I have been told I can process the images in PS & LR but it is more difficult and I need to buy Capture One--which is expensive. Any information you can give me would be appreciated.
First: yes, Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom (assuming you're using current or recent versions) are directly compatible with the raw files produced by a Phase One P20+.
See here.
However I'd strongly encourage you to use Capture One with such files. The team that makes the backs and the team that writes the software are literally down the hall from each other and they have the best incentive of anyone to make the files shine. A lot of proprietary/dedicated math/information such as tweaking the algorithms specifically to a sensor without an AA-filter, creating ICC profiles specifically (and with enormous effort/care) for various light sources like daylight, flash, and tungsten, creating ICC profiles specifically for skintone, creating lens corrections for specific lenses (distortion, sharpness falloff, light falloff) such as the Hassy 35mm, and the dark frame data used in long exposures.
In addition there are several features and differences in workflow that I prefer in C1 (though of course LR is also a great program). Specifically for your work the Skin Tone Editor in C1 (the section of the Color Editor - not the eye drop utility) is phenomenal and can save considerable workflow time while increasing the quality and consistency of skin-tone in your work. And the iPad app is really useful as well as sexy when shooting with more than just you and the subject - art directors, assistants, clients etc.
Capture One DB is free and requires no registration/license nor has any restrictions on the number of computers you can use it on. It's available for download at phaseone.com.
Capture One PRO does cost $400. I think it's well worth it for many reasons. However, it's only needed to process Canon/Nikon/Sony/Leica files etc.
Basically Team Phase One (Phase, Mamiya, Leaf with partnership with Schneider) make digital backs and Capture One software. If you use the software with the hardware they make then it's free to do so - and they promise it will always be free to do so. It's only if you want to use the software they make (Capture One) with other cameras that some one else makes that you ever need to pay.
You might take a read through our
Capture One Blog or watch the
Capture One Videos to see some of the features you'd benefit from switching from LR.
I must also (selfishly - see signature) tell you that I always recommend against finding a deal and then evaluating if it's right for you. It's much better to step back, evaluate your needs, and decide what would be right for you - then find a good deal on it. If you're buying a digital back for the first time you might consider what value a dealer could play in the process. This is only the first of many questions that will come up for you and having a team of experts whose job and profession it is specifically to help you with these kinds of questions is worth something. Does it come with the latest firmware - is it compatible with the latest firmware updater or will it need to be updated via a dealer or a service check in NY? Is the sensor clean and scratch free, are there any dead pixels, does the flash sync port work. Are you ok with the square format - would other square format options be preferable? Does it come with the original cables, batteries, charger and if so what's the condition of these as they wear out over time and create all sorts of headaches if not in good shape.
Doug Peterson
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Head of Technical Services, Capture Integration
Phase One Partner of the Year
Leaf, Leica, Cambo, Arca Swiss, Canon, Apple, Profoto, Broncolor, Eizo & More
National: 877.217.9870 | Cell: 740.707.2183
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