Aperture vs. Other...?

Hello people...
Admittedly, funds are a bit low at the moment due to the purchase of my new iMac, but when funds allow, i'm considering purchasing Aperture. I just wondered what other people think of it, and whether it's a worthwhile transition or not?
Basically, i do a fair amount of Motorsports photography, and i like to edit the pictures, crop, colour balance etc. I have a Canon 400D and have been using the free software it came with, called 'Digital Photo Professional' (DPP). It's a good program, but i find it a bit user un-friendly for my own liking.
I've had a look at the specs for Aperture, but wondered if anybody would purchase this over the software provided? I do like to get stuck in, so i don't mind it beig a bit technical, but not so much that it becomes laborious and a chore to use. I use Photoshop for some edits too, but as it's a design application and it's not one i use frequently anymore, it's easy to forget what you're doing i have a terrible memory!).
So rather than use a few programs, should i make the transition? Is there a trial version available?
I look forward to your thoughts!
Dan

Dan the 480 Man wrote:
...I've just downloaded the trial however, and upon double clicking the .dmg it's telling me it can't mount the image for some reason. I've downloaded 3 now (in the hope of '3rd time lucky'), but no joy!
First is to max out the RAM in that iMac to 4 GB. Aperture will run poorly if at all under 1 GB RAM. The 1 GB RAM may even be why the trial will not mount for you.
I strongly recommend that every DSLR photog with adequate computer hardware first spend $33 and work through the tutorial CD Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 (Apple Pro Training Series) by Ben Long, Richard Harrington, and Orlando Luna (Paperback - May 8, 2008), Amazon.com. Ideally one should have the CD and proper hardware configured (put 4 GB RAM in that iMac!!) prior to ordering the Aperture trial so you don't waste time of the 30 day trial.
I just received the new v2 tutorial and have not yet reviewed it, but the earlier version was excellent. Note that the value is in the tutorial, not in using the book as a manual.
IMO a cursory examination of Aperture usually turns out to be mostly a waste of time, or leads to bad workflow habits or folks simply do not get it. Carefully working the tutorial is by far the best way to learn this new killer app category.
...i'm considering purchasing Aperture. I just wondered what other people think of it, and whether it's a worthwhile transition or not?
Most of us here think Aperture rocks. Working the CD tutorial with the trial version is a great way to find out just how good an app Aperture is.
Good luck!
-Allen Wicks

Similar Messages

  • If exporting images for backup, to reimport into a clean aperture or other program, is it best to use 72 dpi or 300 dpi, or does it matter?

    If exporting images for backup, to reimport into a clean aperture or other program, is it better to use 72 dpi or 300 dpi, or does it matter?  I want the best quality for any future unforeseen use. 

    I am somewhat reluctant to answer your questions after Frank Caggiano's excellent advice, but I really do not like to leave the question open, for there will be many occasions when you will need to export images and to understand how it works.
    But please, follow Frank's advice, right now you do not need to worry about pixels and dpi. That is exactly what I meant, when I suggested to you to make sure you keep a copy of your Aperture Library and to back it up with all your other data, before you erase your disk for a clean reinstall.
    DPI revisited:
    So, is the dpi setting only for exporting to print?
    The dpi settings are necessary to define the size of a digital image, since pixels don't have any dimensions. And since you cannot print or display an image without knowing its width and height, you will need to specify dpi when you are printing or scanning.
    If I leave it at the default 72dpi will there be any problems getting quality prints in the future from jpeg versions exported with that setting?
    Not if you export with the original size - the maximum number of pixels available. That will ensure the maximum print quality.
    The dpi settings are required to export versions; versions are derived from the masters and new image files are computed. When you export masters you get a copy of the original file that already may have a dpi setting.
    If I choose "export masters", will aperture will export my masters just as they are? 
    yes, and  you may add IPICT data if you choose
    Pardon my thick skull--I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks in this digital world!
    No apologies necessary, we were all beginners once
    Here is another example, maybe that helps a little:
    I exported an image (jpeg) with three different setting: export masters, a version with 72dpi, a version with 300dpi and inspected the files in Graphic Converter:
    The master was exported like this:
    Notice, the master had already dpi settings, although I did not specify any on export.
    The size is 51,48 cm x 38,61 cm.
    The 72 dpi Version has larger dimensions, but also 10 Megapixels.
    and here the 300 dpi version: smaller dimensions, same amount of pixels.

