I need new software, which one?

[Ratpack]

We got a D7000 for Christmas and it did not come with the Capture program like my D50 did. I can still use that version of capture, but I am thinking the advances are worth looking at a new editing program, but I am not sure which would be the one to get. I have downloaded some trials of Elements, Capture NX and Lightroom. I am curious as to which is the better choice from those who have used these.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I think that they all exist for a reason and each is the right choice for different people. For me, it is Lightroom. For you, well, only you will know.

 

[Shutterbug]

For me its Elements:

1) because of price, I could get it for about $50.

2) though I can do most of the photo editing in Canons DDP, I wanted also something that would let me add text (like copyright and such) and also do some other creative things.

I did try Apples Aperature and Adobe Lightroom but they just couldnt read the Canon raw files like DPP could. The files were not looking at all like they did in the camera.

 

[ukcatfan]

Lightroom is the industry standard. I however suggest that you give Bibble Pro a look. I am very happy with it! For basic image editing (not RAW processing) I use Paint Shop Pro. It also does RAW processing, but I do not use it for that.

 

[DVC Mike]

We got a D7000 for Christmas and it did not come with the Capture program like my D50 did. I can still use that version of capture, but I am thinking the advances are worth looking at a new editing program, but I am not sure which would be the one to get. I have downloaded some trials of Elements, Capture NX and Lightroom. I am curious as to which is the better choice from those who have used these.

I have Nikon Capture NX2 (2.2.6), Lightroom 3.3 and Photoshop Elements 8.

I haven't had much use for Photoshop, but have gotten good results using Capture NX2. I've been playing with Lightroom 3 for the past several weeks, and I like the UI and responsiveness better than Capture NX2. However, I really miss the Control Points in NX2, as the Adjustments Brush in LR3 seems like much more work. NX2 doesn't have the organizational capabilities of LR3.

 

[SrisonS]

I'm in the Lightroom camp. You can do quite a bit of editing with it; plus it's pretty easy to use.

 

[photo_chick]

Are you wanting RAW processing, image management or heavy image editing? Or a combination of them?

 

[Ratpack]

I am mostly looking at image editing. One of my favorites is doing selective coloring, but I would like to explore a lot more. For RAW processing, I will most likely use the capture program I have.

 

[rtphokie]

I'd start with Picasa. It may have everything you need and at the very least will help you determine your requirements.


http://picasa.google.com

 

[mrcricket]

I recently switched from Aperture TO Lightroom 3. I haven't looked back. I can do 95% of my photo editing in LR. For major retouching I use Photoshop. I like the integration between LR and PS. It's seamless.

 

[photo_chick]

I am mostly looking at image editing. One of my favorites is doing selective coloring, but I would like to explore a lot more. For RAW processing, I will most likely use the capture program I have.

Then from what you listed I'd lean toward Elements. And if you can find a student to help you out, you can get it for less.

 

[Revulkcor]

For me it's Lightroom. I love how once you get the hang of it (which isn't really long) it's very easy to work with, especially once you save the presets. I haven't tried the others just yet, I have worked with CS5 also.

 

[Groucho]

For an overall package, you just can't beat Lightroom. Much of its strength is not just the editing, but the organizational functionality. Selecting coloring and that kind of editing is not the strength of LR; it's better for post-processing than intensive editing. LR3's noise control is much improved, too, and the built-in lens correction works very well and is pretty seamless.

 

[Revan]

All Adobe products have a 30 day free trial, download Lightroom, Elements and Photoshop and play around with them. For me it was a toss up between Lightroom and Aperture. I chose Lightroom/Elements - they work really well together, I do 90% of my editing in Lightroom, RAW conversion is excellent.

 

[coloneldebugger]

Just to throw it out there....

Some free versions that I have used. But for what it's worth I don't do a lot of post production type stuff, because I stink at it. The price is right for each, but of course there is the usual learning curve to get up to speed with them.


http://www.getpaint.net/index.html

http://www.aviary.com/

http://www.gimp.org/