LX2 post processing / which software to use for a beginner

Hello,

I checked the forum but did not find a good answer, thus my question as a new thread:

I plan on getting the LX2, it really convinced me (besides the movie mode :-( ) and I plan to grow with it to a more knowledged user.

I have very little experience with editing software, esp. things like which manual setting changes to apply and so on. Thus I would want a software that provides a lot of help, kinda semi-automatic, when post processing pictures (less noise, better colors, adjust light and shadow,...).

Thus I basically want to get the most out of my pictures - in as little time as possible (except few extraordinary shots).

Any suggestions which software best to use, and how to go step by step?

I would think for normal shots in JPG to use a noise filter (neat image or ninja noise maybe?)

For better shots I guess its worth to lean how to use RAW, hm?

Is Silkypix easy to use? Or would I convert DNG (before processing?) and then use lightroom?

How easy are these to use, or are there other programs/filters which provide lots of assisance, something like a automatic picture enhancement?

I appreciate any tips and help!

Thanks, Andre
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Sanyo Xacti J4 - amateur with little background knowledge but big enthusiasm

Hi Andre,

since Silkypix is included for free with your LX2, and does an excellent job on all default settings... why not get to grips with Silkypix and then migrate to another RAW converter, depending on your needs?

Kind Regards

Brian

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http://www.gopetition.com/online/9523.html

If you shoot lower ISO you will get fine results in the .jpeg mode and you can get by without much processing.

When you are ready, you can get Adobe Elements for RAW.

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Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida
D Two XS
Leica M7

I've used probably most of the popular Raw converters at one time or another. For ease of use, I have recently found Silkypix produces beautiful output in about half the time it takes me with "advanced" software. So while you may be able to tweak out slightly better output in other programs, unless you are printing very large, stick to the included Silkypix software.

Thanks for your tips!

I tried Neat Image for the first time yesterday, and it does a really good job improving older pictures shot with my Sanyo. So that programme might work with high iso shots of the LX2 as well, I guess. And its free.

A friend of is also very enthusiastic about the FixPhoto Software, so I might try this one as well.

I am curious about the RAW software, seems the included version of Silkypix does a really good job. So I will stick with that once I get the LX2 and have time to get used to it. Its really fun to play with pictures and to try and imrove them, but the time that is spent.... uhhh.

Oh I also found a good website for filters, photo-plugins dot com (I will try some with Irfanview).

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Sanyo Xacti J4 - amateur with little background knowledge but big enthusiasm

andrekoepff said:

Thanks for your tips!

I tried Neat Image for the first time yesterday, and it does a
really good job improving older pictures shot with my Sanyo. So
that programme might work with high iso shots of the LX2 as well, I
guess. And its free.

Click to expand...

i think it starts at $30
http://www.neatimage.com/purchase.html
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Surly