  • Aperture and other Pro Applications ( Final Cut, Motion, DVD Studio Pro )

    Hi folks,
    I have bought Final Cut Studio a while back, and have been working with all the tools for a while now ( FCP, Motion and DVD Studio Pro ). Recently I also switched to Aperture to manage / capture / organise my digital photographs ( previously I used iPhoto ).
    Now I was wondering how I could use the pictures from my Aperture library in Motion or DVD Studio Pro. When I look at the file Browser, I can easily use some iPhoto pictures, but apparently I can't seem to find anything for Aperture.
    What I would like to do is use some pictures from Aperture in a Motion project and also include an Aperture album in DVD Studio as a SlideShow.
    What would be the best way to do this ? Do I have to export the pictures I want to use ? Or am I missing something ?
    Regards,
    Stefaan

    Stefaan,
    Unfortunately, that type of integration between the Pro Apps is not there (yet). It would definitely be a nice feature to have. We should all send feedback to Apple asking for this feature. For now, you will need to export photos for use in these other apps.
    Along the same lines, I would also like to see integration with Aperture and the "iLife" programs. Since Aperture will likely replace iPhoto for at least some of us, it would be nice to be able to use Aperture photos in these apps as well.
    --Joe

  • Image previews different in Aperture from other applications

    I've just come across a problem with Aperture after importing a TIF image (usually I stick with RAW). The preview in AP3 looks different from that in all other photo applications I have. I looked at the same image in Preview, Lightroom 2 and iPhoto. In all 3 cases the on-screen preview was the same.
    When viewed in AP3 the image is noticeably different - Onscreen Proofing is off.
    To show what i'm seeing I've uploaded a screen capture of the image open in Preview and Aperture:
    http://www.mark-connell.com/Photography/Testing/screen-capture/880283357_DkDaM-X 3.jpg
    Is this a known issue with AP3.0.3 because it kind of makes it unusable as an image editor.
    Mark

    Add Lightroom 3beta2, Photoshop CS4, Bridge CS4 and LightZone to the list of applications that all display this image the same.
    Am I really the only person seeing this?
    Mark

  • Soft Proofing in Aperture vs Others

    I posted this in another thread, but didn't get a reply so I thought I'd try another Subject title. Sorry.
    Someone was having a problem with Aperture to Photoshop using CYMK. I'm having the same problem Adobe RGB images. I use Gretag/Macbeth to calibrate my monitor. When I proof in Aperture, the result is VERY desaturated compared with the soft proofs in Photoshop (direct from Aperture), C1, and Canon DPP. The others all soft proof identically. I haven't had a chance to print anything yet from Aperture, but I know my onscreen versions are very accurate compared to my printed output when using the other programs. If I leave Aperture proofing off and proofing off in the other programs, then the screen versions are pretty close. But I really would like to use proofing. Anybody else found this problem and worked it out? Thanks.

    Ian,
    AFAIK, profiles should be computed using the specific printer, inks, and paper—you don't apply the paper type afterward. I use an online print lab and have separate profiles for different printer types.
    Cheers,
    Andreas

  • Aperture vs Other Software

    I'm trying to visualize how Aperture interacts with other software, particularly Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
    Can I open an image that's been imported into an Aperture library in Photoshop and modify it?
    And if I use Aperture to organize images on a website made with Dreamweaver, would I have a choice of publishing those images online using Dreamweaver or Aperture?
    Also, I've seen references to using a database to manage/display images. I understand that Aperture itself is a database, but once I publish images online, they become divorced from Aperture, right? Or does/can Aperture publish some sort of database online...or with together with a MySQL database?
    I think someone mentioned using keywords to display images with a database. I assumed they were simply referring to displaying images in Aperture - or can keywords be used with another database, like MySQL?
    Thanks.

    In aperture you can set an external editor. This allows you to open the image straight in photoshop, it creates a psd file inside Aperture that your external adjustments are saved to. Have a look at the manual for more detail.
    http://documentation.apple.com/en/aperture/usermanual/index.html#chapter=5%26sec tion=16%26tasks=true

  • Aperture books - other shapes for photos

    Is there anyway to create photo box in any other shapes? I want to create a book with tons of pictures of my parents' grandchildren and it's getting monotonous with only having rectangles. I would love to be able to throw in some ovals and circles for cropping of photos. Do you know of anyway to do that?
    Thanks,
    Debbie

    Doesn't appear to be. Does seem like a heck of an oversight. Have you checked out the video on the Apple site [Making Books|http://www.apple.com/aperture/how-to/#video-books] ? It looks like you can rotate the image boxes, not much but a little variety.
    Do you have iWorks? Keynote has a bunch of shapes and such. You can access your Aperture library from Keynote and then you could export from Keynote and re-import into Aperture to make the book. A pain I know but a possibility.
    There may also be a plug-in out there that would do what you want. I'm not aware of any but check out the Aperture website .

