Leitz Loc: Solms

I've been dabbling in digital lately, NEF 14 bit, compressed lossless, open in ViewNX 2, tweak colour, contrast, sharpness, &c., as needed, export as TIFF and print. In reading through these threads I see that many of you also make basic adjustments in RAW, then convert to a readable file and perform additional processing in a separate program. Here is my question: What operations can be done in these other programs that cannot be done in RAW? I thank everyone in advance. Cheers!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Pixel level editing. Removing objects, pushing shadows/highlights/contrast more severely, serious noise removal, layered editing, selective sharpening are some examples. Some editing programs do not read raws. Raws must pass through a raw converter first, then you choose the format you want to work further with them in. For instance, if I have a raw file that I want to turn to a black and white photo to post on UHH, I send the file from Lightroom (which does read raws) to NIK silver efex plug in, where I am then working in TIFF, which preserves all the information, and the TIFF goes back to LR for cataloguing and/or export to JPEG so I can post it. Turning it to JPEG is my last action since it is then compressed, once and for all. Files moving from Lightroom into Photoshop or On One may become PSD's, which also keep all information, before returning to Lightroom. Most programs give you some choices but PSD and TIFF are common options to use.

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

There's really not much, until you start into the pixel based modifications.
A lot of us us ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) for most of our post.
Then hop into PS for elbow deep operations :-)

I don't know how ViewNX 2 is, but Canon's DPP (IMHO) doesn't do a great job and is more limited that ACR.

GT

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

With Photoshop or other editing programs, one of the great features is layers. You can make adjustment layers for Curves, Hue/saturation, Levels, to apply either to the whole image or to selections on the images. Then you can adjust color or tonality and come back later after you have saved the image and change the settings.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Thanks for the information. In some of my initial testing, I can see the need for some additional software.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Thanks. I've been thinking of ACR, although ViewNX 2 is quite good for the basics.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Thanks for replying. I'll be giving Photoshop a trial, as well as Lightroom, Paintshop, &c., and see just what they do.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I use Lightroom for the bulk of what I do, it's ACR with better file cataloguing, is my understanding. It seems to be the gold standard for organization and quick adjustments and it nicely fits in with other Adobe product and many third party softwares like Photomatix, which is used for HDR. Good luck.

GHK Loc: The Vale of Eden

I have just come across this. I think that some of the material in the response that I posted into the thread "How Much Sharpening is Enough?" may be of use here. One thing that I didn't point out is that when I "open" a DNG file it automatically opens into Adobe Camera Raw (ACR).

If you wish to ask any further specific questions, please feel free to send ma a private mail. You may not have used private mail before, but it's quite easy; there are instructions on the site.
GHK (from UK!)

Leitz Loc: Solms

Thanks for the clarification. With many options, I see much experimentation ahead. No quick decisions here!