Best software combo for full workflow and organization

[phatpat]

I'm on an Intel Mac and I need something better than iPhoto to work with my shots. The options I'm considering are some combination of Aperture, Lightroom, Capture NX, Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop. I'm leaning towards just buying Aperture and getting Photoshop when I decide I need more editing power. Thoughts?

I need something that facilitates easy organization and quick post-processing.

[jcon]

What camera do you have? If Nikon, dont hesitate, go out and buy Capture NX, now that doesnt mean it wont work for other cameras RAW files, because it will, Im just saying NX is the hands down choice for NEF files. I use Capture NX and CS2/3 for my editing, NX getting most of the work. I have not used Aperture, cant comment on that one.

[phatpat]

I've got a D50. I'll probably download the trial of Capture NX and play around with it; have there been any updates on when the Universal version will be released?

[RichNY]

On an Intel Mac Aperture is definately the way to go. I've been using it for a few months and found it to be easy to learn and very feature packed. The workflow is very logical.

IMO the only solution that comes close to Aperture's workflow is Lightroom. Ultimately I anticipate Lightroom will have a greater market share since it runs on the PC platform as well but as today Aperture has a far more comprehensive offering.

Two features that only Aperture currently offers are Stacks, and Vaults.

If you go with Aperture you will not need NX or Lightroom. After you upload, rate, select and develop your images you may or may not still have a desire to do bit level image editing. For this you would use Photoshop or Elements.

I believe you are definately leaning in the right direction.

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JCON- What is it about NX that makes you feel it is hands down the best choice for NEF?

[jcon]

I feel its the best because NEFs are encrypted by Nikon and the Nikon software(in my own opinion) does the best job of correctly reading the file and the adjustments you make are more accurate. A silly analogy.. I wouldnt put Chevy parts in my Ford.

With Adobe CS2/3 you need a Plug-In to read NEF files. I used/use Lightroom and my tests and comparisons showed that NX had better color and detail adjustments in the final image compared to Lightroom. The colors and hues seemed to be a bit darker from lightroom.

I do have CS2/3 a close second in terms of the best, but I honestly feel NX is the best for NEF files. That Control Point feature is VERY usefull!

I will admit, Aperture looked very impressive to me when they announced its release, however I dont have a Mac, yet!

[RichNY]

Jason- Being a Canon shooter I've never used NX. Is it just the default conversions that are better with NX or do you feel it does a better job even after tweaking with both NX and CS2/3?

[jcon]

Forgive me if I misunderstood your question but by tweaking, do you mean actual photo editing? If so, then yes, I feel NX yields better results with the photo editing tools. The Control Points feature alone makes it better. I strongly suggest you download the 30 day trial of NX, despite shooting Canon, you can still use it as your photo editor for JPEG and RAW files. I think you will really enjoy working with it!

I would like to add, I use NX for all my conversions and editing. I use CS2/3 for the complex stuff like B&W with some color, etc...