Comparison of raw converters. Choosing the Best Raw Converter
This is one of those topics that falls into the treasury of correct color reproduction and digital correction. I will certainly say that everything written is purely subjective information that is subject to reflection and repeated checks, nevertheless I spent a lot of time on a comparative analysis, I think it will direct it in the right direction. The tests were carried out on the frames of the Pentax K-5(II)/
Preface.
Color in photography plays a huge, psycho-emotional impact, often being a compositional spot, in the landscape and portrait genre, accuracy and color palette are very important, where each pixel is a defining part of the picturesqueness of the whole picture, because the pixel is an integral toolkit of the creator or artist, as you please. We can not neglect this, so we will choose "quality paints".
With coming new camera I had to work hard to choose. raw converter a. I was quite surprised that not many of them support PEF from Pentax, so I tested them on the "adobe" DNG.
What criteria were important to me:
1. Color accuracy.
2. Accurate and soft WB (white balance).
3. Working with individual colors.
4. Flexibility and speed of software.
5. DD(dynamic range)
6. The ability to save with elongated lights and shadows - the volume of the picture.
A bit of theory.
"Classic converters work with 16-bit integers. In other words, a pixel of one color has a value from 0 to 65536 (to increase accuracy, converters usually expand the range of 12-14 bit values received from the camera to 16 bits). These numbers do not have a fractional parts, for example, there are no other values between 102 and 103. In contrast, floating point numbers contain a much larger range with a precision of 6-7 significant digits. This is especially helpful in lights where data can be recovered. It also proves useful in intermediate chains of over and under exposure calculations without loss of information. Fractional values also help to avoid posterization on smooth color transitions."
But not all converters work with 32 bit floating point numbers. Now I will show you the difference.
So 32 bit: UFraw (UFO), Raw Therapee 4 (RT), Oloneo PhotoEngine 1.1.4 (HDR),
And the usual ones: CameraRaw(CR), Lightroom 3.3,4.2 (LR), Capture One Pro 7 (С1), DXO Optics Pro 8.0, Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 (silky) I will use abbreviations in brackets in the photo.
Checking for color match. Better on complex colors. It is good to test on such colors: purple, cold red, purple, yellow, gray. I came across a purple Zhiguli, and we will look at it.
Test number 1. BB by default, open the converter in default settings and save as is.
Well done LR 3.3 and RT.
Test number 2. We are trying to align the BB with a point, we take from 4 bricks, on top of the silicate wall.
Arranging in descending order by hitting the color Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 (silky), Raw Therapee 4 (RT),UFraw (UFO), Lightroom 4.2 (LR)
Test number 3. Microcontrast.
All pictures look good. The only thing we can say is that the greens of the Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 are more accurate from my recollections, warmer.
But let's get closer. Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 - ate detail, Lightroom - killed the color, but UFraw, Raw Therapee 4 - look juicy, which is what you need.
Having played with different converters on many landscape photographs, we can say the following.
Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 The best color reproduction of the general masses, the color in the microcontrast is blurred, coarse settings (large step), poor work with noise and aberrations, the most accurate color reproduction of all.
Oloneo PhotoEngine 1.1.4 (HDR) Good color, but few options to work in general.
Capture One Pro 7 (С1) Perfectly draws out highlights and shadows, cold shades - warm, especially blue ones, good batch processing, user-friendly interface, removes aberrations well.
Lightroom 3.3,4.2 (LR) The best complex program, excellent noise reduction and sharpness, the color in the micro-contrast is blurred, a slight inaccuracy in color reproduction.
UFraw (UFO) Free, plugin for prog. GIMP, fast results, default Lab work, no batch processing, downloading one file at a time, unstable when zooming, difficult to install on W7 .
DXO Optics Pro 8.0 A good complex program, good color, but a very sensitive BB lever (small gap at the transitions), the color is washed out in microcontrast
Raw Therapee 4 (RT)
Free, good comprehensive program, excellent color, color enhancement without affecting pastel colors, color in micro-contrast saving intermediate results and history.
