Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate

code4code5 · 03-28-2009, 08:09 AM

I've had my K20D for about a month now, and I've been trying several different software options for RAW conversion. I decided to go with Corel's Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate, as I used the non-ultimate version to do most of my K100D processing.

I went back to try and re-develop some of my images and noticed that before any work whatsoever, the PEF files are showing blown highlights that were not blown in the original image. I've attached a screen shot from PSPX2 and another from PPB. I tried disabling color management within PSPX2 and that didn't seem to make a difference.

Has anyone else experienced this issue with PSPX2 or other imaging software?

Mr Hyde · 03-28-2009, 10:39 AM

go to File>preferences>file format preferences. This should open up a window. Select the "general" tab and make sure that "Open Camera Raw Images With Smart Photo Fix" is not checked

code4code5 · 03-28-2009, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Hyde

go to File>preferences>file format preferences. This should open up a window. Select the "general" tab and make sure that "Open Camera Raw Images With Smart Photo Fix" is not checked

Unfortunately, that was the first thing that I checked. I was hoping that something got tweaked during the installation, but to no avail. Thank you, though.

code4code5 · 03-29-2009, 08:30 AM

I guess it's true that all RAW converters are not created equal. I've decided that on shots with blown highlights in PSP, I'll do an initial RAW conversion to tiff with PPL, correcting for white balance and shadow recovery only, then do the remainder of the corrections in PSP. What a pain. Sure makes me glad that I dropped $50 on the new version.

*borno* · 03-29-2009, 09:48 AM

I had to upgrade because the old version didn't support the k100d super, but they look ok with that profile on my version. I mostly use Capture One though unless I need to clone out a spot or something.

chirpy · 03-30-2009, 09:14 AM

I use PSP for tweaking, but don't use it for raw conversion which I find it's very poor at. I use silkypix for that. So, go from PEF > SilkyPix process and save to TIFF > PSP process and save to JPG.

fs999 · 03-31-2009, 04:04 PM

I have the same problem. It seems to be the raw opener... It happens also in the organizer.

My thread is here : K20D raw problems with PSP X2 Ultimate.

I do the same like Chirpy, the TIFF is not changed...

DAZ · 03-31-2009, 07:47 PM

I do the same as the others. I use PPL for WB and small curve corrections saved to TIFF then use PSP X2 Ultimate just about every thing further.

DAZ

code4code5 · 05-02-2009, 08:05 AM

I've decided to give RawTherapee a try, and it seems fairly extensive. I'm not quite sold on the output yet, but I'm learning.

*jimH* · 05-15-2009, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by chirpy

I use PSP for tweaking, but don't use it for raw conversion which I find it's very poor at. I use silkypix for that. So, go from PEF > SilkyPix process and save to TIFF > PSP process and save to JPG.

I purchased Paintshop Pro Photo XII because it incorporated a raw converter for the K10 PEF files and tried a few, to be honest I didn't work on it very hard, but wasn't satisfied with the results. I then went back to Pentax Photo Lab, which at first I couldn't understand and felt it was short of features, and had much better luck with the PEF conversion.

I may be missing something with Photo shop Photo XII, I need to learn more.

jimH

code4code5 · 05-15-2009, 09:12 PM

I am about fifteen days into a thirty day trial of Capture1 Pro, and I've really gotten the hang of the workflow. It's pricey, and in all honesty I think I'd preferr to buy LightRoom at the price they're asking for it. I have been very happy with the fidelity of the images, but the noise reduction that's built it leaves a lot to be desired. Raw Therapee hasn't given me the most faithful representations of the raw image, but the price sure is right.

fs999 · 05-27-2009, 04:13 PM

There is a small update available (12.501). But the program will only sh
From the menu Help-Check for Updates...

It updates the Ulead raw reader dlls and PhotoLoader.exe

All the problems with showing/opening K20D raw files has gone !

dosdan · 05-27-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by fs999

It updates the Ulead raw reader dlls and PhotoLoader.exe

All the problems with showing/opening K20D raw files has gone !

The fact remains that Corel has been very slow with providing updates for PSP. That's why I stopped using it a couple of years ago.

Dan.

fs999 · 05-27-2009, 04:48 PM

If you pay a product 1/10th of the price of Photoshop, don't think that the service will be 10 timers better.

It remains the best price/feature ratio on the market...

dosdan · 05-27-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by fs999

If you pay a product 1/10th of the price of Photoshop, don't think that the service will be 10 timers better.

It remains the best price/feature ratio on the market...

I certainly can't afford Photoshop. I use XnView, The GIMP & PPL for RAW conversion. You can't beat freeware for the best bang-for-the-buck.

The freeware providers seem to be able to provide much more frequent bug fixes & improvement upgrades than PSP. I wonder how they can afford to do it?

When I tried PSP last (XI or X2) it was so slow to load & blew up frequently. The stability of the freeware products I use is superior.