Gone are the days when Photoshop ruled the image editing field. Nowadays one can find several such applications that are more powerful than it and do not have a steep learning curve.
- Capture One is a professional RAW converter offering you ultimate image quality with beautiful colors and incredible detail for more than 500 high-end cameras. It offers state- of-the-art tethered capture, powerful digital asset management, extensive adjustment tools and a flexible workflow through customizable workspaces.
- Explore what’s possible in graphic design with CorelDRAW. Time saving collaboration, advanced illustration and powerful photo-editing tools deliver exceptional results and boost productivity. Enjoy a cross-platform experience on Windows, Mac, web, iPad, and other mobile devices.
The problem is that individuals searching for such programs find it difficult to decide, for instance, whether they should go for Capture One or Luminar.
Which version of Capture One? (I assume V21 as you have posted in the V21 section of the forum BUT it is not always safe to make that assumption based on where a question is posted!) 0. Comment actions Permalink. David Jordan April 21, 2021 12:21; It's a session saved on MAC SSD.
Today, we shall compare Capture One vs Luminar 2021 to find out which one of them offers you the best value for your money.
Before I proceed with this Capture One pro vs Luminar review, let me inform you that I have set several parameters such as ease of use, the interface, the speed, and the additional freebies included with the software.
Is Luminar Better than Capture One?
This review is ideal for those who keep on asking the above question or those who ask if Capture One is better than Luminar.
Instead of mixing up both the programs simultaneously, I shall compare Luminar and Capture One separately so that you do not face any problems during the comparison. Therefore, let us go ahead to find out which one is better. I shall be using the `PRO' version of Capture One for this review.
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Capture One Pro Review
The latest version of Capture One Pro (21) was launched recently. This is a superb photo editing software from the stables of Phase One, the Danish high-end digital software and photography equipment manufacturers.
This is, basically, a tool for processing and organizing RAW image files. Capture One Pro is, unarguably, the number one image editing software for professional photographers (thanks to its promise of faster performance, better micro-contrast, and color, as well as more creative control).
The latest version offers lens profiles and compatibility for more than 500 digital cameras which include the Canon and Nikon mirrorless cameras as well as the Fujifilm GFX 50R.
Capture One Vs Luminar 4
In fact, for Capture One, Sony and Fuji camera owners have their own exclusive applications, which are less costly than the main application despite offering all of the same features and supporting 70+ Sony cameras and 35+ Fujifilm cameras.
Fujifilm Simulation
Fujifilm enthusiasts will be enthralled by the inclusion of Fujifilm Film Simulation in version 21 of the software that allows them to add any of the 16 film simulations (they are available as photograph styles) in cameras manufactured by Fujifilm straight to RAW files.
After that, they can continue to fine-tune the picture employing all of the editing tools that Capture One Pro boasts of.
New Layer Masks
This image editing software has some major updates including new layer masking tools and a modernized and streamlined user interface. The manufacturer has also included luminosity range masks and a radial gradient filter.
An Interface Similar to Adobe
The menu system has been revamped with a migration tool, which reconfigures the interface layout so that it looks similar to that of Adobe.
If you are a regular Photoshop Camera LR or RAW plug-in user, you will be familiar with nearly all of the adjustments and controls in C1. However, do not expect a seamless switch from Adobe to Capture One Pro as there are a number of differences.
This means that there is a bit of a learning curve involved to understand the interface together with some of its more advanced controls.
However, you should still find it easy to use Capture One as there is a learning hub with plenty of tutorials available for you to go through.
About the Migration Tool
The new Migration Tool arranges the adjustment panels and converts the layout in an order that is more familiar to Adobe users.
Plugin Ecosystem
This software also offers a new plug-in ecosystem, which allows the development of 3rd party extensions to broaden the usability and functionality of the software.
The Capture One Plugin SDK, available as a free download, will permit developers to create plug-ins as well as automate tasks like opening images in external editors such as Photoshop or sharing images to third-party websites.
This implies that the day is not far away when users of this software will have the ability to share images directly to websites such as Flickr or Instagram, or even open files directly into software such as DxO's Nik application.
There are even a number of other useful applications like the Helicon Focus for focus stacking, Prodibi for tagging images and uploading to a web gallery, JEPGmini to optimize jpegs for printing or web upload and format for the layout of portfolio galleries.
The manufacturer currently offers plug-ins for optimizing JPEGS, creating proof galleries and focus-stacking. The open-source SDK plug-in for developers means more plug-ins are likely to be available soon.
