GIMP

Hi All,
Does anyone have experience with GIMP as a post processing package for bird images? If so, what is your opinion? Is it a viable alternative to PS? It's free which is a big attraction for me as I don't like the idea of paying a continuing subscription for any other software and it appears to do most of what PS does, however looks quite daunting to learn!
I'd appreciate any comments that anyone can offer.

Hello Sandra,

I am unable to answer your question re GIMP. However, I notice that you are a Canon shooter so I wonder if you have considered DPP4 for RAW image adjustment and conversion, with Photoshop Elements for more sophisticated processing, finishing and cataloguing. You would need to buy a copy of PSE, which comes with ACR, for a one off purchase price of about $150. I only feel the need to update PSE about every 7 years so the cost over the lifetime of the software is minimal. In my opinion, DPP4 is the best available RAW adjustment and conversion software for Canon RAW files so I remain very happy with DPP4 + PSE for my processing. The noise reduction and sharpening offered in DPP4 is very acceptable, but if you want more, a plug-in for PSE like Topaz Denoise AI, or for more critical work, Neat Image, are both excellent..

Sorry I am off topic but it would be a pity for you not to consider DPP4 + PSE.

Kind regards, Ian

Thanks for your response Ian, much appreciated. I have DPP4 but don't use it at this time as I am already using Adobe DNG for processing CR3 files for use with LR6 (doesn't read CR3). As LR6 (last version of LR with an individual licence) is no longer supported; its capabilities are getting a bit outdated, also I have found it to be a bit 'flakey' at times, I am looking for a suitable alternative. That's when I found GIMP, an open source free application, and was wondering if anyone is using it, or has any knowledge of its capabilities, for bird image processing.
You have offered a good alternative work flow to consider though and I will give it thought and investigation so thank you very much.

Hi Sandra, I'd second Ian's suggestion that you consider DPP and Photoshop Elements. I use the same combination. Photoshop Elements is a cut-down version of full Photoshop and unlike Photoshop is available for outright purchase, not subscription. It definitely lacks some of the powerful selection features (for example) of Photoshop but is a viable alternative in my view, especially given the cost. Definitely worth considering. You can obtain a free trial of Photoshop Elements if you wish to try it.

On a somewhat off-topic issue, it looks like you might be using the Adobe option to import your camera RAW files as DNG files? If so, you may want to reconsider that. Aside from being locked in to Adobe software for processing in future or others that support this proprietary file format, the DNG file deletes some information contained in the original CR3 RAW file that could be important if you ever decide to reprocess the shot with different software in the future. The results are likely to suffer. Another issue is that if you ever decide to enter nature and bird photo competitions, many will request your original camera RAW file - CR3 in this case. This is to check compliance with competition rules about manipulation of photos. DNG files can hide these issues as they can be manipulated once they've left the camera. Our own BirdLife Australia Photography Awards didn't accept DNG files in the latest competition and other major competitions won't accept DNG: for example the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the UK-based international competition Bird Photographer of the Year.

Hi Sandra

I can't comment on GIMP, but if subscription-free raw processing software is what you want, there are still a few packages available which can be purchased outright. I use DxO Photolab (currently v6) which does everything I need, including file management, comprehensive editing tools and state of the art noise processing. However it does not do things like layers, or AI-based object replacement. Two other packages I am aware of are ON1 and Skylum Luminar, both of which have outright purchase options. All come with free trial periods.

It is worth doing the maths, particularly if you are likely to want upgrades to your software (eg if you purchase a new camera, or if some fancy new feature comes out). Software companies typically release new versions once a year or so. While these are often at reduced prices to current users (an upgrade price as opposed to the full price) they will still set you back a reasonable amount. If you do this once a year you may end up spending a similar amount to the Adobe subscription. It's a fact of life that no software lasts forever, as you are finding out with the old Adobe Lightroom 6.

While everyone's economic circumstances differ, the free things generally come at a cost in terms of (one or more of) features, useability, and upgrade cycle. There are several powerful freeware raw programs such as RawTherapee (which recently released a new version) but they are often geeky and not always particularly stable. They are developed by enthusiasts and are very much subject to the availability of talent and the leadership in the voluntary networks. The free software by manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon has several advantages in terms of being 'tuned' to the digital files produced by the manufacturer's cameras, but are limited in terms of features and can be quite slow in their operation. So, lots of things to consider.

Regards
Simon

Thank you Ian, Glenn, and Simon for taking the time to respond to my enquiry and providing so much information. There are certainly a lot of options and strategies out there, all of which I will keep investigating!
That's very interesting about the use of Adobe DNG for RAW file conversion Glenn. It's certainly new knowledge for me.

It looks like GIMP though is not attracting any interest as a bird image processing option. I note that it uses something called Darktable for its RAW file management.

Once again thank you for your comprehensive replies. They are very much appreciated.

Regards
Sandra