With increasing DSLR camera sales and disk spaces, the RAW image format has become an undisputed standard for ambitious photographers. The non-destructive editing paradigm that came with it is so common now that it seems strange that there ever was a time when you had to keep physical copies of both the master image and each edit (like a BW or touched-up version). The following is a shortlist of noteworthy RAW image processing applications – not an in-depth review, though.
(Actually, RAW processor is almost an anachronistic term as today RAW editing has become a feature of most imaging applications.)
A Few Preliminary Thoughts
Even though this is not intended as a review, you should always ask yourself what is important for your workflow before you pick a RAW image processor.
First of all, there is the number of supported file formats – most applications support JPG, TIFF and PNG, but with RAW file types it is a different story. As new camera models often come with new RAW file specifications, updating your hardware may render your app useless. Make sure, the manufacturer updates regularly! Also, if you like non-proprietary standards like DNG RAW files, make sure they are supported.
Secondly, think about what chunk of workflow you would like to handle from within the same application. Often, not all your specific needs can be met by a single application (think of metadata manipulations, geotagging, lens correction, print sheet or web gallery output). To keep a swift workflow, I like to have as many coherent steps within a single app as possible, but outsource more specific tasks to specialists. I mainly work with Lightroom, using ExifTool for timestamp and lens data modifications, HoudahGeo for geotagging, DxO Optics Pro for lens corrections – but that is my personal taste.
I recommend using an image database/RAW processing combination with batch editing features as they complement one another perfectly. If metadata manipulations are an issue, please read the “Caveat” section in my “Geotagging and the Mac (1) – Basics” post.
Apple Aperture (Link)
The pro application that took the lead when it was first released in 2005. Initially, it was often criticised for proprietary architecture (e.g. by keeping images in a database that could not be accessed via the file system). But Apple have learned their lesson, and the current Aperture 2 is a legitimate choice for any ambitious photographer. I personally like the photobook export – great prints!
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (Link)
Adobe Lightroom is a direct contender to Aperture and made its much-acclaimed appearance in 2007. Like Aperture, Lightroom is a one-stop solution that combines an image library with a workflow tool and image editing/RAW processor.
However, Adobe’s approach was entirely different to Apple’s: proceeding through four public pre-release betas, Lightroom was developed in close cooperation and open discussion with professional photographers, resulting in a highly intuitive interface that groups tools around typical tasks. Additionally, Lightroom can be extended with non-commercial third party plugins and – with a little technical skill – it can also be modified individually.
Its RAW engine was enhanced with the leading RAWShooter technology from Pixmantec which Adobe cleverly acquired during the beta period. Also, metadata handling was greatly improved and standardised. For Adobe itself, Lightroom was a milestone which influenced technology, look and feel of its other products (e.g. Bridge).
DxO Optics Pro (Link)
DxO Labs created an impressive image editing/RAW processor with a rich feature set that achieves amazing results even in auto mode. Colour, lighting and lens correction tools allow detailled corrections. Their support team is very responsive and they issue regular updates. Too bad it does not fully support DNG.
Bibble (Link)
Bibble Labs offer a popular image editing/RAW processing and workflow software called “Bibble”. Its system specs are pretty outdated – they do not even list Vista or Leopard, nor a lot of camera models issued last year, and their RAW support is therefore quite poor. There is no release history available, so it is difficult to tell where they are at (last update seems to be from July 2008). All-new Bibble 5 has been announced a full year ago but is not yet available.
LightZone (Link)
LightCraft’s LightZone is among the more notable image and RAW processing applications, as it follows the zone system approach laid down by famous nature photographer Ansel Adams at the beginning of the 20th century. Over the last year, they did not seem to issue regular updates, but there is a new version 3.7 (released on May 8th) that finally includes current cameras like my EOS 50D (available since September 2008). In the past, their support was rather unresponsive, and now they seem to prefer communicating via Twitter rather than e-mail, so we will need to keep a close watch on further developments.
To be continued…
Dictionary Links
- DNG – Digital Negative: non-proprietary RAW format
- (D)SLR – (Digital) Single-Lens Reflex camera where the viewfinder displays the image exactly as perceived through the lens
- Geotagging: adding coordinates to images and other media types
- GPS – Global Positioning System
- JPEG or JPG – Joint Photographic Experts Group’s image specification: image file type
- PNG – Portable Network Graphics: image file format
- RAW – generic term for “raw” i.e. unprocessed image file formats (NEF, CRW, CR2 etc.), usually created by high quality digital cameras
- TIFF or TIF – Tagged Image File Format
Updates
- May 9th, 2009: edited LightZone description (update 3.7)