Raw conversion program. RAW Converter: RAW to JPG Converter
Almost all photographic equipment this moment can take pictures in RAW format (a format with minimal processing of the photo by the camera itself. Such a system allows the photographer to use more features and effects in the subsequent image processing). Perhaps RAW is not as popular as JPEG, but it is better to use it when shooting.
Still, no matter how good JPEG is, it is still a format that uses compression, and any compression, as you know, affects the quality of the final image. It is for this reason that most professional photographers prefer RAW, which allows you to "pull" as much information from the picture as possible. In addition, this format, no matter how strange it may sound now, is very convenient: you do not have to think about adjusting the white balance, you can slightly underexpose the frame, and so on.
So, here you have taken a lot of pictures in RAW format, connected the equipment to the computer, transferred the files ... And what to do next? For all subsequent work with images, you will need special program- converter. Similar software is produced by both manufacturers of photographic equipment and third-party companies. The choice (quite wide, the Internet is literally teeming with all sorts of options) should not be approached at random. Different programs, different algorithms - different effect. Especially for your convenience, we have compiled a small guide to the world of the best photo editing software.
No one needs to represent Adobe. Everyone knows its products: they produce some of the best programs for working with music, video, photos. In this case, this is a specially created software aimed at editing pictures taken in RAW format. In addition, the program can easily work with both JPEG and TIFF. This is what is called providing a "full cycle". In other words, after working with this program, you can already print the finished image. 
The software engine provides you with the ability to correct noise, color correction, increase / decrease brightness or contrast. You can cancel at any time recent activities and return to the original image, this is the responsibility of a special service file designed for non-destructive editing. You can work absolutely without fear of losing the original picture. The modified version can simply be saved separate file. In addition, the program is attractive powerful system cataloging, an impressive set of tools and the ability to integrate with a graphical editor Adobe Photoshop.
And since we already mentioned this program, let's take a closer look at it. It is known to many as one of the best photo editing software. It is the recognized market leader in commercial bitmap image editing tools. The program has an impressive set of photo correction tools and supports the following color schemes: RGB, CMYK, LAB, Grayscale, Bitmap, Duotone, Indexed, Multichanne. This is a real photo lab with unlimited possibilities. 
Multifunctional RAW editor with support for a wide range of model cameras. It presents all the possibilities for both single and batch processing files, white balance adjustments, sharpness, contrast, color temperature, digital noise removal and more. This toolkit makes Phase One Captur One one of the best photo editing software. Here you can even find a selection of scene programs specific to cameras. 
Specially designed for each camera model, a special ICC Profile, providing best quality for editing. Here there is an opportunity to correct chromatic aberration, distortion, vignetting and other image defects. In terms of capabilities, the program, if it does not surpass Lightroom, then, perhaps, is on the same level with it, but only on condition that you have certain knowledge and skills, and are also ready to work individually with each photo taken.
This is a very popular editor native to Nikon models, designed to work with RAW. The program provides a step-by-step reproduction of the entire process of processing an image in NEF format, with the ability to cancel changes at any time or save intermediate results. The entire interface of the program is based on special "control points", each of which stores individually selected settings that provide the best color correction. The degree of change of all data is controlled by special sliders, which not only make, but also track all the changes that occur. In addition, there are full-fledged tools for all kinds of defect correction. This is one of the best photo editing software out there. 
One of the most important advantages of this RAW converter is the full-fledged work with "floating points", which has a beneficial effect on the transfer and reproduction of more natural colors. In addition, numerous editing tools for color, sharpness, brightness, noise reduction and more include profiles taken from real films. Of course, the program is not simple and requires certain skills. 
Here is a small list of programs that will help you get the most out of your photos, show the beauty of the world around you and capture the most unforgettable moments. Which one to choose - decide for yourself, they are all worthy of attention even by professional photographers. Many of these programs are paid, but most often they are worth the money they ask for, given the result that they allow you to get.
How to work in Lightroom? (video)
How to learn to take good pictures?
Camera for beginners
Any RAW file conversion program is a kind of processing philosophy. Converters can be divided into two groups:
- Classic, based on the principle of rendering (all settings are applied to a small copy of the image - preview, after which the program converts the source file).
- Working with real-time images (Abobe Lightroom, Apple Aperture).
