Capture One 5 vs ACR 6.1?

Jamie123

Veteran
Local time
8:24 AM
Joined
Nov 27, 2005
Messages
2,833
Which one's ''better''? Phase One is offering 50% off this week on Capture One 5 (not the pro version) so I'm considering buying it since it's only €49. I'd like to know, though, how it compares to the new Adobe Camera Raw 6.1 that's in PS CS5 and Lightroom 3. Does anyone here have experience with both?

The basic version of Capture One 5 has obvious drawbacks and limitations in comparison with Lightroom 3 (no thethered shooting for one). However, I'd like to compare the two solely as a RAW converter.

Your thoughts?
 
Last edited:
I use the Pro version and frankly it destroys LR.

Crisper images, brilliant UI and extremely intuitive. The skin correction alone is worth the money

Just my opinion though!
 
I use the Pro version and frankly it destroys LR.

Crisper images, brilliant UI and extremely intuitive. The skin correction alone is worth the money

Just my opinion though!

I've used the Pro version, too, when I used to be an assistant and loved it. However, it's quite expensive and I can't justify the cost at the moment. The basic version doesn't have the skin enhancement tool and also no lens corrections (this is where LR might win) which, frankly, sucks.

Unfortunately, I installed the trial a while back without really using it so now the trial period has expired. :(


PS: Does anyone happen to know whether or not it's possible to transfer a license for the Win version to a Mac version? I'm planning on getting a MacBook Pro later this year and it would be great if I could switch without paying.
 
PS: Does anyone happen to know whether or not it's possible to transfer a license for the Win version to a Mac version? I'm planning on getting a MacBook Pro later this year and it would be great if I could switch without paying.

For what? LR or Capture One? It's possible for LR. At least two years ago it was possible when I moved everything to a Mac.
 
...The more I compare C1 (5.1.1 Pro) with ACR (6.1) the more of a nod I give to C1 for sharpness. It has just a little bit more clarity/resolution in the details. This is with sharpening and NR off in both, obviously. Very close though; I'd say either is more than acceptable.

How do the colors compare? I'm sometimes getting very wacky colors with ACR from my Canon 5Dii files.

PS: Is there any way one could get another trial period for C1? Maybe delete some entry in the registry? I know it's a bit on the illegal side but I really want to try it in order to make a purchase decision.
 
Last edited:
I generally go for a very neutral import... Color balance adjustment if needed, linear contrast, recovery as needed (to 50), tweak the exposure/blacks to snug up the histogram ends, and a slight bump using Vibrance/Clarity/Saturation. Everything else and all the fine-tuning I do in PS.

I tried some more adjustments and actually the linear contrast in addition to selecting ''camera neutral'' as a profile makes quite a bit of difference. The colors look much more natural now so thanks for the advice!
 
Back
Top Bottom