Lightroom, Capture One & DXO Pure RAW

A Subjective Comparison

RAW processors operate in very different ways, and when you are looking at the initial RAW file, there can be quite a difference. I have found that this initial look and feel can affect how I begin to process and imagine. In addition, the integrity of the original file also affects the extent to which one can manipulate dynamic range and colour. The following is a non-scientific exploration of three prominent software programs, their original RAW outputs, and the resulting images. Keep in mind that I was not trying to make them all look the same; rather, I followed a similar process with each one, but kept the adjustments modest.

Processing the Images

The images below are RAW files from each program; the following images have had their exposure increased by 1.4 stops in Lightroom, as I often underexpose images. If you look at the upper left-hand corner, you can see which program the images are from; if you click the image, it should enlarge.

All three RAW editors appear to treat kelvin and contrast differently. This means that, as I process, I have a different starting point for temperature, sharpening, contrast, colour, etc. One could readily make the mistake at this point of concluding that one of the unprocessed RAW images is superior to the others. This may not, however, be the case once you start processing each image in its respective program.

The first thing you will notice when you open each programme is that the basic processing sliders are similar but not identical. During the processing, you will also discover that they do not adjust the image in in the same way. For example, Capture One’s approach to contrast differs markedly from Lightroom’s. Lightroom uses the Tone and Presence sliders; in Capture One, the primary sliders are Exposure and High Dynamic Range; and in DXO, the primary sliders differ again. You can see the difference below. The sliders on the left are Capture One; in the centre are Lightroom and DXO PhotoLab on the right. This makes it difficult to process the images in the same manner, thereby rendering this discussion highly subjective. This is especially true when you start with RAW files that also look quite different.

In addition to differences in processing tools, I observed slight differences in how they interpret and correct lens problems, and in file size. The images below have been processed, only slightly, using similar adjustments. I avoided larger adjustments that would be needed to make them more similar. More dramatic processing would be possible and could create an even greater difference.

Details of the Processed Files

Increasing the magnification to 1000 percent shows a significant difference between the three RAW processing engines. At this magnification, you can see differences in artifacts, edge contrast, and detail preservation. At this magnification, you will notice that the post changes position, despite Lightroom focusing on the same point in the image. This may indicate a flaw in Lightroom or a difference in how the RAW processor handles lens correction or the RAW file. I will leave that upto others to interpret.

After examining these three files, it appears that the process produced more artifacts in the Lightroom file than in the other two images. It may be that some sharpening occurred in the background when the RAW file was produced. It is also likely that some automatic sharpening has occurred in all three programs, but with different effects.

A Comparison of DXO Pure RAW and Lightroom X-Tran Image

The examples above were applied to a Bayer-filtered image, but what would the outcome be with an X-Tran Filter? The image below shows the difference between the two RAW processors after applying the same adjustments to the image. Once again, you can click on the image to enlarge it.

After this comparison, I wondered what the difference might be at a very high ISO, as Lightroom, in my experience, has been very good at High ISOs. The following image was taken by an X100 VI at 1/80, f/7.1, and 12,800 ISO. In order to see the images below full on the screen just click the image.

X100 VI at 1/80, f/7.1, and 12,800 ISO original Lightroom RAW file
X100 VI at 1/80, f/7.1, and 12,800 ISO original Lightroom RAW file, with the histogram corrected, no other adjustments made.
X100 VI at 1/80, f/7.1, and 12,800 ISO, Lightroom Denoise applied and histogram corrected. No other alterations.
100 VI at 1/80, f/7.1, and 12,800 ISO, RAW file processed by DXO Pure RAW and histogram corrected. No other alterations.
Image on the left is the Lightroom process, on the Right DXO Pure RAW shows at 300%

Image on the left is the Lightroom process, on the Right DXO Pure RAW shows at 300%

It appears that even at high ISO, files processed with DXO PureRAW yield substantially better results. I also observe a slight difference in how the two programs interpret the lens.

Conclusion

The decision about which option is most desirable is subjective, but I would avoid processing Lightroom RAW files. These results, of course, will differ because Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm have different ways of interpreting signals from their sensors. There are, of course, different sensors as well. In addition, I suspect that advanced processing techniques would provide further insight into the integrity of the RAW files and their ability to withstand a given editing style. Each photographer would have to experiment to determine which produces the best results for their cameras.

Implications for workflow if you use Lightroom

DXO Pure RAW processing, when used as a Lightroom plugin, facilitates a simpler workflow than importing a Capture One TIFF file back into Lightroom. With the DXO RAW file, you will have two RAW files: the original camera RAW file processed in Lightroom and also the DXO Pure RAW DNG. Capture One, by contrast, only allows you to export the file as a TIFF or PSD, which is then synchronized back into Lightroom. It is more likely that anyone using Capture One and Lightroom together would process all images in Capture One before synchronizing them back into Lightroom.

Other Photographers Observations

There are other considerations, when choosing a processor such as ease of use, specific tools that are key to your personal style, speed, etc. Paolo Satori has an interesting perspective in this regard. He was drawn to Capture One as he felt it had superior RAW processing, advanced colour control, and layer-based local adjustments. Then switch back to Lightroom because of recent developments in noise reduction, masking, and the simpler interface. He qualifies this by noting that he will miss the full layer-based local adjustments and advanced colour editing.

References