  • Loss of sharpness upon image rotation: Aperture vs. other software

    I have carefully studied the resulting loss of sharpness upon rotation/straightening of images. This topic does not apply to 90/180 degree rotations.
    When any image is rotated (be it JPEG or uncompressed), there will be a slight loss of quality (seen as a loss of sharpness) due to interpolation. The method of interpolation applied will affect the degree of quality degradation.
    Simply put, professional applications such as Adobe Photoshop and even Adobe Lightroom use superior interpolation methods when performing rotations (and who knows, perhaps for other transformations/scalings also?!). Apple Aperture, on the other hand, uses an interpolation method that renders a loss of image sharpness on par with inferior consumer-level software such as Google Picasa or iView Media Pro. Yes, folks, here's a clear reason to select Adobe Lightroom over Apple Aperture.
    Please take a close look at the comparison yourself:
    http://web.mac.com/rishisanyal/iWeb/Homepage/Sharpness.jpg
    Make sure you are viewing the image I have posted at 100%, not scaled, in order to clearly see the inferior quality of images rotated with Aperture & Picasa.
    Apple needs to address this problem by implementing a better interpolation algorithm with its straighten tool. It is sad that we are using and paying for a 'Professional' application that yields results on par with FREE software such as Google Picasa.
    As much as I like Aperture for its other features/integration into Mac OS X, I am switching to Lightroom as of now. Straightening/rotating images is an absolute must, used by every photographer on a daily basis. The loss of image quality, therefore, is unacceptable.
    Please post to this thread if you have experienced the same problem or are simply concerned over this. The more people that show concern, hopefully, the more likely Apple is willing to do something about this ASAP.

    Surely any rotation (apart from the 90/180/270 ones) is by-definition a smoothing operation ? You have to take the values from adjacent pixels and combine them based on the rotation, then average (or use a point-spread function) them to rescale the values back into range.
    Looks to me as though the Adobe products are just applying a sharpen operation immediately after the rotation, whereas Aperture isn't. Or Aperture could be using a simple average of the values, where Adobe is doing a gaussian summation-of-components or something similar.
    My guess would be that they "do a quick sharpen", otherwise it would take longer to do the rotate. The only way you'll ever know is if the developers tell you though...
    -=C=-

  • Can't post on Aperture (or other Discussions)

    Hi I was wondering if someone could help me. I just created a login profile, etc. a couple of days ago wanting to join the Aperture and Logic Discussions. I successfully did that.
    When I'm in the Aperture and Logic Discussions, I notice that there is no "Post New Topic" button at the top of the page. As a result I can't post topics there. I've tried this on several machines with the same result.
    For some reason in this Discussion, I can post (obviously).
    Has anyone else run into this - no "Post New Topic" button in Dicussions? Is there something I need to do?
    Thanks!

    Hi b7AWb3!
    You are probably on a Category page.
    From the Aperture Category, select a Forum.
    For example Aperture Installation, Setup, and General Usage.
    On Forums, there is an option to Post New Topic.
    Good Luck!
    ali b

  • MobileMe photos stored in Aperture from other computer

    I have two computers, I shot photos on my laptop and posted them to MobileMe, when I opened up the desktop it picked up the MobileMe photos when it synced with the site.  Are those photos stored in my library?  How do I make sure they stay in my Library on the desktop if I kill off the MobileMe gallery later?  I copied the mobileme photos into a new project and now I have doubles in my library, there must be a better way to do this without having to copy them from the laptop and import them over to the desktop.  Any suggestions?

    I have two computers, I shot photos on my laptop and posted them to MobileMe, when I opened up the desktop it picked up the MobileMe photos when it synced with the site.  Are those photos stored in my library?  How do I make sure they stay in my Library on the desktop if I kill off the MobileMe gallery later?  I copied the mobileme photos into a new project and now I have doubles in my library, there must be a better way to do this without having to copy them from the laptop and import them over to the desktop.  Any suggestions?

  • Aperture and  other applications deactivation

    i was in genious bar at NY 5ave, the support genius exchange my imac 20 for a new due some tecnical problem, how can i know if the applications at the failed one are not activated because i cant install them in a nother equipment, that was the one that i install on but i cant doit in the other.

