D74M

Just received my new camera two days ago (Fuji X-T1 w/18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens) and now getting to know the camera (sooo much to learn). Did a firmware upgrade for both the body & lens (an extremely smooth and easy operation). Now I find myself confronted with post processing (very little experience). I know a lot has been discussed on the forum regarding post processing and that has been very helpful, but thought it wouldn't hurt to seek the most current opinions. My computer system is and iMac, mid-2011 edition, running the most current OS (processor = 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5, memory = 4 GB). I'm looking for software that has a relatively short learning curve and will perform both cataloguing and editing within the same program. Have done some reading of the following: Photoshop, Lightroom, PS Elements, Affinity, ON1, Coral Paintshop, Luminar, etc. Needs to have a RAW file converter. My iMac has Photos, but not seeing where too many use this program for PP. Also, the Fuji comes with MyFinePix Studio and Raw File Converter. Anyway, seeking suggestions on a good PP program for a beginner. Thanks!

Dave

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Dave, they all have a learning curve. My two recommendations are:
Light Zone - http://www.lightzoneproject.org

and since you are using an iMac-
Phocus - http://www.hasselblad.com/us/software/phocus

Both are free and work rather well.
--Bob

Spider223

I would look into upgrading the RAM in your computer. I use a Toshiba laptop PC (Windows 10), with very close to what your system is configured as. I have 8GB of RAM, and for the most part runs pretty smoothly with Adobe Elements 15. I'm not sure if the MAC has separate video memory, or if it shares the main RAM like my Toshiba does. After a few hours of editing, my system seems to slow down som, as it appears the editing history starts to grab more memory. In Elements, you can select the amount of RAM to allow for Elements to use. Mine is currently set at around 6gb. Just something to think about, and sure that others can elaborate more on how much RAM you should be looking at with a MAC, 4gb seems low to me.

Bill_de Loc: US

Once again I second Light Zone as a starter. Once you learn the basics you can decide if you need to get a more advanced program. There are too many ways to skin this cat to start laying out cash on the recommendations of strangers. Even the most popular programs may not be best for you. You can't discount the lemming effect.


Good luck.

--

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Good luck with your X-T1. Great camera. You definitely need to get on the Fuji X forum and search for post processing. The are not too many post processing programs that work well with the Fuji X-trans files. Photoshop is not very good, Lightroom is a bit better. Affinity and Capture One Pro are probably the best. COPro just released version 10.1 which greatly enhances its use with X-trans files from Fuji.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Since you've read about them, you have an idea what they can do. Lightroom has a cataloging feature, but that's not very common. Unless you plan to do really extensive processing, you don't need an expensive program. Luminar is a new Mac-only program. As you said, there is a learning curve, and the difficulty depends on how complex you want your processing to be. Adjusting exposure, contrast, and sharpness can be done quickly and easily with any program.

I know you're read about them, but here are some links, including Mac-only.

Affinity
http://www.shutterbug.com/content/affinity-photo-software-review-has-photoshop-met-its-match#d1c5lY5EQ03QoLjh.97
http://www.diyphotography.net/affinity-photo-can-give-adobe-run-money/

Others
http://digital-photography-school.com/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-right-post-production-software/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/03/23/best-photo-editing-software-photoshop-cc-and-7-photoshop-alternatives-tested/1/
http://www.redmondpie.com/best-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-for-windows-and-mac-list/

Free -
http://www.download3.co/ic/picasa/index.php?kw=%2Bpicasa
http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/

cthahn

There is no software with a short learning curve. It depends upon what you plan to do in the future..

Toment Loc: FL, IL

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I would strongly suggest adding more RAM to the IMac. Add-on memory is readily available, not especially expensive, and typically very easy to install. The Imac I used (also 2011 vintage) was dog-slow with PS until I expanded the memory. It was still not fast or in the league with my Windows 10 machine, but at least it was usable. You didn't mention whether it was a 21.5" or a 27", but both will accommodate 16GB ( https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191 ). Here's one possible provider: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/apple-memory

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Dave,

I'd recommend Adobe Elements 15.

It's a relatively low cost, "all in one" software (which Lightroom and Photoshop are not.... they are designed to complement each other: LR for cataloging/organizing, PS for editing.)

Elements also is relatively easy to learn. In fact, it's got three user-selectable interfaces: Beginner, Intermediate and Expert. You can use whichever you wish and switch between them any time. (There is no similar support for beginners in LR or PS... you're on your own with those.)

Elements provides all the features and functions needed by most photographers. It's one limitation is that it's an "8-bit" software. That means it can only save 8-bit style images, such as JPEGs. When you work with RAW images in Elements, it can be done in 16-bit mode.... so it's only when you ultimately save the finished image that you run into this limitation. And for most people it's fine... since JPEGs are the most universal standard and are more than enough for most purposes. In fact, JPEGs are required by many printers, preferred by most. 8-bit is also best for printing at home with photo quality inkjets... there's nothing to be gained by printing 16-bit files... the end result will look no different, will only take longer to print! 16-bit - such as TIFF or PSD files - is mostly only necessary for certain advance purposes that a professional might need, such as commercial printing.

There also are a lot of "how to" books for Elements. I'd recommend getting one or two to help shorten that learning curve!

There also are some "plug ins" written for Elements, which can extend it's capabilities in various ways. Some other software might have fewer guide books or add-ons available.

I use a PC instead of a Mac... so you should confirm Elements 15 compatibility with your particular OS and setup. Adobe has detailed info on their website. And I doubt there will be any problem, since they update it frequently.

I agree that 4GB of RAM is a bit under-powered. It would be best to have at least 8GB.

I also have a Graphics Card with 2GB of RAM of it's own, in my PC. I don't know what's built into and available for Macs.

Finally, if not already doing do, you might consider monitor calibration. There are devices and software available that greatly simplify this process. It's more important to calibrate, than most people realize. Without some form of calibration, you're likely to incorrectly adjust your images. They will appear fine on-screen, but print poorly and or look right to other people viewing them on calibrated monitors.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Affinity Photo. I've found the new love of my life. LOL

Linckinn Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA

Use the Photos app already on your system. It has fabulous organizing an search capabilities and the post processing will take you a long way before you need any other software. If nothing else, use it to learn pp and then decide what features you are missing.

Download the help manual and learn it right.