RAW processor software

[drwho9437]

Hi All,

I'm considering getting a camera that is beyond the support of the last version of Lightroom that was perpetual as a result I am looking into the state of raw photo processors again.

I know the following exist:

Darktable
RawTherapee
Lightzone
Luminar
Capture One
ON1 Photo Raw
Silkypix
DxO Photolab
ADC photo studio
Affinity Photo
Iridient Developer

Have I left any packages that are seriously comparable to Lightroom's functions out? By which I mean mostly that it imports a set of photographs and lets you browse and then process the photos.

Although Adobe blunted the subscription cost per year its unjustifiable for the number of photos I take a year.

 

[Bobthearch]

The most obvious omission is the software from the camera manufacturer.

But there is also Topaz Studio and Corel Aftershot.

GIMP can work with raw files as well, but only via a plugin.

 

[CMCM]

I have both Affinity Photo and Luminar 3. I just got an email from Luminar that I can upgrade for free to the new version that has what they call Libraries, and I think it's similar to Lightroom's cataloging features, although Skylum (Luminar) claims it's better for a number of reasons. I can't judge that since I don't use Lightroom.

For processing photos, as I've been learning to use Luminar for the last 2 months I've found I really really like this program and it's a good replacement for Photoshop, probably even better. It's extremely intuitive and easy to learn, with a ton of great adjustments and features that I haven't seen in other programs. The interface is really good. It can work as a plug-in for Photoshop and other programs, but I prefer to use it as a stand-alone.

There are a fair number of training videos for Luminar as well. And a good downloadable manual. I find Luminar to be much easier to learn than Affinity. You can't beat the price on Luminar, either. I got it for $59 and that price lasts until Jan 2, when it will be $69. I guess Luminar 3 is the Libraries version. I might have had the previous version, but they sent me a link for a free upgrade to Luminar 3.

Here's a recent DPR review on it:

https://www.dpreview.com/news/4945479035/skylum-s-luminar-3-adds-photo-libraries

Link to Lumiinar offer: https://skylum.com/luminar

 

[drwho9437]

Sorry I should have said that I won't consider vendor specific RAW software as that is a time investment that is not portable. I use GIMP but I feel it is more photoshop/camera raw competitor than Lightroom. I will add the others to my list.

 

[Beachcomber Joe]

Photoshop Elements

 

[drwho9437]

FWIW that's not a review, that's a news story. This post isn't about what software is best just what is available.

 

[Bobthearch]

Sorry I should have said that I won't consider vendor specific RAW software as that is a time investment that is not portable.

I don't get that, but if you say so.

No raw developer is going to be as compatible with the camera features and as competent with the raw files as the company's own software.

As far as time investment, there is practically none. Most are self-explanatory.

Portable?

 

[drwho9437]

There is a big learning curve for some of the ones I listed. A lot of people have more than one camera type and don't want to use DPP for their Canon and something else for their Fuji etc. (just to take example from my own historical archives, I have files from Fuji, Canon, Panasonic, and Pentax. Perhaps I should use and maintain 4 programs on my system... not practical.)

Workflows take time to get used to and databases of photographs filed and organized and cataloged and rated is a very large time investment actually.

Though I don't take more than a few 100 photos a year I have decades of files.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbryce/

 

[Craig Smith]

Sorry I should have said that I won't consider vendor specific RAW software as that is a time investment that is not portable. I use GIMP but I feel it is more photoshop/camera raw competitor than Lightroom. I will add the others to my list.

If you have a Canon M50 or R, your choices are limited for the CR3 raw format. Canon's DPP4 (Digital Photo Professional 4), Phase One, and Lightroom/Photoshop are the only applications that support the new format. Yes, Adobe can covert to DNG but the quality degrades.

For an accurate list, there needs to be an * regarding CR3.

 

[Chikubi]

Just download Adobe's dng convertor and keep using Lightroom. Why waste time learning another software package when you can keep using what you've got?

 

[Ellis Vener]

“Yes, Adobe can covert to DNG but the quality degrades.”

I have often seen that claimed but I have ever seen that proved to actually be the case. I write that as a long time ACR, Lightroom and Capture One user.

 

[drwho9437]

Its an option. But given some of the listed are free and some of the listed have interesting features that go beyond LR and are not expensive its worth considering switching away from Adobe. For some I'm sure this is the best solution.

In my ideal world I would have a great tool that ran on Linux. Two types of programs keep me paying for OSes when I build new workstations: mechanical CAD tools and photo tools. To me Darktable looks interesting but complex (I've only spent < 1 hour with it). RawTherapee was pretty crash prone last time I used it. I'm contemplating spending a set amount of time with each tool on the list and giving them all a fair shot (no pun). I tried Lightzone when it first came out but found it way more complex than I wanted but worth another shake. I find it interesting that AfterShot is available for Linux even though it is commercial (I don't mind mixing commercial and open source stuff).

