As of last week, I have been transitioning my post-processing workflow from Lightroom CC to Capture One Pro 10. To a great extent, I was motivated to make this move after reading and listening to a series of blogs and podcasts by Martin Bailey regarding his migration from Lightroom to Capture One Pro. While I have been generally pleased with Lightroom (LR) since I moved to it from Aperture several years ago, I am finding some aspects of Capture One (C1) compelling. The main reasons I have chosen to move are:
- Reportedly better raw file processing for Fuji X raw (RAF) files from C1 versus LR
- Faster importing and file handling
- The availability of layers for image adjustments, ala Photoshop
I cannot yet say whether I am seeing true evidence of improvement in the first two issues that support my move. I am happy with C1 raw file processing for RAF files, but I cannot honestly say I was dissatisfied with how LR handled the files. For that matter, I do not see a notable difference in file processing quality from C1. This is not based on scientific testing or pixel-peeping, just my general impressions as an amateur photographer working in both programs. While many report improved color rendering and less pixel smearing in C1, I would say it is a wash in this area, for me.
I do see an apparent increase in file import speed with C1 versus LR. I also like the import dialog that C1 presents during the import process; for me, it is clearer on how it names and places files into the catalog upon import. One point against C1, however, is a weaker keyword protocol during import; in C1 keywords must be added after import and is not done as part of the actual import process. Since I mentioned the catalog, I find that in C1 this works similarly to LR; I use referenced image files stored on an external drive, and this same source works for both LR and C1, with the same folder hierarchy. While the catalog user interface differs a bit between the two programs, I see no real impact in using one versus the other. C1 does not follow the module architecture that LR employs; C1 lets you jump directly from catalog management to image processing to exporting and printing from one toolbar as opposed to LR’s separate modules. Again, this is not better or worse, just different, and I feel comfortable with both approaches.
While I do not see an apparent improvement in raw file processing, C1 takes another approach, and I am making some adjustments in my workflow to address the differences. I think that C1 has more powerful color adjustment and level adjustment tools versus LR, but is not as polished as LR in some effects, such as vignettes, image transforms, dehaze, etc.. While less powerful tools than standalone products, panoramic stitching and HDR functions are now available within LR while C1 lacks these features. The main area where C1 shines over LR is its use of layers for editing, similarly to Photoshop (PS). The advantage layers offer is that in addition to global image edits, you also now have the ability to break up different image editing tasks, such as dodging and burning, color editing, sharpening, etc.. This permits you focus edits on local area changes, and to later change or even delete that one particular type of edit without impacting the entire image with its global edits. The layer tools and functionality are not as powerful as those in PS, especially regarding blending modes, layer transparency flexibility, masking, and grouping, but it is nonetheless a significant capability improvement over LR. Both programs allow the use of plug-ins to edit in other popular image processing applications, but C1 does not currently offer direct publishing to social media options as LR does. Further, C1 does not offer an equivalent mobile application option as LR does with Lightroom Mobile.
The following images show the same RAF file as processed in Lightroom CC and Capture One Pro 10. I did not attempt to follow the same precise workflow of corrections in both files; instead I tried to use the available tools in each program to best process the image to suit my taste. I think both results are satisfactory, and that each program does some things better and worse than the other. Ultimately, and as usual, it comes down to personal preference.
The bottom line is that if you are interested in one of these applications you will need to try both and see which you prefer. Trial downloads are available for both software options, so you can see which is a better match to your workflow and provides a more satisfactory final product. Adobe only offers Lightroom now in a monthly/annual subscription model (can be bundled with Photoshop), while Capture One Pro 10 is sold via quarterly/annual subscription or a one-time license.
For more detailed info regarding reasons and procedures for transitioning from Lightroom to Capture One Pro, I recommend visiting Martin Bailey Photography and watching or reading the related blog/podcasts.
Not Quite in Focus 
I wonder why many state that LR has no layers. They are not called that way, but you have exactly the same functionality as in Capture 1. In addition, you have the elliptical and gradient ‘layers’, while c1 only has a brush.
Having said that, I a reasonably happy user of C1.
Cheers,
Peter.
Thanks for your comments.
Lightroom indeed has an editing history, but this does not equate to layers, in my opinion. As the blog post states, Lightroom has tools and capabilities that Capture One does not, but you take a round trip to Photoshop (or other layers-capable plug-ins) to exploit the power of layers.
Lightroom does have a layer-like capability in the form of pins. Set a pin on an image and apply local adjustments to any masked area you create. Set another pin, make another mask anywhere on your image and apply additional localized edits of your choosing. It is not all that different. C1 layers allow naming, easy toggling, and more controls; e.g., localized curves, but I believe it is inaccurate to claim that LR has no such functionality.
Hi … interesting post – I’m about to try Capture One after 10 years or so of Lightroom – Ive been reading up about it and have been using DNG files for a few years in LR and not sure about importing previous work into Capture One – may just use it for new work. Did you reference the files from different locations in both pieces of software or could you access the same raw files from the same location, in both pieces of software?
Tom:
Thanks for your question.
I have all of my images in my catalogs as referenced images. They are stored on an external drive. When I import images from my SD card, they are imported to the C1 catalog, and the actual files are stored on the external drive. This works just as referenced files do in LR.
If you wish, you can also import the same images to your LR catalog as well, instructing the LR program to keep the files in their original location, i.e., the external drive in my case. C1 is also just like LR in that it wants you to make file structure changes on the hard drive (moving files, creating folders, etc.) from within the C1 application. This could create disconnects on LR since it also wants to control the file structure from within. This can be addressed by using the “locate” function to resync the reference file within the LR application. I do not in fact do this – I have moved all of my current and future work to C1 and do not keep parallel catalogs in both applications.
Anyway, the short answer is yes, you can access the same raw files from the same location, in both C1 and LR.
Thanks for your reply. I think it is likely I will continue to use Lightroom and as you suggest it is probably best to have the files in two locations for each catalogue so as not to risk corrupting either Catalogue. If you were sharing the location of files between the 2 pieces of software I guess the changes made to the images would not necessarily be synced between programs. I’ll have to try it and see – hoping that it will work ok with some DNG files but having used them for a few years and impressed as metadata written into files I gather the best way to work with C1 is using original canera formats. Does C1 create xmp sidecar files. Also I’m wondering does C1 use a Catalogue file and preview files like Lightroom to manage all the data in the Catalogue? Thanks for any help you can give me!