AppleScript Support for Apple Computers
The other new features in v21 include extended AppleScript support for advanced users of Apple computers who wish to automate and streamline their workflow, copying that ignores spot removal, intelligent adjustments, and cropping for faster batch processing.
The software also includes new bundle options with an array of film style and cinematic effects to speed up your processing.
How to Use Capture One with Luminar Flex plugin
NOTE: The new Luminar 4 is already plugin-enabled. So, you can easily use it with your host application.
Luminar Flex was needed, separately, for previous versions like Luminar 3.
You may also check the review on Luminar 4 compared to the new Luminar AI
There are two basic methods of using Capture One with the Luminar Flex plugin.
- From Capture One, open the image in Luminar Flex
- Right-click the image
- Choose ‘Edit with‘ (not ‘Open with') to reveal some options
NOTE: If you do not see ‘Luminar Flex', you can add it by going to ‘Plug-ins‘ under ‘Preferences‘. Under the ‘Open with‘ menu, click on or tick the checkbox next to ‘Luminar Flex' to turn it on.
- In the options that follow, select ‘PSD‘ next to ‘Format‘
- Select ‘16 bit‘ under ‘Metadata‘
- You can tweak or change the other settings to whatever you like or just leave them the way they are.
- Click on ‘Edit Variance‘
- The image will now open in Luminar Flex
- Choose ‘Export‘ under ‘File‘ to export the image back to Capture One
- Make sure it is in the same location as the file you are sending (Go to Capture One and check for the PSD file that was initially created)
- To do this, right-click on the image to choose ‘Show in Windows Explorer‘ or ‘Show in Finder‘ (if you are using a Mac)
- Go back to the previously opened Luminar Flex Windows by maximizing (opposite of minimizing) it.
- Just drag the image from the opened Capture One into the opened Luminar Flex Windows. This should give you the right location.
- Continuing from point 9 above, click on ‘Save‘
- Click on ‘Replace‘ if asked.
NOTE: The above method is the fastest method but if you follow this (first) method, you may not be able to go back to re-edit (destructive editing).
2. The second method is to use Photoshop as a go-between (Non-destructive)
- Righ-click on the image and under ‘Edit with‘ (not ‘Open with'), choose ‘Adobe Photoshop‘ to open the image in Photoshop
- Maintain the ‘PSD‘ setting next to ‘Format‘ and ‘16 bit‘ under ‘Metadata‘ in the options that follow.
- Click on ‘Edit Variance‘
- Turn the background layer into a smart object by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘convert to smart object‘ (this will help you to use Luminar Flex as a smart filter) and for editing to remain non-destructive.
- Open Luminar Flex
- Click on ‘Apply'
Luminar 4 vs Capture One Pro
This software is slightly more expensive compared to the majority of image applications. However, be prepared to pay a one-time fee for a Capture One Pro v21 perpetual license. You need not go for a monthly subscription plan.
You can also opt for the bundled options (purchase it now to get a special discounted price). These two bundles contain 48 and 94 processing styles respectively.
Luminar 2021 vs Capture One Pro 21
Uses Catalogs (and Sessions)
Capture One Pro, just like Adobe's well-known software, makes use of a catalog-based structure in which RAW alterations are updated and then stored in an XMP sidecar file that is saved inside the catalog.
Therefore, to begin, you have to create a catalog and save it to a location in your primary hard drive that you back up regularly.
Next, you can then import some images. You can do this by clicking on the import arrow icon in the top left side of the interface, or by simply copying and importing images directly from a memory card.
There is no doubt that this software is amazing, to say the least.
As this program accepts input from Fuji cameras, we shall have to check whether Luminar does so too in our Luminar vs Capture One Fuji in the second part of this review.
Luminar 2021 Review
Luminar is an advanced separate photo editing software. It ships with all the bells and whistles you require to edit an image from beginning to end.
Luminar 2021 boasts of a right-hand column wherein you can make alterations using sliders. In addition, you can also choose the adjustments you would like to show up in that column.
Great Picture Organizer
Luminar has included a DAM (Digital Asset Manager) with its latest update. This addition is perfect for viewing your images and keeping them well organized.
Artificial Intelligence for Fast Editing with Batch Processing
It also offers options for batch processing and quick editing. Combined with Luminar's exclusive artificial intelligence filters — designed to fix standard issues while optimizing the detail, tone, and color, it provides you with an outstanding amount of editing power.
You can do as little as move a single slider or get as complex as using multiple layers and masks, and even experimenting with some third-party plugins.
Luminar or Capture One
Luminar also contains a number of unique filters such as AI sky enhancer, top, and bottom lighting, sun rays, etc.
Obviously, they include all of the standard editing tools such as black & white, raw develop, shadows and highlights, and curves.
