming to the latest version of ACR.

**stepheno** · 22-01-2007, 10:48

Up to now I have always used Rawshooter Premium. certainly best value for money and I think the interface is excellent. I do have Capture One and have a dabble now and then but I don't think it will substitute for RS. I do like the idea of doing everything in one ie browse, convert, edit but was never enthusistic about the speed of Browser. Now that I've doubled memory Browser runs a lot faster so I might give CS2 a go.

Liam O'Neill · 22-01-2007, 14:13

I use DPP almost exclusively. I still need Photoshop for the little things it doesn't do, mainly fine straightening, but for anything else I find it does a truely excellent job.

spxxxx · 22-01-2007, 21:37

I use two mainly

ACR
Nikon Capture 4

Mainly determined by the subject matter as both are excellent but I sometimes think Nikon Capture 4 is quicker to get pleasing results

Simon

Steve400 · 22-01-2007, 23:12

I use the one that came with the camera

Canon RAW Image Task

I havent used it that much so i couldnt really say how good it is in depth!

Steve

***Steve*** · 23-01-2007, 20:53

Rawshooter Premium for me, I find it a very complete package that enable me to process, convert, crop and batch all of my files to a very high standard with minimum effort and in a short time.

As this program is no longer being supported I will be foreced to change to something else when I change my camera body. I could switch to Adobe PS for this or use the Canon supplied software but I personally have never really felt at home and totally comfortable with either of these.

When the time comes I will take a close look at programs like Capture One and Bibble.

knobby · 23-01-2007, 21:38

Nikon capture 4 then photoshop

Gaz

silkstone · 27-01-2007, 18:37

I like Rawshooter Premium but I've been trying loads of others because I'll have to make the move next time I upgrade the camera.

Bibble is OK but can be slow (to render changes), and it can also to weird things to blown highlights. Silkypix (no relation

) is confusing and takes an age to process images, but has some good features. DxO is brilliant for lens corrections, provided your lenses are supported. Canon DPP lacks arbitrary rotation and highlight and shadow recovery, but makes a pretty good job of colours and sharpening.

And the winner is... Well, there isn't one, but Adobe Lightroom (beta 4.1) is heading the pack at the moment. It's a long way off perfect, and version 1.0 (due out in the next few weeks) should resolve some of the current issues, but all-in-all the Develop Module is very good, and the highlight recovery tool is the best I've come across.

I'd still prefer an updated RSP though!

View Poll Results: Which Raw Converter do you use?
Adobe RAW	38	50.00%
Apple Aperture	2	2.63%
Bibble	3	3.95%
Capture One	10	13.16%
Rawshooter	23	30.26%
Total Image Converter	0	0%
Software that came with your camera (please specify)	10	13.16%
Other (please specify)	13	17.11%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 76. You may not vote on this poll