Both approaches have their merits. In the first case, the load on computer resources is minimal, which allows you to comfortably process large files. This method is usually used by converters capable of working with studio digital backs, such as Capture One. The second approach is relatively recent and is more effective if you have a powerful work station and the size of RAW files does not exceed 100 MB.
The method of working with data is also important. So-called non-destructive processing is in vogue. When you open a RAW file, the program automatically creates Text Document(usually a file with the XMP extension), where it records all the information about the progress of working with the RAW source. After a while, you can return to the conversion options, and not process from the very beginning or work with data exported in TIFF or JPEG formats. This allows you to get the best quality output.
Most of the differences in the conversion results are due to the default settings that the user is repelled from. Differences between programs of the same generation, as a rule, relate to color reproduction - they are subjective. Converters of different generations can also differ at the technology level: older programs work worse with details, as RAW processing algorithms are constantly being improved.
Adobe Camera RAW
A component of Photoshop that is updated as a plug-in or Plug-in and weighs only a couple of megabytes. ACR runs when trying to open a RAW file in Adobe Photoshop. Its advantage is compatibility with big amount cameras (including latest news), the disadvantage is the “cramped” interface. True to the principle of non-destructive processing, the utility embeds a test XMP header with settings into source files.
The Abode Camera RAW interface is simple and concise: the tools are collected within a single dialog box. It has all the tools for working with the "raw" format: a histogram of RGB channels, fine-tuning the temperature (Temperature and Tint parameters, pipettes), exposure compensation, contrast, saturation, brightness and sharpness adjustments. Functions for correcting optical artifacts (aberrations, vignetting and geometric distortions) are collected in the Lens Correction tab.
In the current version of the utility (4.3), the tool responsible for edge sharpening (Edge Sharpen) has been improved. When sharpening, the algorithm affects only the brightness component, helping to reduce the inevitable increase in noise for such an operation.
Adobe Lightroom
A "full cycle" program aimed only at working with photos and capable of solving any tasks - from viewing a photo archive to printing.
Numerous tools are divided into four tabs: Library (work with directories and labels), Develop (work with images), Slideshow, Print. Along with the metadata organizing functions ( keywords, tags, ratings, groups) classic Workflow is allowed based on the physical location of files on disk (directory hierarchy). Lightroom works with real-time files, which is different from Photoshop's Camera RAW. The tools used when working with raw files are also used when processing images in JPEG or TIFF formats.
The tools are the same as in Camera RAW. There are only two differences: the list of quick edit presets and the Tone Curve, which replaces three Photoshop tools at once - Layers, Curves and Shadow/Highlight.
AT new version Lightroom 1.3 has been improved tools group Develop - Noise Reduction, Sharpening, a new parameter Clarity. Sharpening now affects only the brightness information (in color channels, the use of "sharp" leads to the appearance of artifacts). Clarity ("clarity" or "clarity") combines sharpening and contrast correction in the midtones, which allows you to achieve the optimal cost - $ 300.
Apple Aperture
The developers were driven by the idea to offer an alternative to the traditional image processing software division, offering a high-quality universal product that corresponds to the full processing cycle - from converting RAW to displaying images to the customer and printing. In addition to RAW format processing, Aperture can be used for photo editing (TIFF and JPEG processing), as well as for organizing a photo archive and demonstrating images to a customer.
All images are stored in one place (Vault), which simplifies the process Reserve copy on external drives and allows you to transfer file systematization operations from physical directories to the program itself. If you don't purchase the program after the trial period expires (about $350), the original images can be retrieved from Vault using the Relocate Masters command.
Aperture automatically creates different "versions" of the master image (in Aperture's terminology master - the source file, version - the result of the conversion), storing them in the library as a hierarchical structure. The settings information is contained in a text header with metadata (XMP). There are various options for organizing files (tags, ratings, keywords, groups). A group of settings can be saved as templates and then applied to other pictures. Operations are performed in real time, which dictates increased requirements for computer resources (memory - at least 1 GB).
Interface elements are easily removed, freeing up screen space for the images themselves. Thoughtful work with multiple files: you can display two images for comparison or work with them in desktop mode, moving and scaling them within the workspace. Settings such as Hue, Saturation, and Brightness are categorized by color (Red, Green, Cyan, Blue, Magenta, Yellow). Thus, the color components can be selectively corrected. For example, boost the blue content in a landscape shot by saturating the sky without affecting other areas.
