Ernie Misner Loc: Lakewood, WA

What camera do you shoot with? If nikon, NX2 works wonderfully well with the raw files. And Nik ColorEfex Pro3 is a plug in with NX2. I have the complete collection and absolutely love it and use it's features every day for fine tuning images. Their HDR and Silver Efex Pro II's are super. Lightroom is mainly useful IF you want it to take over your computer, catalogue and folder all of you images instead of using your windows folders on your own, and saving your images as Adobe's DNG (digital negative) file format. Otherwise, forget Lightroom for simple everyday editing.... get CS6 instead, or both if you want LR to take over everything.

James Eslinger Loc: Kentucky

Yes, I use Nikon. What isn't clear is whether or not the Google flavors of NIK will integrate with NX2. Not according to the Google NIK compatibility page. I've read that Nik is actually the originator of Nikon's NX2 and Capture software, but I'm pretty sure that was before the Google buyout.

I also find the LR tendency to force you into their catalog system annoying. Corel's After Shot Pro is appealing if for no other reason than they don't do that. But, third party support is better for Adobe products.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Then don't use it.
I start a new 'catalog' for every project.
If I want to 'browse', I'll use Picasa.

Ernie Misner Loc: Lakewood, WA

Thanks for the coupon code in a previous post. I just ordered Topaz Adjust (only), that code brought the price down from $49 to $34, and free shipping anyway. Works as a plugin with my CS5.

Ernie Misner Loc: Lakewood, WA

I have LR3 and have not used it much because I didn't want it to take over. Your 'new catalog' for every approach sounds interesting to me. How do you just open one image in it? It always wants to such my whole folder in there..... thanks for the info.

cheineck Loc: Hobe Sound, FL

They are all good, and all different, in certain aspects. I use them all but NIK is my "go to" post-processing software,

James Eslinger Loc: Kentucky

That is my strategy as well, and while I find the LR catalog a bit annoying, I accept it as the way things are. I'm still waiting for the 'do what I'm thinking button' to show up on a PC keyboard!!!

RichardE Loc: California

I use NIK with LR & PS. I do not use PSE as it handles only 8-bit color depth (as I was told). Very pleased with NIK.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

I use Topaz Adjust and Simplify on most every photo, with Denoise now and then. Haven't tried NIK, so can't speak to the differences, but I'm happy with Topaz, and their support has been great. Plus the upgrades are free.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Don't let it.
Start a new catalog, and just select the image(s) you want to edit, and import those. Or maybe just keep a 'working' ['temp' or other such named] catalog for those individual pics.

BrettOssman Loc: near Tampa, Florida

I'm not too into effects at this time. I'd be looking for tools for:

- Sharpening: Corrective if possible
- Noise Reduction: Limiting blur or softness
- Resizing: More than a typical +/- 10%

Whatever else might fit into this type of category

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Sounds like LR w/Topaz or onOne [Perfect].

pigpen

Nik has 2 sharpening tools, although I haven't played with them yet. One is: RAW sharpener. The other is: Output sharpener. I think they are both self defining. Has anyone here used either (or both) of these sharpeners??

James Eslinger Loc: Kentucky

Revisiting an old topic. Once again, thanks to everybody who responded, I found the input very helpful.

I'm posting in this thread again to gather input on a related topic, which I posted recently and titled "Interest in a new section - Post Processing." In that thread I saw a mix of opinions, but the majority expressed support for the idea of establishing a new section in UHH devoted to the topic of post processing (PP).

I recognize we can have an exchange in the "Main Photography Discussion," for instance this thread. And if the topic is clearly labelled that works well enough I suppose. But I also think a clearly delineated section devoted to the PP topic would make it easier for those with an interest in the topic to locate and participate in discussions without having to weed through unrelated posts. I also believe it would foster more participation in exchanges devoted to a central and underlying topic common to the art and process that is digital photography.

And so I ask for your opinion. I'm willing to serve as a moderator, and would welcome the assistance of any so inclined. I have not contacted the site administrator yet, I'm trying to guage the sentiment of as many UHH members as possible before I do so.

Thanks in advance for you consideration.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

I'd be a willing participant, so you got my vote.