Software for processing RAW images

I have been using Adobe Photoshop RAW to process my images for some years. Recently I have heard recommendations for using Capture One or Adobe Lightroom. I would be interested in hearing any ones experiences with either and particularly if someone has experience using Adobe RAW and how it compares to either of these. Thanks.

I'm trying to avoid biting the bullet and buying a new body to go from my current 8.2 megapixel Canon 20D and am hoping I can improve my photographs in the processing. I can certainly justify the investment in a new camera, I just can't figure out how to pay the credit card bill when it comes.

 

Thanks, Dale, good idea. I forgot to mention that I'm using a Mac.

 

Yeahyeah, Eric did mention it to me last week. I've been hearing about several different ones that I want to try. Do you know if Aperture has a trial download?

 

Well Forrest, I doubt it. I am getting a lot of people telling me about different applications they like (because I am asking), but I haven't heard anyone say that theirs is better than Photoshop, Photoshop RAW, and Bridge. I have a neighbor who really likes Lightroom, too. I've been reading some reviews trying to listen to the pros and cons.
I'm not all that sure that my dissatisfaction is going to be fixed with different software. I think it may be time for a new camera.

 

Thank you, gentlemen. Now I have 3 possible trial software products.

I kind of like Forrest's idea, that way I wouldn't have that learning curve.

 

I'm getting a sensor cleaning (free) in a few days. It may be that getting the condensation residue cleaned off with also help. I tried cleaning the sensor last night. The guy at the camera store (who has helped me for over 20 years) explained how to clean the sensor and then sold me a gummy bear on a stick. It was great at picking up the dust, but when I dragged it across the sensor as he had recommended, it smeared the condensation film with a sticking/skipping action. Oh well.

 

Thanks for the comments. Shortly after I asked about this I bought a new body and things were much better. Things were good for about 6 months and then I started having trouble with compatibility issues with the Tamron 90mm macro and the Canon body. I couldn't get sharp images with the combination, but the lens was sharp with other bodies. Thought it was resolved in March, but a couple of weeks ago the focus started drifting off again. I bought a Canon macro last week so if I have trouble, Canon can't blame it on Tamron. I doubt I will ever buy a 2nd party lens again. The new body doesn't work with my other Tamron lenses either.

I've stayed with Photoshop (CS4). How is CS5?

And welcome to OI.