Getting Started With RAW
Feb 16, 2014 14:04:05 #
Recently bought my first DSLR (Nikon D5100). Never shot RAW before...only JPEG. And no experience with any post processing program more complex than iPhoto or Picasa. Before spending money on software for RAW (Photoshop, Lightroom or Elements), I'm thinking that it makes sense to experiment with RAW and a free processing program first (e.g. GIMP, Darktable, ViewNX2, etc.). User friendly and quick learn basics are essential in this choice as I am the kind of person who needs to see/fell value in the short term before I will invest lots of time and energy on detailed learning. That and my first objective is to evaluate RAW...not the specific software. Once I decide for myself to move forward with RAW, then I'll look to use and evaluate the best post processing software for me. Thank you in advance for your advice.
dick
dick
Feb 16, 2014 14:12:30 #
DickW wrote:
Recently bought my first DSLR (Nikon D5100). Never... (show quote)
Check out this link: http://www.slrlounge.com/school/raw-vs-jpeg-jpg-the-ultimate-visual-guide
It does a good job showing you how raw works.
Feb 16, 2014 14:22:14 #
Here is an article from PopPhoto on it...
http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/10/free-photography-software-guide
I think that you will need something to process your pictures, Photoshop elements has a great raw converter, as well as a way to process any of your photos. And it is reasonably priced. Lightroom is one of the best for processing raw, but photoshop is great for processing even jpegs.
There are many ways process your photos out there, photoshop happens to the most well known. It is the one that I use, so it is the one that I am most familiar with.
I also have a 5100, great camera and it will serve you well.
Good luck
http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/10/free-photography-software-guide
I think that you will need something to process your pictures, Photoshop elements has a great raw converter, as well as a way to process any of your photos. And it is reasonably priced. Lightroom is one of the best for processing raw, but photoshop is great for processing even jpegs.
There are many ways process your photos out there, photoshop happens to the most well known. It is the one that I use, so it is the one that I am most familiar with.
I also have a 5100, great camera and it will serve you well.
Good luck
Feb 16, 2014 14:36:45 #
Feb 16, 2014 15:02:55 #
My situation is the same as yours. FastStone has many fans as being very intuitive, unfortunately it is not compatible with Mac (which leaves me out. So I think I am choosing LightRoom: In most tutorials, friends, etc. they use it, so I figure it will be the easiest to share information about. In a Cannon Forum Survey (for whatever it's worth) 41% of respondents are using LightRoom, Photoshop 20%, the rest 10% or less.
Feb 16, 2014 15:10:25 #
ViewNX2 will be guaranteed to be able to open the RAW from your Nikon - not so sure about any of the other alternatives that you mentioned (especially if it's NRW files). Some of them are limited in what they are capable of opening. ViewNX2 is good and covers the basic stuff, which I would say makes it an ideal starting point.
I think you should be thinking along the lines of definitely wanting to use RAW ultimately. The editing isn't any more complex than Jpeg - in fact you get more leeway with RAW.
I think you should be thinking along the lines of definitely wanting to use RAW ultimately. The editing isn't any more complex than Jpeg - in fact you get more leeway with RAW.
Feb 16, 2014 15:43:30 #
If you are serious, you will use raw. It gives you so much more power. Whatever program you use, you will be much better in RAW.
Feb 16, 2014 23:17:19 #
DickW wrote:
Recently bought my first DSLR (Nikon D5100). Never... (show quote)
Use the pp program that came on the cd for your camera. Nikon view NX2. It is basic, free and will get you started in pp.
Feb 17, 2014 01:36:12 #
Kristoes wrote:
My situation is the same as yours. FastStone has many fans as being very intuitive, unfortunately it is not compatible with Mac (which leaves me out. So I think I am choosing LightRoom: In most tutorials, friends, etc. they use it, so I figure it will be the easiest to share information about. In a Cannon Forum Survey (for whatever it's worth) 41% of respondents are using LightRoom, Photoshop 20%, the rest 10% or less.
I too, am just starting out with post processing and taking my photos with in raw. I received PS Elements 12 from my children for Christmas and I've done some of my photos in there. I also just received Lightroom 5 which I can't make a judgement on yet. I did order a Lightroom 5 self help book by Scott Kelby so maybe that'll make the learning process easier. But sometimes if I weren't already bald I'd pull my hair out, I just get that frustrated, then it's time to walk away. I just need to get outdoors with my camera!
Feb 17, 2014 06:02:36 #
Ted Liette wrote:
I too, am just starting out with post processing a... (show quote)
that's how I see it. shot in raw, get a complicated and expensive foto editor and spend hours learning the editor.
the question?
am I one of those who want to spend all my time in p.p. or do I want to get out and shoot more? one more note after I toss the junk, maybe 15% make ito p.p. ok maybe more during the winter months.
Feb 17, 2014 06:23:38 #
Feb 17, 2014 07:13:14 #
Ted Liette wrote:
I too, am just starting out with post processing a... (show quote)
Don't feel bad Ted, I've been using Lightroom for awhile, couple of years and still pull my hair out! I have Kelby's book and i's marked up, highlighted, tabbed and still question when I think I understand!
Feb 17, 2014 07:22:29 #
DickW wrote:
Recently bought my first DSLR (Nikon D5100). Never... (show quote)
If you're looking for a free RAW converter; here's an article by the Digital Photography School on a free version (Darktable) v Lightroom.
http://digital-photography-school.com/darktable-vs-lightroom-does-it-measure-up
Feb 17, 2014 07:30:29 #
First - get Nikon's ViewNX - it free. The look at Nikon's CaptureNX. Capture is quite sophisticated but does not include the Bells & Whistles of Photoshop and its ilk. Also get Ben Long's book "Nikon Capture NX" You can learn the basics easily and quickly and then have a basis for where you want to go with PP. Don't misunderstand - Capture is NOT an "elementary school" program...
Feb 17, 2014 07:46:55 #
topcat wrote:
Lightroom is one of the best for processing raw, but photoshop is great for processing even jpegs.
All of the programs mentioned, Lightroom, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements, will edit both RAW and JPG. There will be a learning curve regardless of the program, but I believe there is a 30 day free trial for Lightroom and Elements. Don't overlook the free software: Picasa, Faststone, Gimp, and others whose names escape me.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.