On1 Photo RAW 2018
Combining browsing, cataloguing, effects, Raw and layers, Photo RAW can do it all (PC/MAC) £78 (converted)/$99.99
Photo RAW 2018 is perhaps the single most complete solution of all the programs here. It has a built-in hybrid browsing and cataloguing module that gives you fuss-free exploring of your image folders but more powerful search tools if you need them; a Develop module for processing Raw files; an Effects module with a huge library of one-click preset effects; a set of powerful Filter tools for creating your own, and even a Layers module for combining images with layers, masks and blend modes.
All of this is done non-destructively, so if you want to go back at any time and tweak or remove your adjustments you can, and you can create virtual ‘Versions’ to try out different settings without having to duplicate the original image. ON1 Photo RAW can also use third-party cloud services such as Dropbox to synchronize images with its free image browsing app for smart devices.
Performance
The ON1 Photo RAW 2018 interface feels ever so slightly clunky here and there and it lacks the fluid responses of some of its rivals, but the range of tools on offer and the effects you can achieve are excellent.
A new LUT filter in the latest version lets you take advantage of the growing use of LUT (lookup table) files for image-editing (they’ve long been popular in cinematography) and with the addition of perspective transformation tools there’s little that ON1 Photo RAW can’t do.
Although it is highly affordable, however, this isn’t really a program for complete beginners as it does assume some working knowledge of editing processes and has many controls that you’ll need to know the ins and outs of.