    You'll know if it's a problem when you install the application. You'll get a warning message telling you the application can't be activated because it's already activated on another system. If this happens, simply call the company (Adobe, etc.), explain the situation, and they'll reset the activation.

  • Few 5DmkII RAW files do not open with Aperture, but OK with other software

    Hi, I have two RAW files which I cannot import with Apple Aperture. The files open fine with Canon Digital Photo Professional, Raw Photo Processor and dcraw (and with various programs on my Windows 7 laptop) and I'm able to create TIFF files from the RAW files with every other software.
    Detail about the files:
    A. they are two first frames of burst (used auto bracketing, which takes 3 images in burst mode, to create HDR image)
    B. there is nothing strange in the files, they are normal RAW files and file size is normal as well (other 28.4MB and 32.7MB)
    C. both files process OK in above mentioned softwares and there are no blocks missing from created TIFF images, also preview JPG in the RAW file is OK
    D. Mac OS X Quick view (press spacebar in Finder) and Preview do show these two RAW images well (I assume they use the embedded JPG image)
    I have installed all the updates available in "Apple icon" -> "Software update..." function. Therefore I have Apple Aperture version 3.0.2. Computer is MacPro:
    Model Name: Mac Pro
    Model Identifier: MacPro3,1
    Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
    Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
    Number Of Processors: 2
    Total Number Of Cores: 8
    L2 Cache (per processor): 12 MB
    Memory: 12 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.6 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MP31.006C.B05
    SMC Version (system): 1.25f4
    How I can submit the files for Apple to create fix? I searched for Apple Aperture support but there is only this forum, no email address or anything. Do they read this forum?

    Some clarifications and answers to your questions:
    First to Tony Gay:
    I try the feedback later today even they claim "Please know that while we do read these submissions, we cannot guarantee a personalized response.", which is original reason why I'm why I wrote this question here. The url you provided did not work but this should:
    http://www.apple.com/support/feedback
    This is not relevant to sRAW files, I did not change the between camera taking automated bracketed shots the image format for 2 shots to sRAW and took 3rd with RAW, that is not even possible.
    I have copied the images from card to hard drive, not trying to read from the card itself. However now you mention tried also from card = exactly same result. Tried desktop (different HD) and external USB and external eSata, all same result.
    Get info doesn't show anything wierd for the images. All other 192 RAWs from same shoot were imported with exact same methodology (as well as 60000 images before that).
    Then to gosuk2:
    There is no HDR setting in camera, I took the images FOR HDR, but did not use any specific setting, just used 1 1/3 stop bracketing and 2 second times when camera automatically takes 1 1/3 underexposed, correct exposure and 1 1/3 overexposed image (the order of images can naturally be changed via custom function in camera). All this is unrelevant since I shoot quite often HDR with this method (=more than 500 images each month) this way and they have always been fine before these two images.
    I see the files in import panel and I the don't use import dublicates setting so that doesn't affect the situation (why it would, Aperture things files are broken).
    Again HDR cannot be combined in 5DmkII, it's just automatically shoot 3 bracketed shots.
    No I don't get same result no matter what I do, it's just these two files. My other ~5000 HDR bracketed RAWs are importing fine as well as all burst/shots taken in continous shooting mode.
    I'm very aware how stacking of images works, but I do not understand relevance to this issue. I can not import the images at all to Apple Aperture, after importing all images Aperture displays dialog saying that following files could not be imported to Aperture, then displays list with both of these files in the list and gives possibility to locate the files in Finder.
    I have used Aperture since version 1 and I have 70000 images imported successfully to Aperture. Earlier I have seen this dialog "Aperture could not import image" only after hard drive/card failure. However then images cannot be used in Canon's DPP (Digital Photo Professional) or any other RAW software - now the problem ONLY EXISTS in Aperture all other RAW converters are able to open and process SUCCESSFULLY these images.
    So I'm not whining that Aperture is not good, but if it starts to work only part of the images in future and I have to process rest of the images with Canon DPP (that program is really lousy on usability standpoint) then I'm not so happy with Aperture anymore.
    Will report here if I get any comments back from Apple through the Feebback tool.
    Message was edited by: vahonen (due to forum software replacing words like s u c k s etc. with ***)
    Message was edited by: vahonen

  • Tether problems in Aperture 3 with D3x & D3s - No HUD + other issues.