The first version of Aperture caused conflicting opinions among many photographers: on the one hand, a working interface that claims to be the most convenient in its class. On the other hand, not the best results of Aperture's work as a RAW converter. But Apple listened to feedback from photographers. As a result, the new version of the program (1.5.6) is more than competitive in terms of quality.
Bibble Labs Pro
Bibble is a dinosaur among converters. The first version appeared back in 2000, when good digital cameras were not nearly as affordable as they are today. Bibble is one of two converters that can work not only on Windows and Mac, but also on Linux.
The current version 4.9 supports most digital camera models, but is slightly inferior in terms of compatibility to Adobe Camera RAW. Along with RAW processing is allowed JPEG files, and here in TIFF format you can only save images. Bibble's interface is customizable through a dialog box that the user sees when they first launch the program. Bibble offers a "classic" scheme for working with files: processing is done first source file, then render and export. The principle of non-destructive processing is implemented without a generic XMP header. For each image ever opened in the program, a 3 KB file with the BIB extension is created, which contains information about the settings.
Batch conversion is one of key functions Bibble. Of course, all competitors have it, but only Bibble works with a large amount of data so quickly, giving a consistently high-quality result. Nine out of ten shots converted with default settings will look great. "Smart" automatic processing algorithm is the main advantage of Bibble.
The list of tools is standard: curves, sharpening, exposure, white balance, rotation and crop. They are complemented by several "branded" lotions. To correct optical distortions, use the BPTLens Correction tab. Bibble intelligently works with the brightest and darkest areas of the image, "pulling out" the maximum details. For these purposes, the tools Hightlight Recovery and Fill Light are used. Bibble includes Noise Ninja's best denoising filter to date, as well as Athentech's Perfectly Clear dynamic range optimization technology. In addition, Bibble supports additional filters (for example, for "artistic" conversion of color images to black and white). Numerous advantages and excellent results of work are complemented by a relatively low license price - for the Pro version, only $130.
DxO Optics Pro
At the moment, the fifth version of this utility is at the testing stage, which will be available for purchase in the near future. The advantage of this version is a completely redesigned color interpolation technology, which, according to the developer, provides better results in terms of detail and color reproduction. Whether this is actually so, you can check on the program's website, which provides examples for comparison. Another key feature of DxO Optics Pro v5 is a brand new noise reduction that works on early stage conversion, keeping most of the details.
The interface is simple. All tools are collected on the left side of the program window and combined into nine collapsible panels, four of which are responsible for setting parameters: Light, Color, Geometry, Details. The settings are stored inside the program's own database. New technology Dust and Artifact Removal works in much the same way as the automatic red-eye correction tool. It is enough to click on the area with the artifact, and it is immediately “smeared” by the program. Price Pro versions- $170, Elite versions - $300 (the difference between the versions is in the class of compatible cameras - for DSLRs Canon level Mark III will require an Elite version). After purchasing one of the versions, you can download modules for specific lenses. This feature of the program increases efficiency in automatic processing.
The advantage of DxO Optics is in the batch processing results. The creators of the program have paid special attention to automatic functions that allow you to achieve high-quality results without user intervention (elimination of optical distortions, color settings, exposure compensation).
Lightcraft LightZone
In terms of revolutionary LightZone can compete with Aperture. LightZone is a "full cycle" program that provides advanced processing capabilities for RAW, TIFF, JPEG and DNG files. Price full version for Windows and Mac - $250, and under Linux program distributed free of charge.
The "visual" approach to the process of working with images allows you to focus directly on working with them. Operations are carried out in real time. Each setting can be canceled individually, regardless of the sequence of operations. All settings are done in 16-bit to eliminate any loss at this stage. LightZone has tools for adjusting exposure, saturation, color reproduction, white balance, sharpness (selectively to different areas of brightness), artifact removal and noise reduction. The Relight tool allows you to change the distribution of lighting in images, selectively affecting the contrast and brightness of individual sections of the histogram.