Conclusions: The more complex and convenient the program, the better in general, the most comprehensive Lightroom for all occasions, but color and microcontrast are not for everyone, if you are an artist where color is not in last place, then you should choose something better at the expense of functionality, there is no clear favorite , DXO close to it, slightly better in color, but rough BB lever, Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4.0 (silky) - very accurate but not very handy program, all functions except color are flawed, Raw Therapee 4.0 is an excellent free product, a lot of things, the program can do a lot, but you also have to figure it out a lot. My choice fell on two programs: Raw Therapee 4.0 and UFraw, and UFraw is preferable in the sense that you work with three sliders and are very accurate, there is no way to get away with the right way like in Raw Therapee 4.0, but there is no batch processing either - for lovers, what you need, I won’t write about RPP, she was scammed all over the Internet, well, I couldn’t roll on virtual machine LION, but according to reviews, there are also a lot of different nonsense from yesterday, but putting this on is a big question. A small clarification about noise - the best noise reduction - this Noiseware v2.0 program with batch processing, verified! so, noise reduction as a criterion is somewhere far in the tail of priorities.
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, the Adobe Lightroom program is attractive not only for its fairly wide tools for processing RAW files, but also powerful system cataloging photos 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 him.
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 more convenient Reserve copy on the external drives and opens up the possibility of transferring all file organization 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 the operating Windows system and Mac, but also under Linux. The current version of Bibble Labs Pro supports a large number of models 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 greatly improve the processing of RAW files with the highest possible color reproduction. Phase One Capture One is a dedicated professional RAW converter that is designed exclusively for working with RAW and is not intended in any way to replace an image editor or photo gallery program .
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 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.
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? RAW processing requires 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 complex. 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 on the other side, 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
RAW Converter is a handy tool for anyone who needs fast and high-quality processing of raw images. Even a novice amateur photographer can easily get used to the program, and an advanced user will definitely appreciate the universal functionality of this compact utility.
Key features
- View
Forget about incompatible extensions - the program supports more than 400 models of cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic and many others. In the start window, you will be able to view thumbnails of all RAW photos on your computer.
- Editing
The built-in editor will allow you to bring the RAW image to perfection. You can easily eliminate most of the defects associated with exposure and color reproduction in the photo. Adjust white balance, eliminate noise, correct exposure automatically or manually. For more precise and subtle work with color, use the "Levels".
- Preservation
RAW Converter Express allows you to change the format of RAW images in one click. Just select the desired photo, and the program will automatically save it in the most popular format - JPEG. If you wish, you can fine-tune the export settings. In addition to JPEG, conversion to such formats as PNG, BMP and TIFF is available. The quality of the future image can be adjusted manually, depending on the new extension.
- batch processing
The batch processing mode allows you to transform and convert dozens of photos in a matter of minutes. This process is fully automated - just select necessary files and set the operating mode. In this case, you develop all processing scenarios yourself.
Advantages and analogues
Of course, there are other programs that allow you to process RAW photos, they should include such professional utilities as . However, RAW Converter Express has a number of significant advantages that are important to note:
support for all known RAW format extensions and constant updates;
undemanding to PC resources and vigorous work on older versions of Windows;
user-friendly interface, understandable to any user;
accessibility in development;
no "extra" tools, only the essentials for RAW processing.
Outcome
RAW Converter Express can be called a simplified version of the plugin. With this program, your RAW images will reach a whole new, professional level.
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 a special program - a 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. Miscellaneous programs, different algorithms - different effect. Especially for your convenience, we have compiled a small guide to the world the best programs for photo processing.
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 as a separate file. In addition, the program is attractive with a powerful cataloging system, an impressive set of tools and the ability to integrate with graphic 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 provides all the features for both single and batch file processing, white balance adjustment, sharpening, contrast, color temperature, digital noise removal and much 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. 
A special ICC profile has been developed specifically for each camera model, 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.
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