There is a new version of my favorite photo processing software out now

[ConsAreLiars]

As some may know, I use Picture Windows Pro (at a very novice level). I had tried all the other better known software before deciding that this program (developed by a photographer for photos) worked in the way I thought about image processing.

http://www.dl-c.com/

The basic structure of the program (the options mimic classic darkroom techniques) is unchanged, but the new version offers two major enhancements. The first is that RAW files from digital cameras are accepted and automatically converted into viewable/printable files, rather than needing a separate step. The second is that "workflows" involving several steps can be saved and applied to new images easily. It is not the same as batch processing, where all images get the same treatment, since at each step you can tweak that particular transformation to suit your needs.

There is a 30 day free trial available at the "downloads" tab, and there are two versions. The "Pro" version ($100.00) accepts 48-bit data and, whether the original data is 48-bit or not, does the the math at 48-bit resolution. The "standard" version ($50.00) works only with 24-bit data. There may be some other differences as well.

If you are interested in trying the program, be sure to go to the "Articles" tab and download the Tutorial. There are lots of other good articles there, explaining a lot about image processing, useful even if you don't use this particular program.

(edit to add - It seems the tutorial is automatically included with the program download and acceesible via the "help" menu.)

[F.Gordon]

1. The stacking feature is worth the price by itself (IMHO)

I haven't had much time to play with this, but I did run a couple of stacks that I had tried doing in the past. Previous efforts were horrible.... everything looked like a bad acid trip. But this program did stacking effortlessly and quite well... allowing a considerable amount of adjustment to each image in the stack.

Don't know if I'll buy it but I may just for the stacking feature.

What's impressive about this author (programmer) is their incredible knowledge of color. Much of it is over my head but I plan on reading some of the stuff when I have more time... something I don't have large quantities of at the moment.
:-(

[ConsAreLiars]

2. Reproducing color accurately is both an art and a science.

The art side is up to the user of the program, but he (Jonathan) really has the math/science end nailed and does a good job of making the needed tools available to the user. The fact of the matter is that RGB monitors display only some of the colors in the spectrum, pigment based prints, even using 8 colors like some newer printers, display another limited subset, CMYK offset produce another limited subset (even 6-7 head machines still have limitations) and even the human eye cannot distinguish certain differences in the full spectrum within the limited range between UV and IR.

The user base has added a lot to the program. Norman Koren is one example, but also see especially the .pdf files here http://www.dl-c.com/Temp/features/Wilkins/PDF/ for some good guidance.

(edit because spell check doesn't catch nonsense)