LWN: Comments on "LightZone reborn as free software"

LightZone reborn as free software

berbmit — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:02:47 +0000

The only problem with darktable is that it down now allow for region selection ... a big drawback in my view. But nice otherwise.

LightZone reborn as free software

philipstorry — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:17:55 +0000

That's encouraging. Nice photos, by the way - I particularly like Brimming Over. :-)

LightZone reborn as free software

philipstorry — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:14:37 +0000

I haven't had time to look at Darktable - I did look at it a year to two years ago, and concluded that it wasn't ready yet.

I'll try and take another look this evening/weekend.

I'm not quite sure how to say this next bit without sounding like I'm spoiling for a fight, so I'll just say it:
I won't use it just because it's free. (Either as in speech or beer.)
I've never been fussed about paying for quality software - which I think Bibble is. I would rather use free (as in speech) software, but some kinds of software or support just won't happen without money being involved. If the price is reasonable, and the product/service is decent, then I'm happy. I'm not going to get ideological about the hobby (photography) that I enjoy.

Darktable will have to be better than Bibble to make me switch, not merely adequate for use... So whilst I'll evaluate it with an open mind, I have to admit I'd be surprised if I decide to switch...

LightZone reborn as free software

Mithrandir — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:51:28 +0000

I've been giving it a good run through its paces over the last week or so and I have to say I'm a convert. Despite not having the polish of some of the Bibble tools that I'm used to, I've found a way to do everything I need and you can just tell that there's more raw power to be unleashed and a lot more to be learned along the way. :)

A few samples:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwh86/8424806218
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwh86/sets/72157632635333640/

LightZone reborn as free software

boucman2 — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:58:55 +0000

FYI darktable does have a lightzone module that also follows the Adams ideas... and yes, that tool is awesome :)

LightZone reborn as free software

prometheanfire — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:49:19 +0000

I've been using it as well, though I haven't tried the other options (lightroom, etc) but it works great for me.

LightZone reborn as free software

fjf33 — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:20:04 +0000

Have you guys tried Darktable? I find the latest version very usable and flexible enough that I was able to make it match my old shell script based workflow without much trouble.

LightZone reborn as free software

Mithrandir — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:27:44 +0000

I'm in much the same situation as you: a committed Bibble Pro user, I even shelled out the cash to update to Corel AfterShot Pro. But it seems like Corel isn't giving it the maintenance it deserves; I just ordered a shiny new Canon 6D, only to discover AfterShot doesn't support it yet.

However, that prompted a reevaluation of the options on Linux, which can only be a good thing. Nothing seems to have the features and polish of Bibble yet, but darktable is starting to get pretty nice. It does lack some of the tools that I can't live without though, such as the amazing Bibble straighten tool.

It's nice to have another option, and it does feel like the open source tools are heading in the direction of becoming serious competitors.

LightZone reborn as free software

philipstorry — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:12:25 +0000

I'm pleased to see LightZone back - it's good to have options!

I was a paid user of it in the past, but found its main failing was that it was a photo editor - and I really wanted workflow software. So I now use Bibble.

But Bibble Labs were bought by Corel recently, and Corel's record of Linux support is... spotty. Actually better than most - they've at least tried, after all - but still not stellar.

So it's good to have alternatives - especially decent ones.

I'm also strangely finding myself thinking I might even learn some Java, so that I can try adding those missing workflow features myself!

LightZone reborn as free software

halla — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:28:47 +0000

"Nevertheless, the new project is a rare gift to software users."

Indeed -- and since there's some quite unique functionality and usability in this application, the opening up will benefit everyone. We can all learn from it, and that makes the world just a little bit better. I'm glad it turned out this way!