Recommendations wanted

I have been browsing the forum and I recall reading somewhere that it is essential to have a raw converter that makes a good job with the type of raw file you have.
Currently I use DNG format (not PEF). And I use the Camera Raw that comes with CS2.
Now, if we only focus on image quality in the end, could I benefit by changing anything of the above ?

Ragnar

Since getting the GX20 (which only saves DNG), I use the converter that came with it, which is a re-branded Silkypix 3. Before that I was using the ACR (latest version, can't remember exactly what) and the difference blew me away! Silkypix seemed to cope so much better with sharpness, colour, noise, CA etc.

For a free converter, I would certainly recommend RawTherapee. Early versions were a dog's-dinner, but the interface is now very clean and easily compares with ACR.

One downside, though, that you should consider is workflow. ACR's linking into bridge and photoshop made a smooth experience. Silkypix offers rudimentary image management, meaning bridge is still needed for organising; and if you want to do further work in a photo-editing programme, you have to save a TIFF and then open from, say, photoshop.

Tony

The latest version of Adobe Camera raw has some very useful features such as completely customisable ND Grad filters. You may want to balance features which can transform a poor shot into one worth keeping against ultimate image quality for the best shots.

Having said that your original question was for the convertor providing ultimate image quality. We could use this thread to build a definitive list of conversion software. People could then use trial versions to check which is best for them. I suspect personal preference will play a part in everyone's choice - there may not be a single best piece of software just the best for you.

So to get the ball rolling we so far have:

Adobe Camera Raw
Pentax/Samsung bundled software (a version of Silkypix)
Silkypix full version

Any others anyone?

It really depends on the user what program they like.

I'm now using Ligthroom 2.4 and CS4 and that's a very powerful and smooth combo together.

You can download a trial version of any Raw Converter I believe so try them all out and see what you like is my advice.

To add to the list above.
- lightroom 2 (can we list that separately?)
- Capture One
- Bibble Pro
- SilverFast
- Photoline

Never used most of them so correct me if wrong okay

Helicon Filter is also worth a look.
My main RAW converter is Capture One and it is optimised for PEF files.

Hi Greytop

Is Capture One optimised as standard for PEF files or is that something you've programmed yourself?

I think Lightroom does count by itself if the raw engine is built in and it does not depend on ACR. In the same vein, Aperture should be added to the list - no trial version I suspect

Hi Martin, Phase One introduce new profiles with each Capture One update for new cameras. This is inherent within the software package and gives you additional optimisations attuned to your type when using the package. They also support DNG but without specific optimisations for a given camera type.

Just for your info the last release included RAW support for the following cameras:-

o Canon 500D
o Pentax K-7
o Nikon D5000
o Nikon P6000
o Olympus E-450
o Olympus E-P1
o Sony DSLR-A230
o Sony DSLR-A330

If you are interested you can download a trial version and run it for 30 days

Thanks Greytop.

I laso fond this thread from 2007 :
link
So I will definiteley have a look at SP.

Before I found this forum, I was thinking that a raw converter is a raw converter although the user interface may vary. Now I realize that my pictures may be better treated in one than in another.

Thanks for comments !
Ragnar

I used the trial version of Bibble Pro for the length of the licence. I really liked it, it was easy to use, and in the paid version it links smoothly into Elements and full Photoshop. I just never got around to buying the full version for some reason.

I'm quite satisfied with the interface, integration etc of ACR. But I'm willing to trade off some of that if I can gain in quality. I'll give SilkyPix a chance, just need some time to do it ...