The program has a powerful tool for editing some metadata fields, but in terms of organizing work with photo archives, it is much inferior to such giants as Aperture and Lightroom. A feature of LightZone is a set of processing "styles": High Dynamic Range (HDR processing), Contrast and Pop (in the style of pop art), Lomo Look (lomography) and others. Styles are not just a set of specific parameters. By applying one of the presets, you run an automatic processing algorithm that takes into account the properties of the source file, even when it comes to batch data processing. Styles can be combined into groups (folders) and even shared, like Actions in Photoshop.
Nikon Capture NX
The most advanced NEF file converter (also works with TIFF and JPEG). Included with the D300 and D3 professional SLR cameras, but supports all Nikon DSCs released over the past few years that can shoot in RAW format. The price is about $200.
The advantages of Capture NX are not only in the excellent processing results. The program has an advanced interface based on the concept of "control points" (U-point). The interface allows you to mark individual areas of the image and perform complex masking or layer processing. At each "point" the settings selected for this area related to color correction are stored. Working with "points" allows you to fully realize the potential benefits inherent in the concept of non-destructive processing. You can repeatedly change certain parameters without affecting the original data, as well as selectively cancel the changes made. To track the results of the correction, there is a watch points panel that displays the color parameters in "watch points" randomly placed on the image.
The program has standard means correction of optical distortions (aberration, vignetting, barrel effect). It makes sense to use the Noise Reduction tool not only for its intended purpose, but also to “soften” portraits. UI elements, including the space-consuming Curves and Levels windows, have been moved into collapsible sidebars.
The functionality of the program can be extended with the Color eFex Pro filter plug-in from Nik Multimedia.
Phase One Capture One Pro
The most beloved RAW converter by professionals, but also the most expensive ($500 for a license). Not so different broad support different cameras like Adobe Camera RAW or LightZone but supports all professional models. The program was originally designed for remote control and processing of images taken with digital backs for Phase One studio cameras.
Capture One is for RAW only and is not intended to replace graphics editor and a program for creating photo archives. Works on the principle of rendering. To select images, there is a file browser that allows you to navigate through physical directories on a PC. The set of tools is standard - from working with white balance and exposure to optical distortion correction (Lens Cast). True, the last tool includes good selection presets for the most popular lenses.
The Exposure tab also contains some interesting settings. For example, the “Film Mode” mode, which allows you to change the brightness curve, bringing the processing result closer to the pictures taken when shooting on a negative. The Curves and Levels tools can be used separately from each other. The Color Balance tool is very well thought out. The choice of color is clear: instead of sliders - a window with a color wheel.
In the Focus tab, the settings are divided into two groups - Sharpening and Noise. There are two "sharpness" modes - Soft Look (for portraits) and Standard. The noise filter is simple, inferior to specialized solutions like Noise Ninja, but there is a means of combating the banding effect.
With default settings, the result is inferior to some competitors (for example, Bibble). It looks like Capture One is more focused on solid individual work with snapshots than on Batch Process. This is confirmed by not the highest performance in batch processing speed.
Silkypix Developer Studio
Good program from Japanese developers. Designed for amateur photographers and enthusiasts and supports about 120 (!) DSC models, including many advanced non-DSLRs. The license price is $150.
Tools for working with "raw" format: white balance, contrast, sharpness, saturation, correction of optical and perspective distortions, noise reduction, cropping, printing images. The feature of the program is not this standard list tools, but their specific content. Silkipix comes with a wide variety of white balance presets (plus adjustment via the color wheel like in Capture One) and sharpening. The Noise Reduction (NR) filter suggests fine tuning parameters (separate for color channels and brightness) which are used to save fine details.
The program does not work with real-time images. The principle of non-destructive processing is implemented in full. The conversion settings can be saved as individual user preferences (Tastes) and then applied to other images.
In the new version 3.0, developers have improved the converter engine and expanded the capabilities of the Gamma, Tone Curve and Highlight tools to work more finely with shadows and highlights. All this could not but affect the results. Silkipix version 3.0 is one of best converters in terms of image detail. Another advantage of the program is consistently accurate color reproduction when using default settings.
In cameras of the amateur sector, it is customary to shoot in JPEG. At the same time, the camera electronics independently converts the image captured on the sensor into the final format, based either on the scene program selected by the user, or on any manual settings. When we talk about the RAW format, we mean a file whose contents are an exact copy information contained in the cells of the sensor matrix.
