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09/12/2007 03:43:47 PM · #1 |
I am converting to RAW but I'm in a bit of a quandry about which software solution to go with. My choices are Adobe Lightroom + Photoshop CS3 OR Nikon Capture NX + Photoshop CS3.
I currently have PS6 only.
What is your experience with these programs and what advice can you share regarding this subject. Thanks in advance!
P.S. I would rather this not become a discussion of RAW vs. JPEG if at all possible. I think that horse has been thoroughly beaten quite a few times in quite a few forums.
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09/12/2007 03:53:40 PM · #2 |
| You can download trial versions of all these programs and see which option you like best. |
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09/12/2007 04:07:13 PM · #3 |
My personal preference is to keep the workflow within the same suite. I use Adobe Bridge CS3 for previewing, organizing, rating, and rough processing (Adobe Camera Raw) of my RAW files before tossing them in to Photoshop CS3 for detailed edits. The interfaces are very similar between program, menus seem to be structured with the same logic, and the interoperability is smooth.
Lightroom is definitely more of a powerhouse application than Bridge, I simply haven't been able to justify the cost (doing my best to save for Nikon's assault on my wallet in November). I'm sure that a Lighroom/Photoshop workflow would serve you well. |
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09/12/2007 04:16:53 PM · #4 |
I do like him. ^ Capture offers a larger feature set than Bridge but I don't like the interface much, and anyway the essentials are okay in Bridge since I then take it into Photoshop as well.
ETA: I don't know much about Lightroom other than it looks cool and has gotten good reviews, but I haven't needed it yet.
Message edited by author 2007-09-12 16:17:31. |
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09/12/2007 04:25:42 PM · #5 |
You should try out the trial versions of Capture NX and Lightroom. I've been trying out both of them and prefer the combination of Capture + Photoshop.
I just prefer the interface of Capture NX and I get the feeling it's more 'in tune' with Nikon NEF format. Lightroom has a lot of features that I have in PS anyway, like curves. Plus, Lightroom is more expensive.
On the other hand, Lightroom does have better cataloging and keywording capabilities. |
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09/12/2007 04:29:06 PM · #6 |
My two cents worth - Go with photoshop.
I use CS2 - I find it quite easy to use. The built in Raw converter is great and offers much more scope than the Nikon software.
Nikon should stick to what they do best and not try to produce software as well in my opinion.
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09/12/2007 04:45:40 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by ShorterThanJesus:
I use Adobe Bridge CS3 for previewing, organizing, rating, and rough processing (Adobe Camera Raw) of my RAW files before tossing them in to Photoshop CS3 for detailed edits. The interfaces are very similar between program, menus seem to be structured with the same logic, and the interoperability is smooth.
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I agree, initial processing in Adobe Camera Raw (part of CS3 package) followed by the main part of Photoshop CS3 works just fine. So my advice would be to just get Photoshop CS3, and try that out -- you may in the end not find yourself wanting/needing either Capture NX or Lightroom. With the money saved, think of all the beer you can buy! |
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09/12/2007 04:54:26 PM · #8 |
I use LightRoom for basic editing or mass edits. From there I import into PhotoShop CS3 and do all my major work there.
JMHO
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09/12/2007 04:55:43 PM · #9 |
| Are you converting TO RAW or FROM RAW? |
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09/12/2007 05:00:18 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by MonicaJames:
Are you converting TO RAW or FROM RAW? |
He means he's converting to shooting in RAW mode as opposed to shooting in JPG. |
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09/12/2007 05:25:40 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Raziel:
He means he's converting to shooting in RAW mode as opposed to shooting in JPG. |
That's clearer. Thank you.
Just want to make sure that I do understand before I post a reply.
Picasa, which is free, can convert RAW easily. If money isn't a problem, get the Adobe Premium CS3 which has Bridge to view thumbnails, metadata, exif and then use CS3 to post process. |
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09/12/2007 05:28:39 PM · #12 |
| I should add to my earlier reply recommending Capture NX + Photoshop that I'm using Photoshop CS, which has a very basic RAW import utility, so I'm doing most of the RAW stuff in Capture NX. If I had the money I'd probably be using Photoshop CS3 and ACR |
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09/12/2007 05:41:17 PM · #13 |
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09/12/2007 05:47:02 PM · #14 |
Nikon Capture NX (developed by NIK -yes from the kickass Photoshop plugins-) is a lot better than Adobe Camera RAW that I have with CS2. NX creates better colors, less noise, less moiré etc etc etc than any other converter for Nikon out there. And I have tested almost any converter available.
