Fraser Speirs Cocoa and Photos

Aperture 2: RAW Decode 2.0

I took my favourite RAW decoder torture test image into Aperture 2 last night to see if the claims of improved image quality held up. I think they do, and here is my example.

Firstly, this is the image processed by Aperture 1.5.4 using version 1.1 of their RAW decoder. It’s OK, but there’s a significant and nasty yellow band around the sun - a hard step transition between highlights and white.

Aperture RAW Decode 1.1

A while later, I reprocessed this image in Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop CS3. This gave a much better result in the bright highlights around the sun. This image has a slightly different crop, but only in the shadows.

Adobe Camera RAW

Last night, I reprocessed the image again in Aperture 2 using the RAW 2.0 decoder. I think the results are now practically indistinguishable from ACR. They’re possibly even better.

Aperture 2, RAW Decode 2.0

So far, I’m very impressed with the new RAW decoder in Aperture 2.

Yay - that is excellent news. I can’t wait to get our copy … (I did play with the demo, but I’m waiting until I can use it “properly” with my regular library…).

Thank you for testing this!

- ask

I haven’t downloaded the trial yet as things have been a bit hectic. And also because I’ve essentially given up on Aperture and had started the long process of moving my projects over to Lightroom (about 30% done) - if ever there was a problem in search of a solution Aperture to Lightroom conversion (and back again) is one of them!

Anyway, the new update does sound encouraging especially the speed increases. Ultimately it does come down to quality of the RAW conversion and your results look good.

You’ve managed to make the Clyde estuary even more entising than normal - how did you arrange to get them to tow in that floating prison island especially for the shot?