Now that Adobe have changed Lightroom to a subscription only model, I knew that if I upgraded one of my Fuji cameras I’d need to look for an alternative raw converter.
I’m not going to list the problems I’ve seen with a subscription software. Let’s just say I would need a very good reason to go there.
Lightroom’s Fujifilm conversions are okay, but mostly not good enough for large prints in my opinion. My workflow has been to use Iridient Digital’s X-Transformer to convert the file to a dng, and use Lightroom to make a fairly flat file with the shadows opened up and then send it to Photoshop for further work.
I recently sold my X-T1 and replaced it with an X-H1. This has now become my primary camera and is not supported in Lightroom 6, so it’s time to ditch Lightroom for most of my processing.
I often work hand held in low contrasty light, and print large. So I really push the files to their limit.
I opted for Capture 1 after also trying On1 Photo Raw.
This is the main reason.
I used this photo as an example:
This is the original version without adjustments:
Here are sample crops processed with sharpening off and processed to minimise artefacts.
Let me say firstly that On1 Photo Raw has a lot of advantages. It is remarkably well priced, it offers a wealth of adjustments and would suit anyone processing files for projection, for the web or for prints up to A4 or a little larger.
However the raw conversion to a .tiff has a what looks like jpeg compression rendering it unusable for the type of work I do . Remember this is a severe crop of a file pushed nearly to its limit.
The Capture 1 crop is fine.
Here it is with sharpening.
Capture 1 has the disadvantage of a hefty price. However they have a 50% off sale at present so I jumped at the offer and purchased the Fuji version.
Capture 1 also has the advantage of very good profiling. At least as good as my own done with an X-Rite Color Checker Passport. That’s one step I needn’t bother with now.
The instruction videos are plentiful and well made. Just as well. It’s a steep learning curve.