The main reason to use Linux is the development environment though windows subsystem for Linux has reduced this issue. Most electronic EDA tools work well in Linux as well. Writing software and designing electronics are the core of what my workstations so for much of it Linux would be the better OS to work under. I'll always have a windows computer too but its nice to not have to switch machines or have more computers. I once had 6 computers to maintain at once. I'm down to 3. I'd like to be down to 2.

I currently have only a Fuji system, but I have old files from Canons, Pentax and Panasonic systems.

I'll just have to check all the software out. Just wanted to ask to make sure I am not missing anything as I have not been paying a lot of attention to the new offerings that have arisen since Adobe provided the market opportunity by switching models.

 

[Bobthearch]

There is a big learning curve for some of the ones I listed. A lot of people have more than one camera type and don't want to use DPP for their Canon and something else for their Fuji etc. (just to take example from my own historical archives, I have files from Fuji, Canon, Panasonic, and Pentax. Perhaps I should use and maintain 4 programs on my system... not practical.)

Workflows take time to get used to and databases of photographs filed and organized and cataloged and rated is a very large time investment actually.

Though I don't take more than a few 100 photos a year I have decades of files.

Well I have far more than four programs installed that can work with raw files. And if the files are from older cameras, there's no 'maintenance' and no need to keep all of the software titles updated.

Furthermore I don't use any cataloging or database system that is dependent on a particular software program; my files are organized on hard drives via a system of folders and sub-folders that can be accessed equally via any software or any operating system.

 

[Craig Smith]

“Yes, Adobe can covert to DNG but the quality degrades.”

I have often seen that claimed but I have ever seen that proved to actually be the case. I write that as a long time ACR, Lightroom and Capture One user.

Referring to CR3 files. Opened mine up simultaneously in Lightroom and DPP4 and noticed loss of detail in LR. Converted with Adobe DNG and noticed added noise and loss of detail when editing that format in other third party apps. I don't own Capture One, too expensive. I even tested sample CR3's to confirm.

CR3 support is weak at this point, and the best app is actually the one one provided by Canon.

 

[Neil-O]

Photoninja works as a plug in with Lightroom, I believe.

I, and many others, believe Photoninja to be the bast raw processing app, what lets it down is it doesn't have a full range of editing options. It depends on what your needs are though. I keep thinking I should have Lightroom 6 to widen my options but it's rare I need to go beyond what Photoninja can do.

 

[BG454]

Just download Adobe's dng convertor and keep using Lightroom. Why waste time learning another software package when you can keep using what you've got?

Ever since the introduction of "Process 2010" I've been of the opinion that Lightroom was the best raw developer available.

Unfortunately, that is no longer true.

 

[57even]

Note that all the paid ones will force you to upgrade your license when you buy a new and unsupported camera. That can make C1, Silkypix etc. quite expensive in the long run.

Free ones like RawTherapee and Darktable are well supported. I think the latter is probably easier to use.

Personally, I find the Adobe subscription reasonable as it includes Photoshop.

 

[Ellis Vener]

“Yes, Adobe can covert to DNG but the quality degrades.”

I have often seen that claimed but I have ever seen that proved to actually be the case. I write that as a long time ACR, Lightroom and Capture One user.

Referring to CR3 files. Opened mine up simultaneously in Lightroom and DPP4 and noticed loss of detail in LR. Converted with Adobe DNG and noticed added noise and loss of detail when editing that format in other third party apps. I don't own Capture One, too expensive. I even tested sample CR3's to confirm.

CR3 support is weak at this point, and the best app is actually the one one provided by Canon.

Samples please, including your settings in both programs.

--
Ellis Vener
To see my work please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
Or on instagram @therealellisv

 

[nopix]

I have tried all of the above except Lightzone and Darktable. For many years I have used Lightroom but, for various reasons, I will not buy into the subscription version. Thus it was time to change. After all the tries, I settled on DXO Photolab. The conversion was not without its rough spots but I am now fairly comfortable with DXO Photolab and am using it on my IMac and MacBook Pro.

There is a lot of personal preference in the choice.

 

[drwho9437]

Depending on how often you switch cameras even if that is completely true some paid ones would still be much less expensive, than LR. Indeed even if you purchased a new camera every other year only Capture One would cost more than LR subscription.

I've only had 5 digital cameras in 14 years and really only 3 big steps where era/compatibility would have changed. So it should be about 5x cheaper at least. Probably about 10x and perhaps if the OSS is good enough forever free. I just want to make sure I consider all my options.