After purchasing an iMac 24" for tethering my 1Ds3 in the studio, I've begun testing Canon's Digital Photo Professional.
I've used Capture One Pro for the last six years, all with Canon files. With the 1Ds1 & 1Ds2 and ICC profiles from
Etcetera I was getting very good results in color rendition. After a few shoots I became thoroughly comfortable with the program's filing system.
However, the files from the 1Ds3 + Capture One didn't thrill me. They appeared low in contrast, muddy and lacking sharpness. Before tossing money at camera profiling software I decided to give DPP a thorough try. After a couple of weeks of use and a few intense jobs here are some of my initial reactions:
- DPP has a crude white point adjustment and could benefit with numerical inputs.
- It has far greater control over the raw file when using custom "picture styles".
- The file system doesn't easily allow for file renaming -- an internal renaming program must be used.
- Images cannot be cropped and re-cropped on the fly -- another internal cropping program must be used.
- The mystery button called "tone curve assist" uses an algorithm which is not explained in any detail (a classic Canon trait).
- Sharpening can be done in two stages with more control than Capture One (IMO).
- The program, like most others, functions faster on an Intel Mac.
- Output to "Wide Gamut RGB" profile delivers great results -- so far.
- Non-Canon ICC profiles cannot be used. This is a huge downfall, IMO.
I plan on using this program more, if only for the reason to achieve results that are better than Capture One. If I can get used to the file structuring methods, I'll be a bit happier.