The matrices of modern cameras have a bit depth of 12 bits. JPEG has 8 bits per channel. Each additional bit means doubling the characteristic. In this case, there is an increase in the dynamic range, then the difference between the brightest point of the image and the darkest. Theoretically, RAW has 16 times the dynamic range of JPEG. In practice, the situation is a little more modest, since the accuracy of information transfer sharply decreases on the boundary bits or, to put it simply, noise / graininess appears. But, in any case, having a file in RAW format, you can control the exposure in a fairly wide range.
The second advantage of RAW lies, oddly enough, in ease of use. When shooting in JPEG, you need to worry about fine-tuning the white balance, sharpness and saturation settings. In the case of RAW, you only need to press the shutter button, and all the image processing work can be done in the future. At the computer, in a comfortable environment, without rushing, you make the final documents from the pictures.
And here a reasonable question arises what to do at the computer? To process RAW, you will need a special program converter. Choosing a converter is far from a trivial task, since different programs use different algorithms for processing the source material and produce results in which you can easily find "10 differences".
Working window of ACDSee Pro 8.1.99
This truly cult product does not need a separate introduction. For many years, many people have used a program with an icon in the form of a red eye as an image manager (before version 6.0, the eye was green). From a simple viewer, ACDSee has turned into a huge software package that includes powerful tools for editing and organizing images. Another surprise: latest version ACDSee has got a full-fledged RAW converter. It seems that the developers recognize that the RAW format is becoming massive, and the functions of the converter are far from superfluous in the image manager.
The interface of the converter is made in the style of other tools included in the ACDSee package. Working window preview image has two tabs, switching which you can see how the image was before and after conversion. To the right of the tabs are image scaling tools and a call to view the histogram.
The right settings panel consists of three tabs Exposure, Color and Detail. The Exposure tab contains image exposure settings. Its level can be adjusted using Exposure Compensation. You can enable dynamic range warnings to be displayed. Exposure violation will be displayed in red. Manual adjustment of exposure curves is allowed, and there is the possibility of separate control of channels.
And now let's remember that the program is designed for a wide range of users, and it is desirable to have simple, visual aids exposure control. To everyone's joy, ACDSee has such tools.
With the eyedropper, you set the lightest, darkest and gray (neutral) points of the image, and the program automatically adjusts the exposure. And, of course, not without the legendary Auto button. Pressing the button brings up the image enhancement mode selection menu. You can enhance the brightness, contrast, and color of the original image.
The Color tab includes color temperature and image tone settings. In this case, the cursor automatically becomes a color sampling tool, from which the entire balance will be calculated. There is also a fully automatic mode Auto button.
Using the tools contained in the Detail tab, you can sharpen the image and reduce the noise level. Sharpening is done using three settings - the degree of influence of the filter, the radius and the minimum threshold for applying. Three regulators are also assigned to eliminate noise - the already familiar degree and radius, as well as the level of color noise reduction.
And now let's get back to software package. ACDSee is a powerful image manager, which means it should have batch file conversion tools. RAW processing is one of the operations that can be performed on groups of files. When you convert files, you can remember the current settings in the form of presets (Presets). Further, if you select several RAW files in the browser window and select the Batch RAW Processing item, then all your presets will be displayed in the settings list.
Of course, this is not very convenient, since you cannot control the settings individually, and are forced to completely trust some average values. But in other way, this decision very democratic, allowing, once having created several plot presets, to work further in automatic mode. It's painfully reminiscent of the mode dial on cameras... Portrait, Sunset, Beach, and so on.
The speed of the RAW converter is determined not only by the time of direct image processing after specifying all the settings. Many other factors affect speed. RAW files are known to be very slow to open for first viewing. To speed up the process of opening files of this type, programs use caching algorithms. ACDSee has only basic features in this area, which are inherited from the main part of the image manager. ACDSee remembers thumbnails of all images and writes them to its database.
And one more curious detail. Converter algorithms during information processing most often operate with blocks of 4x4 pixels. As a consequence, the outermost 4 pixels on each side of the frame are always clipped, as they lack information from neighboring cells. ACDSee allows you to save information completely, which adds 8 (4x2) pixels to each side of the frame.