All of them combined offers endless chances for artistic editing as well as creative editing, and straight-up batch processing editing jobs too.
Adobe-type Features and More
Here is some good news for those wanting to switch over to Luminar as well as for first time purchasers of photo editing software. This program offers numerous filters, Photoshop type layers, blend modes, layer masking inclusive of luminosity masks, and advanced options such as LUT mapping.
Luminar 4 vs Capture One 21
Luminar As A Plugin
To use Luminar as a plugin, owners of this program can download a separate program known as Luminar Flex for this purpose.
The latest version of Luminar still permits 3rd party filters and works seamlessly with the awesome Aurora HDR software.
Luminar compared to Capture One works with all types of image files.
The manufacturer has also included an advanced Raw Develop module that includes extensive transform options as well as lens adjustments.
An Interface Similar to that of Adobe
The interface will look quite familiar & intuitive for seasoned Adobe LR users, and anybody will find it easy to get started and learn the basics. You just have to open an image, choose your filters and/or work-space, after which you can start adjusting with sliders.
Customizable
You can customize everything infinitely, and once you discover a filter set or workflow that works for you, you can save the same as a preset to use with other images. You also have the option to set up a custom workspace to mimic the workspace of Adobe LR if you so prefer.
Editing works the same as in the previous version. You can create a custom workspace or choose one. If you prefer starting with an empty workspace (as I do because I need different things with different photos), a simple `Ctrl + L on Windows (‘Command + L' on the Mac) brings up the wide variety of filter options.
Here are the exciting new updates available in this new release:
• Ability to synchronize adjustments between multiple images
• A library for organizing, editing, and viewing multiple photos
• Numerous viewing choices (filmstrip, gallery, and single image view)
• A brand new, human-aware Accent AI filter
• Folders that always remain synchronized with what is on the hard disk drive
• Lost edits album… no more frustration over unsaved changes
• Smart shortcuts that facilitate automatically organizing of photos
• “On This Day” feature — see what pictures you took on this day in previous years
Skylum Luminar vs Capture One Pro
The Library, found in the latest version of Luminar allows you to place images in the center and front. The minimalist and sleek interface offers just a single as well as a narrow strip at the top for navigation purposes, to maximize viewing space.
Most of the action takes place on the right-hand sidebar, permitting users to toggle between a photograph's information, the library, as well as the editing filters.
Easily Manage JPEG and RAW Images
If you shoot in JPEG + RAW mode, you can now work effortlessly with the pairs. Select one or both types of files on import. Also, another view option permits you to select to view just the JPEG, the RAW, or both images simultaneously.
View just the JPEG or RAW if you want a less cluttered library. Good news for Fujifilm fans. You can view both RAW and JPEG and use the JPEG as a reference while you edit the RAW version. Quite sweet, eh? The edits of the separate formats are kept separately; however, if you want to apply them to both, just synchronize them.
Editing is Non-destructive
All of the editings are non-destructive. All changes or edits are stored in a separate .state file in the catalog. The original files remain untouched.
Luminar costs $89. If you want to purchase Luminar4 together with ‘Inspirational Looks' and ‘California Sunsets', you can also do so.
Is Capture One Better than Luminar?
I had hoped to choose one of the two programs as being better during this Capture One 21 vs Luminar 2021 review. However, I can safely say that during this Capture one Pro 21 vs Luminar 4 evaluation I found both of them equally good.
During my evaluation of the two photo editing programs… Luminar 4 vs Capture One 21… both are almost equal. It just depends on what you need to accomplish and the results you hope to achieve.
However, if you judge by the price factor, then Luminar is the clear winner. But apart from that, it is extremely difficult to say which is better.
In addition, those who have worked with Adobe LR will find switching over to Luminar easier. I have rarely reviewed two similar applications and be unable to give a clear verdict on which one is the outright winner.
