Free software for minimal post-processing requirements

Question

I wanted to ask for a recommendation for a free post-processing software.
As I am primarily a jpeg shooter - who keeps the raw files "just in case" - my requirements are quite minimal:

cropping
rotating
converting to B&W
changes to white balance, saturation, exposure
ability to work with RAW files from Leica M9, Fuji X-Pro2, Ricoh GR and GR iii
works on Windows

Would you be able to recommend such a software? In this forum I have seen mention of "Darktable" and "RawTherapee". But I was not sure whether they meet these requirements, especially around the RAW file formats.

Bob Macaroni McStevens · Accepted Answer

I recommend a non-destructive editor such as Darktable.
It will provide the same general workflow for both jpg and RAW and because manipulations are saved as commands, non-destructive editors have the least degradation for jpgs. Degradation only happens on final export not at intermediate steps.
Or to put it another way, a non-destructive editor treats your originals as negatives. A jpg original is simply a less information dense negative than a raw (like 135 v 120 film maybe).

Free software for minimal post-processing requirements

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question