That's another one of those personal peeves that really doesn't hinder the final product as much as just illustrates that the authors didn't seem put very much time or effort into certain parts of the process. Instead, I print with Picasa.

Bibble's noise-reduction technology is called Noise Ninja. Noise Ninja's OK but I prefer Neat Image. Basic Ninja controls don't do a clean enough job and I would have to add Noise Ninja Pro to get the control I get with Neat Image for free. For 90% JPEG quality output, the Neat Image demo package is the bee's knees!!

Finally, in Bibble, highlight color casting has been an issue as well, as I've seen some real jagged edge interpolation, although I really didn't have a chance to truly investigate in-depth.

SILKYPIX 3.0
SILKYPIX, shown in Figure C, is another RAW development studio, this time from Japan. Interestingly, if you're going to order it, you need to do so by paying in Yen. Their Web site doesn't offer any currency conversion -- they want their payment in net Yen. SILKYPIX 3.0 is 16,000 Yen, which is about $136 dollars as of the date this article was published.

FIGURE C


SILKYPIX may be the best solution, yet. Roll over picture for a larger image.

So, is it worth going through all the hassles for currency conversion? I think it just might be.

Pros for SILKYPIX 3.0
SILKYPIX has a free Windows version that leaves out the RAW processing. Even so, the free JEPG/TIFF processor gives Picasa a run for the money. Hey, it's free. What money?

SILKYPIX has the best interface of any workflow program to date. It's dark, like a darkroom should be. It's also very well arranged and completely customizable, though I haven't changed anything. I'd go back and arrange Bibble the same way just to compare, if the trial hadn't run out.

Control galore!! The more I delve, the cooler this program gets and the better my output gets. Visit the SILKYPIX function list to get details on all the different features.

For noise reduction, check out the False Color control. It gets the job done in low light, high ISO photos. 1600-3200 ISO Pentax .pefs are usually stippled in blue and red.

SILKYPIX is clearly professional workflow software with all the contrast, tone, sharpness, and fine tuning adjustment you'd ever want or need. Plus, it's non-destructive to original files and has the best color control, white balance, etc.

You can copy and paste image parameters for fast workflow as well as use a customizable paste list to copy only what you need. And I was happy to see it had support for for K100D .pefs and had dynamic range support for the Fuji S3 Pro. I'm going to research this camera for doing high dynamic range imaging panos via laptop acquisition. That's a whole 'nother book of stuff I'm playing wiff!

Con's for SILKYPIX 3.0
SILKYPIX is non-destructive to original files but creates two parameter files per image in a subdirectory under the RAW directory. There does not appear to be a setting for customizing this location or even setting the subfolder name.