From NX I sent the file to CS2. Have not installed my copy of CS3 yet, need a stronger computer first. NX is slow, but if you want the best quality it is the program to use.
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09/12/2007 07:38:06 PM · #15 |
Thanks for the replies everyone. Azrifel's post kind of sums up what I've heard elsewhere about the superiority of the NX NEF conversions. Of course, on the flipside I've also heard several comments like those expressed by mileskea.
I believe I'm going to start out with the trial version of Capture NX and go from there. Once the trial version runs out I'll give Lightroom a shot and compare for myself.
I was cautiously hoping that there would be rave reviews of the lightroom + CS3 combo within the Nikon group. I can get an educational bundle of CS3 Extended and Lightroom for less than $400 and from what I've seen of lightroom it looks like a very attractive package.
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09/12/2007 08:08:02 PM · #16 |
I'll toss in a reply because there's one thing I haven't seen addressed. There is a pretty big difference between CS2 and CS3 in RAW conversion. The newer ACR (Adobe RAW Converter) is much better than the last version available for CS2. One really big difference is the ease of highlight recovery, and IMO that's worth the price of admission alone.
Lightroom is a little different interface, but basically the same conversion capabilities as CS3.
I've used the trial of Capture NX, and I liked it. On my (older) PC it was faster than Lightroom, though still a little sluggish. It has some very nice capabilities, and the interface is well designed. It took me no time at all to get used to it, which is something I can't exactly say for Lightroom. I can't comment to much on the quality of the conversions, since I was not directly evaluating that. |
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09/14/2007 09:26:53 AM · #17 |
I've been using the Lightroom + Photoshop CS3 combo for a while and really like it.
Browsing raw files in Windows or Mac file browsers sucks and is slow -- hence why I love Lightroom. I use it for a good chunk of my cropping and editing as well.
There are certain things where CS3 is really great, but for most things, I don't need it that often.
Just my $0.02 |
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09/14/2007 09:40:27 AM · #18 |
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09/14/2007 10:06:47 AM · #19 |
| 2 cents, looking at your portfolio all your images can be processed via CaptureNX and achieve the same effect. The question is if you ever really want to dig into post work? I am only a CaptureNX user myself and I personally don't see a reason to go to CS3 as I would never leverage those features. Plus CaptureNX is not nearly as expensive. Version 1.2 of CaptureNX is very fast compared to version 1.1 so speed of processing should not be a issue to you. Good luck, can't really go wrong with any program but if CaptureNX is all you need (that's for you to decide) and is cheaper to boot why not use it. |
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09/14/2007 10:11:11 AM · #20 |
Some one in a tutorial or on a photo i looked at and liked used "Rawshooter" to edit their Raw files I downloaded it for free and I love it!
There are some things I do miss from CS2 Raw converter but its so much better the CS2 alone.
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09/14/2007 11:56:32 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Nikon Capture NX (developed by NIK -yes from the kickass Photoshop plugins-) is a lot better than Adobe Camera RAW that I have with CS2. NX creates better colors, less noise, less moiré etc etc etc than any other converter for Nikon out there. And I have tested almost any converter available.
From NX I sent the file to CS2. Have not installed my copy of CS3 yet, need a stronger computer first. NX is slow, but if you want the best quality it is the program to use. |
This is my workflow also. Convert in Nikon Capture NX and then work on the image in Photoshop CS2.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is what I consider to be the best feature in Capture NX...the control points. THIS FEATURE IS AWESOME!!! I can't emphasize this more (well I could if I used bold font, but that would be a little loud).
I haven't read the instruction manual yet (6 months now) but I found this program easy to use. The control points were developed to be intuitive in that they anticipate what area/details that you are trying to adjust and targets those areas as if the program is reading your mind. This eliminates the need for cumbersome selection tools like lasso and magic wand that can sometime become tedious and take a lot of time. These control points also blend in the changes seamlessly.
I highly recommend Nikon Capture NX for Nikon camera users, especially if they shoot in RAW mode. |
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