- ease of development
- a large number of automatic modes
- additional 8 pixels on each side of the frame
- lack of flexible management of settings in batch mode
- lack of proper caching
Adobe Camera RAW
Adobe Camera RAW - free plugin for Adobe Photoshop, which allows you to convert RAW files to other formats and process images. The plug-in writes operations with the RAW file and embeds it in the source file (in the form of a text XMP header with settings), while the original image remains unchanged. Thus, all actions performed on the snapshot do not affect the "source". Adobe Camera RAW also has a lot of settings.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom- full independent tool for processing RAW files, which professionals will also appreciate.
Quite a powerful professional RAW converter that provides high sharpness of the resulting final images. It has a well-thought-out interface and the possibility of batch processing. However, Capture One is quite demanding on system resources and also quite expensive.
DxO Optics Pro
DxO Optics Pro- a product of the DxO Labs product company, which includes high-quality digital image processing and conversion tools. Also, DxO Optics Pro can be connected as a plug-in to the Adobe Photoshop graphics editor.
An interesting RAW converter with the ability to correct optical distortion.
UFRaw
Free RAW converter. UFRaw It is available in versions for both Windows and Linux. The advantages of UFRaw include automatic drawing of curves, as well as the fact that when processing an image, its edges are not cut off.
RAW Developer
A program for converting RAW files, created specifically for Mac OS X.
Virtues RAW Developer is a good image detail, high file processing speed, the ability to view and edit the linear to non-linear gamma conversion curve.
Today, almost all SLR and mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, as well as some "soap dishes" can shoot in RAW format. This is a digital format with minimal data processing by the camera processor, thanks to which the photographer can get more options when post-processing the captured photos. Although JPEG is still the most popular image format, it is still a compressed format, so every save of a file inevitably affects its quality. The RAW format is more in demand by professionals, because it allows you to pull out as much information as possible from the saved file. To work with files recorded in RAW format, various software tools are used today.
Programs for converting RAW files may be produced by camera manufacturers, in which case they are "native" for specific photographic equipment. Either such programs are developed by third-party companies as a universal tool that supports various models digital cameras and capable of solving a wide variety of tasks when processing RAW files.
Universal converters are characterized by wider functionality and good processing speed. Each such program for converting RAW files has its own characteristics. For example, it saves its settings, temporary files and user files in its own way. Converters differ from each other in terms of the quality of settings when processing RAW files, and in terms of functional richness, and, of course, in terms of ease of use. We bring to your attention an acquaintance with the most popular RAW converters.
The first on this list is a program designed specifically for the purpose of processing RAW files and cataloging photographs. In addition to full support for RAW, the program also works with other common formats - JPEG, TIFF, PSD, DNG. Adobe Lightroom is a powerful “full-cycle” tool, meaning that once RAW photos have been processed, they can be immediately cataloged, prepared for web publishing, or printed.
The software engine used in Adobe Lightroom to process RAW files is exactly the same as that used in Adobe plugin Camera RAW for Photoshop programs. With this tool, you can perform the usual color correction of an image, remove digital noise that is present in photographs, or sharpen an image.
It is important that here, as in many other advanced RAW converters, the principle of non-destructive editing applies: information about all operations performed by the user is written to a service file. The original image is saved unchanged, so you can always return to the original when processing files. After processing the RAW file, you can simply save its modified version as a separate graphic file.
Of course, Adobe Lightroom is attractive not only for its fairly wide tools for processing RAW files, but also for its powerful photo cataloging system with separate tools for creating slideshows and web pages. Plus, the program has a well-thought-out integration with Photoshop, so after processing the RAW file, the image can be immediately, almost in one click, transferred to Photoshop for further work with it.
The program is one of the main competitors of Adobe Lightroom. It is also a "full cycle" program, offering the user not only an advanced RAW converter, but also tools for organizing and storing images, tools for processing and printing photos, creating photo albums and publishing pictures on the Internet. The program saves all images in one place (Vault), which makes the process of backing up to external drives more convenient and opens up the possibility of transferring all file organizing operations to Apple Aperture.
The processing of RAW files is built on its own engine, which often surpasses the capabilities of Adobe Lightroom in terms of the quality of recognizing colors and other information from the original digital image. Also, Apple Aperture is more efficient in terms of the algorithms used to sharpen the image and combat digital noise.