    Running Aperture 3 with 10.6.2 on a fast MacPro.
    I'm able to tether with both D3x and D3s, but the Tether HUD does not show up.
    Tried all the usual, cables, restarts, 64bit vs. 32bit, etc. Nothing. Still useable, but nice to have the HUD.
    Also, something I was REALLY hoping for in A3, but very disappointed not to see: I often shoot in RAW+JPEG in the studio. JPEG to give me B&W images that could even be used for finals if they are just right, and the RAW as backup in case I don't like the cameras' B&W conversion, or decide to use color.
    The new A3 IMPORT features for RAW+JPEG are great, but when I tether, it usually shows the RAW right away, and then sometime later the JPEG shows up. Usually. Not all the time. If it doesnt show up, and I take another shot, the previous JPEG shows up, followed by the next RAW !
    Would be great if there was a way to tell Aperture to ONLY show me the JPEG. Alas...

    Using a track to place the pins automatically works fine - within the limitations of Aperture 3 just using minutes and hours and not seconds to place pins.
    Moving an automatically placed pin to a different place on the track and letting adjust Aperture the other pins moves them to the next pin location previously used by Aperture and not by the same time offset of the manually moved pin.
    Images associated with pin on location 1 get moved to pin of location 2… At least this is what happened the one time I tried that feature.
    On top of that Aperture uses some dumb smart filtering and every of the locations require to deselect that filter in the search field of the browser. I guess that's the reason why you get missing images, they just got filtered out from display.

  • When printing from aperture my margins are unequal, even if i set my margins they come out bigger one side  and not the other. i am using a macbook pro running osx lion and printing with a canon pro 9000

    when printing from aperture my margins are unequal, even if i set my margins they come out bigger one side  and not the other. i am using a macbook pro running osx lion and printing with a canon pro 9000.
    please can anbody help or advise?

    You didn't mention any color calibration being done on your monitor.  This is an essential part of any color-correct workflow.  What are you using to calibrate your monitor (and your printer)?
    Print profiles (for soft-proofing as well as printing) are for specific combinations of paper & printer.  The nine you have are each, most likely, for a common paper (perhaps mfr'd by Canon) to be used with your printer.
    I don't know what you mean when you say "I choose a high standard print option".
    Have you read the User Manual chapter on printing?
    Printing Your Images
    There is also a good appendix on calibration:
    Calibrating Your Aperture System

  • Using Aperture 3.51 I am having frequent crashes and freez ups when editing Canon raw files?

    HI,
         I have an IMac with 4 G of Ram and am using Apeture 3.51. When trying to edit CS2 raw files I experience frequent crashes and freez ups of the whole computer. Any suggestions?

    You didn't mention any color calibration being done on your monitor.  This is an essential part of any color-correct workflow.  What are you using to calibrate your monitor (and your printer)?
    Print profiles (for soft-proofing as well as printing) are for specific combinations of paper & printer.  The nine you have are each, most likely, for a common paper (perhaps mfr'd by Canon) to be used with your printer.
    I don't know what you mean when you say "I choose a high standard print option".
    Have you read the User Manual chapter on printing?
    Printing Your Images
    There is also a good appendix on calibration:
    Calibrating Your Aperture System

  • I have upgraded Apple Aperture from version 2 to version 3 and I'm having a problem with the "Highlights and Shadows" adjustment. According to the user's manual, I should have access to an advanced disclosure triangle which would allow me to adjust mid co

    I have upgraded Apple Aperture from version 2 to version 3 and I'm having a problem with the "Highlights and Shadows" adjustment. According to the user's manual, I should have access to an advanced disclosure triangle which would allow me to adjust mid contrast, colour, radius, high tonal width and low tonal width.
    If anyone has any suggestions as to how to access this advanced section, I'd be most grateful.

    Hi David-
    The advanced adjustments in the Highlights & Shadows tool were combined into the "Mid Contrast" slider in Aperture 3.3 and later. If you have any images in your library that were processed in a version of Aperture before 3.3, there will be an Upgrade button in the Highlights & Shadows tool in the upper right, and the controls you asked about under the Advanced section. Clicking the Upgrade button will re-render the photo using the new version of Highlights & Shadows, and the Advanced section will be replaced with the new Mid Contrast slider. With the new version from 3.3 you probably don't need the Advanced slider, but if you want to use the older version you can download it from this page:
    http://www.apertureexpert.com/tips/2012/6/12/reclaim-the-legacy-highlights-shado ws-adjustment-in-aperture.html

Maybe you are looking for