Software recommendations?

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kevin m

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I searched the archives for potential advise, but I'm thinking that some of the info there might be dated by now, considering how fast the digital world moves....😀

Anyway, I'm looking for a neat software solution for organizing and image processing RAW files from the R-D1. I tried Silkypix and liked using the gamma and color temp sliders, in particular, but it didn't integrate with photoshop (correct me if I'm wrong.) So before I spend money unnecessarily, let me know what works for you! 🙂
 
Another vote for Lightroom, which I use for my RAW processing workflow. I don't use it for organizing though, other than initial keywording/ranking/choosing. Images are stored in a traditional folders+files hierarchy so that I can peruse/travese with a variety of image asset management programs depending on what I need to do and what platform I'm on at the time...

j
 
How intuitive is Lightroom to use? I've heard mixed reports on that, and I don't really want another software package that requires a training course to use effectively (like photoshop.) 🙂
 
kevin m said:
How intuitive is Lightroom to use? I've heard mixed reports on that, and I don't really want another software package that requires a training course to use effectively (like photoshop.) 🙂
Click to expand...

Almost everything in Lightroom 2 is instantly obvious. It's much more sensibly laid out than Lightroom 1.4. I bought a handbook (the "for digital photographer only" series, ha ha!) and it is helpful, but you don't need it. The one thing I got out of it that I would never have realized otherwise is that, when you're adjusting exposure and blacks, you can hold down the ALT key, and this will allow you to see ONLY where it's clipping. Incredibly helpful, and lets you get your levels right regardless of how &$^#'ed up your monitor is.

I LOVE Lightroom. Every time I have to open Photoshop, my heart breaks a little (though LR works well with it). And when Alien Skin releases Exposure 2 as a Lightroom plugin, I'll be able to die happy.
 
I've been trying Capture One for about a month (the trial period ends today), as it can directly handle ERF files. Overall, I was quite pleased with the results but nothing stood out enough to justify buying the software.

So I'll continue using Aperture for my workflow, which works pretty well.

(1. Minimal treatment with Epson PhotoRAW
2. Output pictures in TIFF
3. Open the TIFF files in Aperture for fine tuning and picture management)

Plus, Aperture integrates smoothly with Photoshop.
 
I really enjoy using LR2 on my Mac. Not really much of a learning curve needed. Seems to handle my RD-1, (and Olympus 420), RAW files very well. I think the printing area on LR2 takes a bit of getting used to but the results are excellent. Good luck.
. . . Burkey
 
Aperture works fine

Aperture works fine

I use Aperture - which means I use a Mac. It does 99.9% of what I need and seems to do a much better RAW conversion than Photoshop or the Epson product - although I guess that is up to personal taste. If I need to do a lot of real editing (as opposed to processing) I put it out to Photoshop CS3 as a TIFF and go from there.

David
 
Phase One just released Capture One 4 Pro. It might be worth a try as it's RAW conversion is really outstanding. The only letdown with C1 is that it cannot edit JPEGs (not even rotate them). On the other hand it works well with my Mamiya ZD files that Aperture is not able to handle. So for me it all boils down to Lightroom or C1. And I don't really like how Lightroom renders red tones.
 
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