I have a copy of Photoshop CS5 which is rarely used as i tend to stick to Canon's own software (DPP) for RAW conversion and basic edits such as cropping.

However, DPP does not produce the contrasts etc which i could achieve like-for-like in CS5. Problem is, DPP is a one stop shop whereas CS5 is cumbersome.

I am looking something in between, which has editing capabilities and is good for RAW conversion and workflow. I have been told to try Adobe Lightroom.

Can anyone recommend it, or other similar packages?

Also, where is the best place to get it, and do i really need the latest version? I really only take family photos, so i prefer not to spend a lot if possible.

Thanks

Colm

i would get a cheaper older version mate, but try to get one thats not too old, i have 3.6 and find it very very good. Not really user friendly but once you get there its great software - all i use anyway

Perfect for your advanced hobbyist

Yes Lightroom is awesome. Nuff said

Lightrooom is an exceptional piece of software.

Lightroom is great! Its simple and easy to use. It sounds like it suits exactly what you're after.

Its a shame you went looking a week ago though as adobe were giving 20% off Lightroom 4.

Lightroom is cracking, very easy to pick up and use and yet so much more power lurks when you get to grips with it. Some great resources out there too like this http://www.lightroomqueen.com/

Thanks

Have downloaded the 30 day trial version of Adobe LR4 to see how i get on.

Now the hard part, getting time to take photos to experiment on....

What about Photoshop Elements?

It has a lot of the power of the full Photoshop combined with features of Lightroom and a few from Aperture (not an Adobe product).

Might be worth downloading that trial as well.

One of the biggest features of Lightroom is its cataloguing system. While it is great, I prefer the one in Elements that was being used from back in version 3!

Another shout for LT4, have you used bridge and camera raw combo? Its v similar to that but more streamlined for mass photo editing/achieving.

Another shout for LT4, have you used bridge and camera raw combo? Its v similar to that but more streamlined for mass photo editing/achieving.

Just getting into it now, and it's confusing to say the least.

I download all my raw files through Canon's EOS utility, which sorts them into folders by date. Seems i have to import these folders each time i go into LR4 even though i may have previously imported the parent folder??

Also, when i have edited a photo in Develop, what is the easiest way to export as JPEG? i hav been right clicking and then exporting one at a time, if there is an easier way i can't see it for all the buttons!!!

Like most technology i am slating it because of my ignorance. I have about 22 days trial left so hope to give it a good try out over xmas with family/ kids photos. Will get a selection of photos and do a Canon DPP versus LR4 comparison.

I found a lot of useful tools, especially the ability to increase the contrast more locally than DPP. However, from experience, the more options i have, the more likely i am to C**k up my photos. If i did get a decent workflow going where i could carry out some effective minor adjustments (possibly preset) and then convert a number of files in a batch (open to suggestions as to how ) I am sure i would start to appreciate the software how it was intended.

Thanks

Colm

I download all my raw files through Canon's EOS utility, which sorts them into folders by date. Seems i have to import these folders each time i go into LR4 even though i may have previously imported the parent folder??

Stop using Canon DPP software and import the RAW files straight into LR.

i hav been right clicking and then exporting one at a time, if there is an easier way i can't see it for all the buttons!!!

Select the pictures you want to export (same buttons as selecting files in Finder (Mac) or Exorer (Win). The export the lot together (batch export).

However, from experience, the more options i have, the more likely i am to C**k up my photos.

You can't mess them up permanent as you are not making any changes to the RAW file. All changes are stored as a list of instructions in a sidecar file (.xmp) alongside the RAW file. You can revert back at any time to the original imported file.

If i did get a decent workflow going where i could carry out some effective minor adjustments (possibly preset) and then convert a number of files in a batch (open to suggestions as to how ) I am sure i would start to appreciate the software how it was intended.

You can create import presets and have these apied as the file is actually being transferred from memory card to computer. Slows it down a little, but only really noticeable when creating the initial preview files.

Have managed to get some xmas day photos edited in both canon dpp and LR4. Must admit i'm 100% taken with the additional editung options of LR4 and the more pleasing outcome. May post a few examples.

Now just have 2 find the money to purchase as i only hav 13 days of trial remaining.

There's a 15 percent discount just now. Use code DEC2012

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I'd highly recommend getting a good Lightroom book as I found it made using Lightroom so much better, there's a near baffling array of options but there's plenty of shortcuts and quick ways to work through it making editing fairly quick and easy. Personally I like Scott Kelby's books although some people don't like writing style.

I'd also stick with buying LR4 rather than older versions, LR4's rrp is around half the price of LR3 as well as being better than the older version. The changes don't look like much but I find the exposure controls particularly for recovering highlights seem to work better.

I've finally been able to upgrade from 2 to 4 (Lightroom) and can say that the changes initially look rather limited or trivial (book ordering & location tagging) but the power and control over the actual image processing is now much more powerful, especially with the highlights.

I'd also second Scot Kelby's books and would echo that I can see why his writing style is not to everyone's liking. I would recommend them for content though.

The thing I'd really like to see in Lightroom is a tone curve that works like it does in Photoshop (or Elements) and 'lasso' style selections with feathering. Then it would be perfect (for me).

I'll link this here as the thread seems to have gone un-noticed.... might be a help some less experienced users.

17+hrs of training videos free until 31st Jan

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262129-free-lightroom-4-training-video-course/

Also, when i have edited a photo in Develop, what is the easiest way to export as JPEG? i hav been right clicking and then exporting one at a time, if there is an easier way i can't see it for all the buttons!!!

Thanks

Colm

Im sure you figured it out by now but the way I do it (because whenever I JPG things I usually want them as prints or on a stick for export).

I make a Publish Folder in the Hard-drive drop down. Names I have are things like "Skiing photobook", "Gif", "Facebook" etc, each have different quality export for different purposes. Drag-drop pics onto the folders, click publish. Do whatever I need to do to them.

I keep my all my originals as .NEF. Im sure eventually I'll fill up my hdd but least I have settings for photos saved.