NatureScapes.net Forums

Hi Everyone,

After a decade plus absence, I am getting back into chasing birds with my camera.

As I read the forums, I see references to processing software and steps like noise reduction that are not familiar.  To give you an idea, When I got out I was using a Canon D30, (yes 3mp) Photoshop and Breezebrowser.  

The Photoshop license is past, Still have Breezebrowser, have used GIMP for some simple, non critical photo stuff.  Now have a 70D body and  now have a Canon 300mm 2.8 on the way which I will pair with a 2x II converter.

So finally the question.  What are all of you using for raw conversion, processing, enhancement, etc.  Any pointers on where I can find instructional guidance on work flow?  Consideration to keeping things affordable is appreciated, wallet still a bit warm from the lens purchase.

Appreciate any experience, direction, pointers or links you all may have to offer.

Thank you,

Rod

Well, things have changed a lot.  Adobe no longer "sells" Photoshop, they rent it for monthly fees.  There is Adobe Lightroom, which is geared more for Photographers (as opposed to PS which was more graphic arts) but that is now Cloud-based rental (monthly fee) as well.  Both include RAW processing with ACR, Adobe Camera RAW.  I shoot Nikon and prefer Nikon's own RAW converter.  I hear Canon has a RAW converter that is free.  There are many up and coming alternatives to Photoshop that are for purchase (one time) but I have yet to try any of them.
What you will need is a computer capable of running and processing larger files.  While we no longer have film and developing costs, we pay in other ways....

Lightroom Classic CC is just as local as Photoshop CC is. They are both currently subscription but both allow you to store and work your LOCAL images with the programs without additional cloud fees or needing to store images in the cloud.

Baywing wrote:Well, things have changed a lot.  Adobe no longer "sells" Photoshop, they rent it for monthly fees.  There is Adobe Lightroom, which is geared more for Photographers (as opposed to PS which was more graphic arts) but that is now Cloud-based rental (monthly fee) as well.  Both include RAW processing with ACR, Adobe Camera RAW.  I shoot Nikon and prefer Nikon's own RAW converter.  I hear Canon has a RAW converter that is free.  There are many up and coming alternatives to Photoshop that are for purchase (one time) but I have yet to try any of them.
What you will need is a computer capable of running and processing larger files.  While we no longer have film and developing costs, we pay in other ways....

Things certainly have changed...

I think I have the horsepower needed in my current pc, so hopefully that is covered. 

I am struggling a bit with the subscription model for software.  I simply don't use a significant enough number of the available features in Photoshop to justify subsidizing by monthly payments in perpetuity the development of even more features I won't use.  Call me old fashioned. 

With regard to the RAW conversion software, are there real differences in performance that drive people's preferences, or is it the interface or other usability features?  As I mentioned, I have Breezebrowser that was pretty well thought of for some time, but if time and technology has passed it by, I am open to considering a change. 

Thank very much for taking the time to answer. 

Rod

I use Nikon Capture for my RAW converter for 2 reasons. First it's easier for me than ACR and second, I'm still a hold-out to the whole Adobe subscription thing as I'm using CS5 and LR6 and neither support the newer cameras I'm currently using which may be why using ACR is more involved. I do like Capture's conversion better than Adobe's. There are several other RAW converters out there as well as processing programs, I just haven't tried them.

Here’s what Thom has to say about RAW conversions:

https://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/20 ... d-raw.html

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:Here’s what Thom has to say about RAW conversions:

https://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/20 ... d-raw.html

Joe

Thanks Joe

archfotos wrote:I like Affinity photo, Darktable and Digikam.  All fun software that don't require an Adobe subscription

Thanks for the leads, I'll take a look at them. 

I am like Baywing above and still use Nikon software. However, I am considering changing from it for various reasons. I have become used to Control Point technology (U points) that came with Nikon Capture NX2 so I am looking at DxO PhotoLabs raw processors that use Control Points. Their more expensive version called Elite has the tools I think I need. There is another version called Essential that costs less. More info here:

https://www.dxo.com/

https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/

ON1 is another alternative. This link might give you some mother ideas. There are Pros and Cons for each product. And your needs may differ from others so the best thing to do is research them and then try them our for free and see which one works best for you.

Within the Adobe family Bridge and Camera Raw and maybe Photoshop meet my needs. I do not need the catalogue features that Lightroom has.

https://www.digitalphotopro.com/softwar ... confusion/

Joe