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Digital Photography Software Guide
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3. RAW Conversion Software
Digital SLRs and high-end compact digital cameras offer photographers a RAW mode that captures pure, untouched photo data, straight from the digital camera's sensor. Because it hasn't been processed, a RAW image file has a lot more potential than a JPEG or TIFF file. However, unlike the JPEG files that most digital photographers are familiar wit, a RAW file must be transformed into something that can be viewed, edited, and printed. That's where RAW conversion software comes in. All cameras that have a RAW mode come with some sort of RAW conversion software - usually made by the camera manufacturer. Since there are all kinds of methods, strategies, and tools for converting RAW files there are a bunch of third-party RAW conversion software titles. Besides converting image files into a usable file type, RAW conversion software also provides tools for changing an image's color, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. RAW conversion programs also include an image browser so that you can view and sort RAW files. Many image editing and image browser programs, including Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Elements, Extensis Portfolio, and ACDSee Pro, include RAW conversion software. Phase One is one of the leaders in RAW conversion software development and their Capture One software is one of the most sophisticated RAW conversion programs available. Other options are BreezeBrowser, Bibble, and Pixmantec RAW Shooter. If you want to get the most from your digital camera you'll need to shoot RAW and use some sort of RAW conversion software, whether it's the camera manufacturer-included software, or one of the third-party solutions.
Recommendations:
Phase One Capture One - Pro and individual camera versions - $100 - $500
Bibble 4 Pro and Lite - $69 and $129
BreezeBrowser - $70
Pixmantec RawShooter Essentials - Free!
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