Photoshop CS5 or Canon Software.

[Roosta]

Probally diging up history here, but, I've just purchased a 50D and also obtained CS5. What is the feeling on Canon to CS5. Does the canon software compete with Photoshop?, having never used either before, I'm wondering which I would be better putting my time to.

I'm a Olympus convert to Canon (and will never go back> but found the olympus Viewer 2 program, simple and effective.

Any susgestions would be appreciated, Any links to previous discussions, hint and tips would be great.

Cheers,

[Dan Gamble]

I've never even used the Canon software that came with my 550D... apart from when i'm uploading files from the card to the PC.

IMHO Photoshop CS5 with Adobe Camera RAW gives me more options and control over the image before and during PP, than I think I will ever need to use so I've never really ever needed to look elsewhere. I also use Lightroom which is legend when dealing with RAW.

I'm just a home hacker yet I must say though that I've only ever heard professional photographers talking about Photoshop and Lightroom (plus some other specialised software) and very very rarely do they discuss the proprietary software so I'd say that's a pretty good indicator.

It's a big learning curve but there's plenty of helpers out there and in the end you'll have crazy control over everything you do and discover more ways of doing things that you'd never even considered so I'd go with CS5.

It'll be fun too I'm sure.

[Roosta]

Thanks Dan, was just reading up on Lightroom on dpreview. Looks the goods. Will experimet and get used to CS5 I surpose. Thanks again.

[Art Vandelay]

CS5 is as good as you get, and well worth learning.

But don't disregard the canon software just yet. It'll do most of the basics.

[gunna64]

I'm with Dan.

Definately +1 for Photoshop. I've just discovered Lightroom and the capabilities in the LR3 package mean that I almost don't have to use PS unless I want to fine tune a photo.

[RaoulIsidro]

Canon provides the DPP as a de facto converter from RAW to those who use any image editing software. If you have CS5, then ACR is the way to go.

[Arg]

The dpreview review of your camera probably has discussion of the image quality they could extract from a few raw converters. For some cameras they find DPP gives preferred output compared to Adobe. It's not a foregone conclusion in favour of Adobe. Let us know what you find.

[Duane Pipe]

Canon soft Software is good for browsing raw images

[wmphoto]

I have both the Canon software and Photoshop Elements 8 (must upgrade one day). The Canon software is good for browsing RAW images as suggested by Duane and does a reasonably good job of converting images but the Adobe program is much better at conversion, although a slower process. I initially convert all my images using the Canon software for a "quick" option but then use Adobe to process all the images that I want to enhance / improve.

[calloyd]

I'll second Dan's post also, but have to admit I don't even use the Canon software to download my pics. I use the Bridge option which comes up when I put the SDHC card into the computer and it's much quicker.

CS5 is much more in depth but you don't have to learn everything all at once. Just start with the basics - you'll soon be hooked and wanting to know more. I find Camera Raw in CS5 is great for RAW conversions with many more options than DPP, (for the price Adobe charge it would need them) but if you already have CS5 there's definitely no contest.

Not that the Canon software isn't good, but after using PS I just never persisted with DPP. I also tried the trial of Lightroom but couldn't come to grips with it either

[Roosta]

The dpreview review of your camera probably has discussion of the image quality they could extract from a few raw converters. For some cameras they find DPP gives preferred output compared to Adobe. It's not a foregone conclusion in favour of Adobe. Let us know what you find.

Shall do, noticed only after submitting this question that dpreview had a note about Adobe Camera Raw 4.6, still havent read the hole review yet. Will do , so thanks for the feed back. I will let you know when I get my head around PS.

[Roosta]

Thanks Warren, Have only just got PS, was using Olympus software prior, as was the camera. So will see how I go, but sounds like the DPP is good for browsing and PS for all the grunt work. Will have a go and post some images soon.

Thanks,

[Roosta]

Thanks Carole, Will try the "Bridge" used DPP to download last lot, so I will give it a go. All the feed back I'm getting seems to be the same, DPP is good, but, PS for the RAW work.

Thanks.

[Caring]

I gave Lightroom a spin. There's this nifty "Auto" button in the Develop mode, and for most photos, clicking that button makes your images look twice as good! (doesn't seem to work with a lot of different lighting conditions in the one shot) Have never looked back.

[Roosta]

I gave Lightroom a spin. There's this nifty "Auto" button in the Develop mode, and for most photos, clicking that button makes your images look twice as good! (doesn't seem to work with a lot of different lighting conditions in the one shot) Have never looked back.

Which version of Lightroom was it, or are they all the same ?

[campo]

My breakdown* of software usage:

Nikon Software - 0%
Lightroom - 95%
Photoshop - 5%

I find if you compose & expose well, Lightroom should do basically everything you need. It's when you want to get really creative or do serious editing of images that Photoshop comes into it's own.

*percentages are guesstimates - i generally only use Photoshop once or twice every few weddings I shoot. It's usually only when i want to do serious editing (eg. cloning out or using textures)

[geeti]

I use DPP to browse RAW photos.. The interesting ones will then be converted to tiff for further editing in PS... From the amateur photos I took, I just haven't come to need the adobe RAW..

[Bercy]

I have not installed the Canon Software at all. I use Lightroom 2.6 exclusively. I do not have photoshop on my computer, nor do I need it. I just don't need all of its functionalities. I have PS3 in a box somewhere. I am also a bit of a fan of Picasa believe it or not. Sure it is basic but I reckon it is a fantastic place to start. The caveat is that if you REALLY want to know what you are doing it is then anathema because it gives you what you want in terms of appearance, but not an understanding of how it got there. A bit like "How does this car work?"..."You turn the key and hey presto".

[ozimax]

Canon software is excellent, but seeing I have CS5 I use it exclusively. Why not use the Canon software, and send me the cash you were going to spend on CS5. I will buy a nice lens and test it for you...