raw image processing software

[stacibeth]

Does it matter what software you use to process raw images? Do certain programs hinder the image quality? I am using Zoombrowser it is a canon utility that came with my camera. Any suggestions or replies are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[DarkPenguin]

IQ can be different between processors.  So can workflow.  Zoombrowser is pretty limited.  If you got DPP with your camera you might try that instead.

[jjlphoto]

I use Canon DSLR's and was a long time CO Pro v3.xx user. Apparently, it's recent upgrade to v4.5.xx isn't ready for prime time, so I have spent some time learning Canon DPP. Once you figure out how to navigate it's folder structure, it is quite nice. The sharpening tools are far more controllable. The files look superb!

[Christos Andronis]

Does it matter what software you use to process raw images? Do certain programs hinder the image quality? I am using Zoombrowser it is a canon utility that came with my camera. Any suggestions or replies are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Zoombrowser is a petty basic image viewer/raw converter. You should definitely try other options. DPP is one of them (if you are on a Canon camera). Others include Adobe Camera Raw (if you have Photoshop), Capture One and Adobe Lightroom. If you are on a Mac you should also try Apple's Aperture and (my favorite) Raw Developer from iridient digital.

Good luck  

- Christos

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

I would say that Lightroom and Aperture are workflow solutions. They make life easy.

Iridient RAW developer gives very good results. Capture One and DxO is certainly worth a look. RawTherapee and Raw Photo Processor have also some benefits.

Erik

Zoombrowser is a petty basic image viewer/raw converter. You should definitely try other options. DPP is one of them (if you are on a Canon camera). Others include Adobe Camera Raw (if you have Photoshop), Capture One and Adobe Lightroom. If you are on a Mac you should also try Apple's Aperture and (my favorite) Raw Developer from iridient digital.

Good luck  

- Christos

[Farkled]

Different converters produce different results.  I use three:  DPP, ACR and DxO.  Each is better in some situations - I've not yet learned how to predict.  My summary is:

DPP - comes with camera and is therefore "free".  Excellent with colors.  If the lens correction supports your lenses, it can be quite effective.  Overall, the program's interface is pretty poor but easy.  Can produce excellent results; does not understand DNG.

ACR - comes with either Lightroom or Photoshop which you will need anyway.  Arguably as good or better than all the others - especially with the support from Mr. Schewe's book and the videos available on this site.  I prefer the ACR that is invoked by Bridge because the sliders are bigger.  With sufficient expertise, you can accomplish pretty much everything that any other converter can do.  It is my mainstay.

DxO - does a few things differently and sometimes better.  It corrects for lenses based on their massive database acquired from their testing software and corrects for noise all in the process of conversion.  Workflow is reasonably efficient.  Although the DNG output is already "cooked", I like to use DxO as a pre-processor for ACR.

I would suggest using DPP if you don't have PS or LR.  Wait until you have issues and then try ACR.  If you still have issues try some of the others.