Photographers choosing to work with RAW images face a wide choice of processing software. Cameras that can write to RAW files include the manufacturer’s proprietary processing software, and a long list of generic programs that can read and edit RAW files in a regularly updated range of formats.
At one end of the scale are specialist programs that will do little more than control the conversion of RAW images to other formats, ready for finishing in more conventional image editors.
Then there are relatively expensive, multi-function programs that provide a complete workflow from capture and upload to cataloguing, developing, printing, slide shows and the creation of on-line galleries.
A Software Selection Strategy
With so much choice, how can photographers select the program that is best for them? There is no simple answer, and prospective buyers need a selection strategy rather than a recommendation.
At the core of a RAW-based workflow must be the best possible interpretation and conversion of data from each camera’s particular sensor. Having made the choice not to be lured by the convenience of working with JPEG files, it would seem perverse to choose a RAW image processor based on anything but the quality of the conversion. All the supporting features of the program, like ease of use, library functions, printing and so on are secondary considerations.
Different programs have noticeable performance differences in the basic steps of the conversion, as the examples show, and since RAW file formats vary a converter that is best for one camera might not give the best results for another. So before committing to a program, a wise approach is to test results from several alternatives on a handful of original RAW files.
Partial List of Current Raw Image Processors
Though by no means an exhaustive list, each of the following RAW processing programs is worth considering. All have trial or demo versions available for free download. Information is current for September 2008.
Adobe Photoshop with its Camera Raw module, Adobe Lightroom and the Mac-only Apple Aperture are well-known and widely reviewed, all offering complete workflows for image processing. But less well-known RAW processors are also worth considering.
- Bibble from Bibble Labs, version 4.10 for Windows, Mac and Linux comes in Lite ($70) and Pro ($130) versions. Both are full-function RAW converters and editors based on the same conversion algorithms but the Pro version has more automation, closer integration with Photoshop and other extra features.
- GraphicConverter 6.1, for Macs, can read many RAW formats and offers a wide range of editing tools, though in a style that Photoshop users will need to adapt to. It is free to try and registration costs $35.
- Helicon Filter 4.81 from Helicon Soft, for Windows, was originally designed primarily as a RAW converter and noise reduction program. The current version’s functions are comparable to Photoshop, although without layers and some other features. Pricing options range from free to $75 for the Pro version with an unlimited upgrade licence.
- LightZone 3.2, by Light Crafts for Mac OS X, Windows XP and Linux, edits both RAW and JPEG format images. A strong point is its ability to create conversion “styles” customized for a particular camera, which can be applied to batches of images. LightZone costs $199 with a 30-day trial.
- Phase One's Capture One costs $129 with a 30 day free trial. Conversion tools are consolidated into white balance, exposure and focus and images are processed and saved as TIFF or JPEG files.
- Raw Developer 1.8 from Iridient Digital, for Macs, costs $125 with a free demo version. It has a full suite of tools and can produce good quality conversions.
- RAW Photo Processor 3.7.7 is for Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5. It focuses on the key points of RAW conversion and can achieve good results, but has more limited functionality than its commercial rivals. RPP is free, donations of $10 or $20 are requested from regular users.
- UFRaw from Sourceforge is a graphical user interface based on the platform-independent, open-source dcraw RAW decoding software, now at version 8.87 for Linux, Mac and Windows.
The results of comparing these programs may be surprising. In the end the best choice might mean using one program for RAW conversions and other software for the remainder of the workflow. Better image quality is well worth a small cost in convenience.
Paul Lightfoot - I lived and worked in Asia for many years, managing and monitoring rural development projects for a living and using that experience to ...
