camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Can anyone tell me if there is a free decent software to improve pictures?
Thanks

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Funny you should ask -

https://www.darktable.org/
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59324818
https://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-edit-rawtherapee/
https://www.lightstalking.com/free-photography-software/
http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-photo-editor
http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

GIMP

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Thanks to all.

bleirer

Depending on what brand of camera. I know Canon has DPP4 as a free download which is very good. Nikon has a free one users here say is good. Look into what your camera maker offers.

Ourspolair

If you are using a new Sony, Rawtherapee is currently the only "GIMP" clone which will recognize the 16-bit .arw format... Most camera manufacturers provide basic editors for their film formats with the best decoding algorithms. You can then convert to TIFF or png and import into the editor of your choice.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I'll never understand why someone would spend $100s or even $1000s on camera gear, computer, display etc and not want to pay for software. It's like getting a Bentley and looking for cheap used mismatched tires. SMH . . .

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

You ask this every time, but still don't understand that for some of us it really isn't about money.

To use your Bentley analogy is a more aligned way (for me and some other linux users): It's like getting a Bentley that can only use "X tires", but the rest of the world predominantly uses "Y tires". Now "Y tires" are more expensive and have been around longer, so there is plenty of brand following. Unfortunately, "Y tires" do not work on my Bentley without modifying them in a way that they lose performance. BUT......."X tires" provide the same basic functionality and a lot of other performance characteristics of "Y tires". But again, they aren't as expensive, and therefore must be inferior because not everyone understands.

Now...most of us "X tire" users are really happy in our bubble and leave the "Y tire" people alone about their choices. Because at the end of the day, it's just that a personal choice.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Rawtherapee (non destructive RAW editor) is a completely independent and different program than GIMP (destructive raster editor). I don't use Rawtherapee, but if it's anything like darktable it might have the capability to work in conjunction with GIMP, but that is pure speculation on my part without reading any documentation on it.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"Adobe Photoshop Express is a free image editing and collage making mobile application from Adobe Inc. The app is available on iOS, Android and Windows phones and tablets. It can also be installed on Windows desktop with Windows 8 and above, via the Microsoft Store. Photoshop Express Editor has various features which can be used to enhance photos."

Two key words, "Express" and "free". The organizer/file browser called Bridge is also free from Adobe. They work best if you have an account, but you don't have to have anything in that account that is being billed.

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Gene51
It's all about personal choice as one posted.
I look at it as not much is free nowadays, so when the opportunity arises, I will capitalize on it.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Did you read what I posted? It is free. It is capable. I'm lucky enough to afford the Adobe subscription. If I couldn't I would use what I suggested.

Ourspolair

Sorry I mis-stated that. Rawtherapee can be used as a plug-in to GIMP, (which does not natively recognize the 16-bit .arw file), so you are quite right in correcting me. Please stay well.

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Yes, and thank you.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

"It's like getting a Bentley and looking for cheap used mismatched tires." Gene you forgot to add "There is no free lunch."

Now screwing up any car with significantly unmatched tires is not wise, but traditionally women do get a free lunch when the check is handed to the man. Poof, analogies mess up thinking, so I ask you Gene, with a perfectly good mind why do you screwup your thinking and communications to others with analogies? Use facts and references that stick to the subject like flypaper.

Free programs from "open source" are often excellent. Many use the basic tools to trim and polish an excellent photo taken by a Bentley camera or a pocket camera with a one-inch sensor and computer designed zoom lens.

With the advent of Ai in photo processing and older plugins such as Topaz low cost and free edit programs work miraculous image changes. Gimp is of course an example of FREE ever-improving Open Source software that for most people and has abilities riveling PS which is like a Bentley built on an outmoded chassis.

Here PS wins, but only in some areas, and Gimp is declared great for most of the "car owners"
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3509458/gimp-vs-photoshop-we-compare-the-leading-free-and-subscription-image-editors.html

Another comparison and PS wins only by a squeak 97% vs 96% for Gimp
https://comparisons.financesonline.com/gimp-vs-adobe-photoshop-cc

Alternatives to Michelin Tires for your Bentley camera:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-photoshop-alternatives/

Never forget that new tires that you can afford are better than driving on bald tires because you can not afford those Adobe PS tires that you will pay for monthly forever and even after your death because the dead can not cancel their subscription.