Processing raw files
Apr 17, 2018 21:50:51 #
I would like to start working with raw files...can anyone recommend freeware that i can use to get the feel of this before investing in a better program?
Apr 17, 2018 22:06:06 #
I'm sure a lot of folks are going to jump on me for this, but ...
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Apr 17, 2018 22:10:18 #
Apr 17, 2018 22:23:39 #
Agree. But Photoshop Elements may prove less daunting to a beginner. He can always later step up to the full Photoshop.
TonyBot wrote:
I'm sure a lot of folks are going to jump on me for this, but ...
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Apr 17, 2018 22:35:51 #
Arubalou wrote:
I would like to start working with raw files...can anyone recommend freeware that i can use to get the feel of this before investing in a better program?
Darktable
https://digital-photography-school.com/darktable-vs-lightroom-does-it-measure-up/
RawTherapee
http://rawtherapee.com/
Each is $10/month less expensive than the Adobe products
Apr 17, 2018 22:42:54 #
Apr 18, 2018 05:35:28 #
Apr 18, 2018 05:41:14 #
Apr 18, 2018 06:03:41 #
TonyBot wrote:
I'm sure a lot of folks are going to jump on me for this, but ...
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
I won't jump on you it makes perfect sense to me!
Apr 18, 2018 07:26:01 #
BebuLamar wrote:
You can use the the free Nikon NX-1 and NX-D
I second this suggestion. It is a free place to start. I also use PhotoScape (also free) for some things but was not pleased with its RAW converter.
Apr 18, 2018 07:41:20 #
TonyBot wrote:
I'm sure a lot of folks are going to jump on me for this, but ...
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop is only ten bucks a month, and you can stop it (almost) any time. LR is fairly intuitive, but PS has a great learning curve, but they are about the best out there, the most well documented, with a large number of tutorials that are quite good, and probably the most versatile. My 2 pennies worth.
(Of course, your own camera company may have their own RAW programs, but some are not as strong)
I fully agree. Go with the best. PS is awesome. The RAW processing function contains all of LR. Why worry about the learning curve? Unless you only plan to be a photographer for a few weeks. Sign up with Lynda or CreativeLive and buy some training. We put fuel in our vehicles every day... why not fuel your mind and talent with a few bucks worth of learning. The PS CC is $10/month. So what if you don't need it this month? One less 6-pack of beer... and it is updated for free very often.
end of rant... going out to shoot something.
Apr 18, 2018 07:52:35 #
rehess wrote:
Darktable
https://digital-photography-school.com/darktable-vs-lightroom-does-it-measure-up/
RawTherapee
http://rawtherapee.com/
Each is $10/month less expensive than the Adobe products
https://digital-photography-school.com/darktable-vs-lightroom-does-it-measure-up/
RawTherapee
http://rawtherapee.com/
Each is $10/month less expensive than the Adobe products
I second this, Raw Therapee is my go to for raw images and does a fantastic job, I have tried several of the paid programs and find they do no better than Raw Therapee and I always come back.
Apr 18, 2018 08:25:31 #
If you don't want to spend a lot of money - here is a program that I got for $29.95 it is called Smart Photo Editor. The web page link is: http://www.smartphotoeditor.com
It has lots of free (presets) and are updated by users. Take a look and see what you think. Does just about everything Adobe Lightroom does, but a whole lot cheaper. It's a one time payment not a monthly subscription.
It has lots of free (presets) and are updated by users. Take a look and see what you think. Does just about everything Adobe Lightroom does, but a whole lot cheaper. It's a one time payment not a monthly subscription.
Apr 18, 2018 08:35:02 #
philz
Loc: Rockaway Township NJ
Topaz Studio is free and can develope raw files with the included set up. It will do better if one buys the pro functions but one does not have to do that to get started with editing raw files. The masking capability alone is worth a look. And did I mention it is free?
Apr 18, 2018 08:37:29 #
I do not shoot Nikon, so I would need to ask, what freeware comes with Nikon cameras?
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.