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Which RAW Conversion Software is Best? The answer to that question is what the RAW Darkroom is about. As this is a digital process, you might expect that all the packages would produce identical results, but this is not the case. It matters just as much what software you use to develop your RAW files, as which chemicals you use to process your films. In that case which is best? That answer depends on which camera you use, and what film speed or ISO rating you shoot at. The answer also keeps changing as software is updated, and new cameras arrive. If, like almost all photographers, you use Adobe Photoshop, or Photoshop Elements, and have always assumed that the built in Adobe Camera RAW is the best there is, then think again.
While it’s performance with Nikon files is very good, Canon users should look elsewhere if they want the very best from their images. Until 2006, IMHO the answer for Canon users was RawShooter, especially if you shot at 400 ISO or higher, but Adobe bought the company and Rawshooter’s designers went to work on the Lightroom project. Although Lightroom 1 was frustratingly slow to use Lightroom 2 has brought major improvements, and unique features that are starting to make the steep learning curve worth the effort. The ability to selectively process areas in RAW files is incredibly useful, as is the world’s best crop and straighten tool. Still no file browser though, and it is still slow to use and expensive. Lightroom Review
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