Raw Workflow software
A few Days ago, when I got a new CF card it came with a free version of Capture One LE Raw Workflow software.
Well, now I have had a chance to have a bit of a look at it and evaluate how it compares to my current workflow and software.
The LE edition covers all the basics quite nicely and it is quite easy to use.
The layout is pretty simple, with thumbnails, Image area and Tools.
The Image area has some limited tools that are associated with it - such as Zoom and Crop tools.
You get several "tabs" that logically group together the various corrections you can make to your image before "processing" the RAW into either a tiff or jpg image.
Starting at the Top tab, then working towards the bottom tab provides the various options that you use - pretty much in the order presented.
I have gotten preet used to my current workfolw and with it, I can usually process images quite quickly - typically I can correct around 100 images/hr with it. The interface and layout looks like I could probably do the same with a little bit of practice.
What I dfound to be the major weakness to me was the curves and levels adjustmets available. While they are OK, they are not as easy as my current workflow.
I would say that the software is definately suited to someone who is looking to take the plunge and go from jpg to RAW. It is basic and certainly good enough to get the job done in an easy, intuiative manner. Really, the only thing lacking in it is that you cannot set an output size of processed images - so if you are processing photos for the web you would need some other software to resize and do some final sharpening. This is the only thing missing in this otherwise great software.
Well, I did actually download and have a look at the pro version as well. It is very expensive and has plenty of additional features that build on the LE version. It provides a few more controls and best of all it caters for processing images at various sizes.
If your camera is supported and you have not considered shooting RAW then I would definately say it is worthwhile downloading the Trial version and seeing if it is for you.
