p.1 #2 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
Yes, there are more than a few distinctions though you’ll have to make the final determination. Here is one brief comparison, though there are many others.
Having dabbled with both (and many more programs) darktable requires a bit more knowledge and effort to get it up and running though the other conclusions are sound.
p.1 #3 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
Both are interesting and I am finally using Rawtherapee most since I prefer the way colours are rendered. I have red somewhere that there is an option in Darktable to obtain more natural colours at the opening of a file but did not succeed to understand how to proceed. Some masking tools in Darktable are unique and some options to "finish" the work adding framing and signature are useful.
p.1 #4 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
I don't use RawTherapee on a regular basis but it has a ton of different processing algorithms/options that occasionally come in handy. If you need a specific one, then other programs aren't going to be a substitute unless they have the exact same algorithm (which outside of trivial things like curves or gaussian blur tends not to be the case).
p.1 #5 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
It depends on what you are using it for, in my opinion.
I specialize in artwork reproduction - for me finding Rawtherapee + Lumariver Profile Designer was an absolute game changer. For artwork reproduction where you typically just have a single RAW file and you will be using a custom input ICC profile and flatfield correction, I find Rawtherapee to be the best tool currently available on the market.
But I find that RawTherapee sucks when you have a large number of photos to cull through, like you might have for event or nature photography. I find other software better handles quickly rendering and flipping through images.
p.1 #6 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
I've been using darktable for scanned negatives. The negadoctor module works for me, but I haven't worked with a non-film scan in it. The learning curve for negative inversion took me a bit (pick film base, adjust dynamic range for film (just put the bounding box over the negative), and then play with exposure bias. Otherwise, I only use crop and rotate. Seems good enough, but I'm interested in trying other software.
p.1 #7 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
Curious ... from a functional / performance perspective (i.e. not $$$ / Anti-Subscription / anti-Adobe / etc.)
What does Darktable and Rawtherapee bring to the table ... vs. the more mainstream options of Lightroom, Capture One, PS, DXO, etc.
In asking, I recognize that a vast many different programs can certainly do many of the same tasks, maybe in different ways / interface / etc. So, the question is what is the strongest / most compelling (functional / performance attributes) that Darktable / Rawtherapee bring beyond the others, in terms of processing capability. That's not to be contrary, per se ... just wondering if I wanted to add them to the arsenal, what would be the most compelling reason for doing so (even if as a niche use) vs. the others.
p.1 #8 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
RustyBug wrote:
Curious ... from a functional / performance perspective (i.e. not $$$ / Anti-Subscription / anti-Adobe / etc.)
What does Darktable and Rawtherapee bring to the table ... vs. the more mainstream options of Lightroom, Capture One, PS, DXO, etc.
In asking, I recognize that a vast many different programs can certainly do many of the same tasks, maybe in different ways / interface / etc. So, the question is what is the strongest / most compelling (functional / performance attributes) that Darktable / Rawtherapee bring beyond the others, in terms of processing capability. That's not to be contrary, per se ... just wondering if I wanted to add them to the arsenal, what would be the most compelling reason for doing so (even if as a niche use) vs. the others. ...Show more →
Andy Astbury (professional wildlife photographer) uses Darktable and Raw Therapee alongside LR and PS.
His Youtube channel, though not as active as it once was, has a lot about using these programs and where they show benefits over LR (neither are competing with PS). I think he has playlists for both programs where the titles should suggest the obvious ones to watch.
p.1 #9 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
asekcsc5 wrote:
As to which is better?
And easier to use?
thanks!
christos
Both were good quality several years ago imo. Rawtherapee had some intetesting contrast controls i haven't heard of elsewhere, and retinex to use on haze.
Haven't tested lately but open source used to be 1/2-2/3 stop slower, and i do lots of high iso so I use DPP. They're free so try them!
p.1 #12 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
The Rawtherepee downloads are very slow, but they are downloading for me. Or are you having problems with the installer? I installed the Windows straight away. I have no idea how to use it though. I might try the Linux later.
p.1 #13 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
armd wrote:
Yes, there are more than a few distinctions though you’ll have to make the final determination. Here is one brief comparison, though there are many others.
Having dabbled with both (and many more programs) darktable requires a bit more knowledge and effort to get it up and running though the other conclusions are sound.
Thanks for the link, I am having a go with Darktable.
p.1 #14 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
EB-1 wrote:
The Rawtherepee downloads are very slow, but they are downloading for me. Or are you having problems with the installer? I installed the Windows straight away. I have no idea how to use it though. I might try the Linux later.
EBH
Download was okay ... it is the install that is being a bugaboo.
p.1 #15 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
For whatever reason the R5 II images are solid magenta. I've used umpteen softwares with thumbnails and could figure out the basics of most pretty quickly. It's not clear whay a 1.5 YO camera is like that, but RAW files from a 2015 camera (D7200) look normal. I just don't have the time or interest at this point to see if the NR is as good as DXO yet.
p.1 #16 · Is there a definitive answer between darktable and rawtherapee?
RustyBug wrote:
Download was okay ... it is the install that is being a bugaboo.
Are you on a Mac, and did it actually install but not open?
If not "opening" is the problem, it's linked to Apple security settings and Darktable not having the money to pay Apple for the verification process. Instructions to fix the issue are here.
It's one downside of some Open Source programs. Even an Apple update can break an existing install, as it just did for me :-(
Having said that, the user experience is so different from LR that to assess whether there will be any benefits over your existing software is going to take a fair amount of time and effort. I'm not sure anything works in DT the way it works in LR.
That's why I posted the earlier links, because some of the videos give direct comparisons (by an experienced LR and PS user) between DT and LR, as well as why and when he uses DT in preference to LR. And, they give a good a kick start in understanding how DT works.
I think, while DT and RawTherapee probably do some things better than LR or C1 i.e. choice of demosaicing methods, more advanced adjustment tools, and better highlight management, They are rather geeky, and because DT never seems to retire any tools (even though they no longer recommend using them) it presents a bit of nightmare interface, which you can customise, but it still means an intimidating interface on first opening. Especially, if you are expecting something that you can easily apply your existing LR or C1 experience to.
I'm not going to give up on C1 and PS as my everyday tools (DT seems to be designed around precision control and adjustments rather than ease of workflow), but once you get your head around it, is a very satisfying program to use.
reasons.
I might try the Linux later.