My first batch of images was post-processed on RawTherapee 5.4, a free RAW image processor that can develop RAW formats from most digital cameras and DSLRs. About a week ago, I was introduced to the software through a post on Petapixel.com and decided to download and install it to see what the glam is all about.
First introduced in 2010, RawTherapee is a cross-platform raw image processing program with a subset of image editing operations specifically aimed at non-destructive raw photo post-production. It has features comparable to Photoshop or Lightroom.
What I find unique about RawTherapee is its ability to support RAW format almost across the board, including Olympus *.ORF RAW files which are my norm. I have been using Olympus Viewer 3 (OV3) for my post-processing needs all this while and have also been using, of late, Google NIK Sharpener Pro 3 for final print sharpening.
Compared to OV3, which I feel is rather straightforward and simple to use, RawTherapee 5.4 presents itself as a real heavyweight with a myriad of editing options and advanced controls for handling exposure and color adjustments, sharpening, denoising, color management, white balance, color channels, and more.
For a novice who hardly went beyond Auto Tone Correction, Tone Curve, Brightness and Contrast, and the occasional Gamma correction on the OV3, looking over the interface of RawTherapee 5.4 itself is already intimidating enough, let alone the very steep learning curve which you have to really get into to master the software.
Images were from the Olympus E-P5 mounted with a Canon FD 50mm 1:1.8 manual focus lens.
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