This RAW converter boasts a very thoughtful and user-friendly interface, which makes working with the program comfortable even for beginners. Work with multiple files is well organized: images can be displayed simultaneously for comparison, moved and scaled within the workspace. At the same time, if Adobe Lightroom has the ability to create presets (working program settings that can be applied to all images in the future), then Apple Aperture does not provide this option. In addition, here, of course, there is no such convenient integration with Adobe Photoshop tools.
(Corel AfterShot Pro) can be called one of the "oldest" converters, because its first version appeared back in 2000. A feature of this program is that it is able to work not only under operating system Windows and Mac, but also under Linux. The current version of Bibble Labs Pro supports a large number of professional digital cameras and, along with RAW files, allows processing of images saved in JPEG. The advantage of this program is batch conversion - Bibble Labs Pro allows you to quickly process large volumes of RAW files with a fairly high-quality end result.
As for functionality programs, they are pretty standard. In particular, there are curves, the ability to adjust sharpness, exposure, white balance, tools for eliminating unwanted shades and adjusting contrast. To correct optical distortions, a special BPTLens Correction tab is provided, and the Noise Ninja filter is offered to effectively combat noise in a photograph. The program fully supports color management with the ability to create separate profiles for each digital camera. Compared to many of its competitors, Bibble Labs Pro has a relatively low license cost.
PhaseOnecaptureOne
Professional photographers will definitely like a powerful and functional RAW converter supporting a wide range of modern cameras. It is called . This program provides all the features for single and batch processing of RAW files, white balance adjustment, image sharpness and color temperature adjustment, as well as tools for effectively eliminating digital noise. Phase One Capture One supports wide the lineup modern cameras and even provides a choice of scene programs, traditional for many digital cameras.
Each camera model has its own ICC profile, designed to significantly improve the quality of processing RAW files, ensuring the highest possible color reproduction. replace a graphic editor or a program for creating photo galleries.
Since we are talking about a full-fledged professional tool, the program interface, as a result, is more complex and, in general, Phase One Capture One will require the user to have appropriate knowledge about the specifics of color processing. To work with this program, you need to have an idea of what the final result of processing should be and what tools should be used to achieve it.
Phase One Capture One allows you to optimize the dynamic range by correcting too dark or too light parts of an image. With this program, you can correct chromatic aberration, distortion, vignetting and other optical image defects. Those users who deal with large volumes of still images will certainly appreciate the batch conversion feature in Phase One Capture One.
In terms of processing quality, work with noise and sharpness this program surpasses many of its competitors. It should be noted that the best results of processing RAW files are achieved in Phase One Capture One only with serious individual work with images, which requires certain experience and knowledge.
Lightcraftlightzone
Another "full cycle" program. When processing RAW files, you can correct white balance errors, blur an area of an image or sharpen an entire image, remove dust marks, or digital noise that often occurs when shooting at a high ISO setting. Also, this software tool provides options for adjusting exposure, saturation, color reproduction and white balance. All operations performed in the program are reversible, which always allows you to return to the original image.
Despite the fact that Light Zone is positioned by the developer as professional tool, the program has a nice user interface. Thanks to this, it is not difficult even for a beginner to understand the settings and functions.
A feature of Lightcrafts Light Zone is the use of so-called "styles" of processing, each of which is not just a set of preset parameters, but a full-fledged automatic processing algorithm that takes into account the properties of the source file. In particular, there are such "styles" as High Dynamic Range (HDR processing) or Lomo Look (lomography). The program also contains unique tools Zone Mapper and Tone Mapper, developed on the basis of the zone system of the famous American photographer Ansel Adams.
Apart from universal programs for processing RAW files, one can also note the popular "native" converter, which is designed to work with the NEF (RAW) image format created by Nikon digital cameras. This program allows you to carry out the entire process of processing images in NEF format step by step and undo the changes made at any time while saving intermediate results.
The interface of the program is based on "control points" (U-point). At each such “point”, the settings selected for this area related to color correction are stored. The degree of parameter change is regulated by sliders located at the same “points”. These sliders allow you to make changes and immediately track them to the appropriate area in the image. " Checkpoints» make it possible to repeatedly change certain parameters without affecting the original data.
Nikon Capture NX has software tools to correct optical distortions (aberration, vignetting, barrel effect) and to combat noise. The functionality of the program can be extended using the Colore Fex Pro filter plug-in from Nik Multimedia.
