1826fairhaven

I am FINALLY ready to start shooting and editing in the RAW format. I have been editing JPEGs in iPhoto (Photo) on a MAC. I am looking for advice as to which program is best for me as I am looking for something that is not overly complicated. I have been looking at Lightroom but am unsure if this is the way to go!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

LR is a great start. As is the free RAW editing software that came with your camera. But, if you haven't yet decided on the software needed to edit all RAW files, you're not quite ready to start.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

Besides the RAW editing capabilities of Lightroom, which are quite good IMO, the photo management part of LR is powerful as well.
If you decide to go the LR route, spend some time reviewing its use before you move everything over to it.
There are lots of good tutorials on Youtube, my favorite being those produced by Anthony Morganti.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

It doesn't hurt to go ahead and start shooting RAW + JPEG if you know you will want to try RAW. After I started using RAW, I wished I had shot previous stuff in RAW and could go back and improve my shots.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Did your camera come with a RAW editor by the manufacturer?
I use DPP which came with may Canon. Lightroom would be another option.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Topics that ask for software suggestions usually result in a wide variety of answers, all based on personal preference and experience. What is perfect for one person could be totally wrong for someone else.

I have loved PS Elements since early 2013. Right off, the interface seemed so much cleaner and more logical than what I had attempted to use previously, Corel Paintshop Pro. There are layouts for Quick, Guided, and Expert so you aren't overwhelmed. The tool controls can be hidden out of sight. The raw editor itself is a stripped down (less complicated) version of what is in the full Photoshop.

If I understand correctly, LR doesn't have the ability to work in layers. I struggled to learn the concept, but now I would struggle to do without layers and layer masks

There is a free trial for Elements - along with books, videos, help topics and courses - just as there are for many editors.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Shoot RAW, Learn Lightroom.
There is a learning curve, but the end results are what you want.

alltoptom

If you are using Photos on your MAC, Just import your RAW files just as you do with your JPEGs. That is a good start for you and it is free.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Good observation. Our OP's only other post included references to Canon equipment.

1826fairhaven - Go to the Support section of the Canon website and find the downloads available for your EOS model and download and install the latest point release of the free DPP v4. You'll be prompted for your camera's S/N to unlock the download. Any EOS S/N will work. The software has the power with a medium level of complexity to get you started. You can google against utube and find some DPP training videos to help get started. Starting with the free software defers a decision on what to purchase when you're ready for your next later step.

julian.gang

Lightroom in whatever format!...Julian

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

You could go with what I call LR Lite or Photoshop Lite - Photoshop Elements. Easy learning curve, a decent RAW editor, powerful Organizer. About $80.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

If you have a MAC a good place to start is the free program that comes with your MAC~~~Photos. Once you become comfortable Photos if you feel you need more you can move on to something else. Photos is a very good program and you will probably find that it meets all you needs.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

A photographer, graphic artist, and expert Photoshop user friend of mine said Lightroom was the way to go. Easier learning curve, designed for photographers, and good organization tools were his key points for me. There's plenty of room to grow and the subscription service gives you constant updates plus you get Photoshop thrown in. You tube, books ( I like Scott Kelby), classes will help you make the most of this program. Just my two cents.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

A potential benefit of using Photoshop Elements with it's companion Organizer program is that a later switch to Lightroom Classic will offer the option of importing the Organizer catalog into a Lightroom Classic CC catalog.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Shooting raw initially is no different than shooting jpeg. Processing raw is also initially easier, because generally speaking, raw converters, being parametric in nature, are NOT intended for extensive local adjustments. So, as you gain experience with raw, you will end up exploring the limits, which include raw accessible dynamic range, which will change how you approach metering in high contrast situations. I do not recommend shooting raw + jpeg - there is no value to doing this unless you are doing something that requires instant delivery of images to a client. Otherwise, you will have twice as many images as you need. And if you start shooting high contrast stuff, the jpegs will be even more meaningless.

But raw conversion is part of the process. The raw editing process will yield a very good proof, but not a finished image.

Jumping has a wrong connotation. It's more of an upgrade to a higher level of image quality, along with a little bit more post processing.

The best recommendation I can give you as a place to start would be the Lightroom/Photoshop bundle. It will have everything you'll need on both raw conversion, image management and precise, high-level photo-finishing.

It will be a big step if you try to do too much, but in the beginning you can take little steps and building on previous successes and failures you get pretty good at it soon enough. I cannot overstate the value of joining a local photo club, where you will find others in your situation and enthusiasts and veterans of the photo industry willing to share their expertise.