Processing raw files
Apr 18, 2018 20:15:15 #
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?
ACDSee Pro. Oh, and there's Gimp, but I could never get it to work.
Apr 18, 2018 21:18:04 #
Since you're starting out, I would suggest the manufacturer's program, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. (This is independent of which brand you are using).
Once you get your head around the basics of using raw files, that's the time to start trying out 30 day free trials of the other software. My opinion of the manufacturer's software isn't all that high since the manufacturer of my cameras does a great job on cameras and not so much on software. YMMV. I really like the Adobe Photography package and I would advise giving that a thorough lookover, but not until you have a better idea of what to look for in the software.
The only scenario in which I would advise jumping directly to the Adobe package is if you have been shooting for many years and have a lot in your photopile. In that case, Lightroom will help you organize that pile (although it will take some work entering keywords for all those old photos). But for starting out, try something free. If you don't like it you haven't lost anything except time.
Once you get your head around the basics of using raw files, that's the time to start trying out 30 day free trials of the other software. My opinion of the manufacturer's software isn't all that high since the manufacturer of my cameras does a great job on cameras and not so much on software. YMMV. I really like the Adobe Photography package and I would advise giving that a thorough lookover, but not until you have a better idea of what to look for in the software.
The only scenario in which I would advise jumping directly to the Adobe package is if you have been shooting for many years and have a lot in your photopile. In that case, Lightroom will help you organize that pile (although it will take some work entering keywords for all those old photos). But for starting out, try something free. If you don't like it you haven't lost anything except time.
Apr 18, 2018 22:31:29 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
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?
I recommend you watch as many YouTube reviews, comparisons, and tutorials as you can on each of your options before you commit. Those 30-day free trials will be a waste of time if you haven't prepared yourself before you download them. After you download one of them, you will quickly find out that you must commit a lot of time to learn them, so don't download them all at once.
Apr 18, 2018 23:16:47 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
Plus 1: Raw Therapee AND Photoshop Elements.
Raw Therapee works really nice to "translate" raw files, and you can export full-info .tiffs as well as diff sized .jpg files. I'm going to WAG and say over 90% of us don't need the full Photoshop experience, and Elements will do just fine. For me, Photoshop is like taking the 18 wheeler to go grocery shopping, and Lightroom is like taking the bike. They all do well for what they're intended, and there's overlap in their functions. Try Photoshop Express (free) and if the $79 Elements isn't enough you can always goto full boat Photoshop without retraining.
Raw Therapee works really nice to "translate" raw files, and you can export full-info .tiffs as well as diff sized .jpg files. I'm going to WAG and say over 90% of us don't need the full Photoshop experience, and Elements will do just fine. For me, Photoshop is like taking the 18 wheeler to go grocery shopping, and Lightroom is like taking the bike. They all do well for what they're intended, and there's overlap in their functions. Try Photoshop Express (free) and if the $79 Elements isn't enough you can always goto full boat Photoshop without retraining.
Apr 19, 2018 09:07:44 #
Rawtherapee is FREE and UFraw is FREE. both handle Raw files excellent. FREE is my favorite price.
Apr 19, 2018 12:08:28 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
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?
What do you want to be able to accomplish in post processing? Change white balance, exposure, contrast, and clarity globally; locally; or both? Change the color or luminance of specific items in the photo? Remove or move objects? Unless you know what capabilities you want, how will you evaluate the alternative post processing applications?
Apr 19, 2018 12:23:58 #
Apr 19, 2018 12:38:01 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
Arubalou wrote:
I keep reading about shooting raw instead of jpeg and want to see what its about..
Google "raw vs jpeg" on YouTube.
Apr 19, 2018 14:02:11 #
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?
I use Nikon's NX-i which is free. I have also Use GIMP 2 which is an open source program somewhat like Photoshop, also free.
Apr 19, 2018 14:27:56 #
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?
Hi Arubalou... Can you afford $10.00 a month for 2 of the best post editing programs? If so then by all means get the Adobe Creative Cloud.. It is upgraded daily for free to get the latest options... It's an APP that will be on your HD, to use anytime... I suggest you get Lightroom classic CC as well as Photoshop CC.. These 2 work in tandem & are used by pro's as well as hobbyist !
Apr 19, 2018 14:30:11 #
Arubalou wrote:
I keep reading about shooting raw instead of jpeg and want to see what its about..
The editing programs are RAW converters to JPEG>... Shoot in RAW and you get all of the data from your camera, much less when shooting in JPEG>...
Apr 19, 2018 16:21:54 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
canon Lee wrote:
The editing programs are RAW converters to JPEG>... Shoot in RAW and you get all of the data from your camera, much less when shooting in JPEG>...
Raw converters can export to several file formats, not just JPEG. Exporting to JPEG is useful for posting on the internet or printing, but not for exporting to extensions (other applications) or to Photoshop for further processing.
Apr 20, 2018 19:17:01 #
jackpinoh wrote:
Raw converters can export to several file formats, not just JPEG. Exporting to JPEG is useful for posting on the internet or printing, but not for exporting to extensions (other applications) or to Photoshop for further processing.
Hey Jack hi..... Yes most here, including myself, are aware of TIFF'S and other file formats, just keeping in mind that I need to keep it simple for the newbies... BTW I do save to TIFF as well as JPEG for saving files.. But in LR its saved already for me for quick access for any changes my clients may want.... But that is for another discussion... Just keeping it simple Jack....
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