AMAZING! and some suggestions

[sgirard84]

Hi,

First, I want to tank you for such an amazing open source tool. I tried many times Darktable or RT and never liked them.

I moved from LR when they introduced subsription model, and I'm now using DxO PhotoLab since years, but I'm always open to new open source softwares. I'm also a developper but I mostly work on databases.

What I love the most:

• Fast and light!
• Runs fine on my small Surface Pro 12" with ARM architecture (finally I can edit on the go!) (bonus: doesn't drain my battery in 10 minutes)
• Complete set of editing features without making the UI comberstone
• AI used right
• Love the frame and collage tools
• Built in HDR and panorarma (but not tested yet)

Some suggestions:

Advanced noise tool:
Not a fan of how advanced denoise tool is implemented. I actually love the DxO implemention.. where it's part of the panels, but since it's also CPU/GPU heavy, it doesn't affect the preview right away... only on Export. But it means it still non destructive and work fine in batch edits. It doesn't impact at all the workflow.

On RapidRaw... it's separated so it generates another big TIFF file. Should be part of the panel where you can also select the method and stength, but only applies on Export. Bonus: Like DxO, maybe have a loop tool where you can at least select a small part of your image and generate a preview on this area... so you can see in advance how it will look like, without taking too much time and resources.

Other small suggestions:

• Many features require to download models and that's fine. But I'd like to see, in the settings, a panel to actually see the list of available packages and being able to download in advance (useful on my Surface Pro if I'm about to travel and internet might be limited)
• Search by tag (maybe include tags as part of the "search folders" and/or filter the library by tag
• In settings tab, ability to change the preset folders. So I can set it on my cloud folder, and sync all presets between my tablet and laptop.
• Monochrome toggle (faster and easier to switch to B&W)
• Allow better micro adjustment in sliders => 1) when clicking one time, make mouse wheel work 2) when right clicking on the left or right of the adjustment point, make small increment (again a DxO trick)

Final note: DxO is well known for it's best in class noise removal. I need to test RapidRaw on this. But when DxO releases PhotoLab 10, I seriously consider skipping their new version and try to use RapidRaw as my main tool. Actually, I'm going in vacation next week and I'll use RapidRaw for sure! Worst case: I'll get DxO PureRaw for specific raw files that work better with DxO DeepPrime denoise engine. Congrats !