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Thread started 09 Dec 2020 (Wednesday) 11:32
MCAsanMCAsan 3,871 posts Likes: 80 Joined Jun 2010 Location: Atlanta | Strikes me this a very 'lite' release. DeHaze is nice...but should have been out year ago. Import is as slow as Christmas on my M1 Mini 16GB running Big Sur. Maybe that will be fixed with a future update to make it run native mode on Apple Silicon. Speed edit seems nice. But I have wonder if that too a lot of design resources to implement. Still no content aware eraser or fill that other apps have had for years. LOG IN TO REPLY |
patrick jpatrick j 1,864 posts Gallery: 44 photos Likes: 4341 Joined Mar 2009 Location: Denver | I looked at the video from Paul Reiffer on the new additions and didn't see anything that would make me want to upgrade. Dehaze can be done with existing sliders, and Paul himself says you'll get better results using those sliders than using the new dehaze slider. The import speed doesn't bother me. If they'd added a focus stacking feature, then I might have had to consider it. LOG IN TO REPLY |
marcial4marcial4 1,385 posts Gallery: 44 photos Likes: 2718 Joined Jan 2011 Location: Santiago de Chile, Chile | agree!... I was willing to upgrade when it was announced in past weeks, but I decided to wait to see the new features, in the end I'll skip an upgrade until see what's new in C1 22 as I don't see anything that would help me more to edit my photos. Marcial 'Marshall' Quintero LOG IN TO REPLY |
HKGunsHKGuns 1,770 posts Gallery: 45 photos Likes: 1634 Joined May 2008 Post edited 4 months ago by HKGuns. | Dec 10, 2020 09:53 | #4 I upgraded for HEIF support only to find it can read but not write HEIF files. Was interested in having a good alternative to JPG files. LOG IN TO REPLY |
Capture One 21 Pro
digital paradisedigital paradise 17,459 posts Gallery: 125 photos Likes: 12629 Joined Oct 2009 Location: Canada | I have read with 21 you only get 2 activations. With 20 and (previous) you get 3 so if you need to have it on 3 computers it's something to consider. Image Editing OK LOG IN TO REPLY |
kirktkirkt 6,127 posts Gallery: 5 photos Likes: 925 Joined Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA USA Post edited 4 months ago by kirkt. | Dec 10, 2020 11:17 | #6 patrick j wrote in post #19164575 I looked at the video from Paul Reiffer on the new additions and didn't see anything that would make me want to upgrade. Dehaze can be done with existing sliders, and Paul himself says you'll get better results using those sliders than using the new dehaze slider. The import speed doesn't bother me. If they'd added a focus stacking feature, then I might have had to consider it. Capture One is supported by a Helicon Focus focus stacking plug-in: Kirk LOG IN TO REPLY |
kirktkirkt 6,127 posts Gallery: 5 photos Likes: 925 Joined Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA USA | HKGuns wrote in post #19164736 I upgraded for HEIF support only to find it can read but not write HEIF files. Was interested in having a good alternative to JPG files. As I pointed out in the other thread about Capture One 21, the release notes are clear that HEIC write support is not included. You can also sign up to be a beta tester and get access to early releases of the upcoming software, and voice your desire to have things like HEIC write support included. Kirk LOG IN TO REPLY |
kirktkirkt 6,127 posts Gallery: 5 photos Likes: 925 Joined Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA USA | digital paradise wrote in post #19164770 I have read with 21 you only get 2 activations. With 20 and (previous) you get 3 so if you need to have it on 3 computers it's something to consider. According to my perpetual license version of v21, I have one activation remaining - I have activated on 2 computers at this point, implying that the perpetual license provides 3 total activations. Kirk LOG IN TO REPLY |
kirktkirkt 6,127 posts Gallery: 5 photos Likes: 925 Joined Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA USA Post edited 4 months ago by kirkt. (3 edits in all) | Dec 10, 2020 11:24 | #9 Re: slow import - I do not use Catalogs in Capture One, I just use Sessions. Generating the initial previews sometimes takes a few seconds. Unless there is a compelling reason to use a huge database for your images, I see no point in locking oneself into a DAM. The OS on modern computers is pretty good at managing and searching the metadata within image files. Kirk LOG IN TO REPLY |
Capture One 21 Keygen
digital paradisedigital paradise 17,459 posts Gallery: 125 photos Likes: 12629 Joined Oct 2009 Location: Canada Post edited 4 months ago by digital paradise. | Dec 10, 2020 11:34 | #10 kirkt wrote in post #19164780 According to my perpetual license version of v21, I have one activation remaining - I have activated on 2 computers at this point, implying that the perpetual license provides 3 total activations. kirk I don't know anything about it. I just read about it here. Image Editing OK LOG IN TO REPLY |
Capture One 21
HKGunsHKGuns 1,770 posts Gallery: 45 photos Likes: 1634 Joined May 2008 | kirkt wrote in post #19164779 As I pointed out in the other thread about Capture One 21, the release notes are clear that HEIC write support is not included. You can also sign up to be a beta tester and get access to early releases of the upcoming software, and voice your desire to have things like HEIC write support included. Just sign in to your Capture One account and sign up for the beta program. kirk I am a beta tester for them already, I just didn't participate in the 21 release because of work. Clearly I didn't read the release notes. LOG IN TO REPLY |
patrick jpatrick j 1,864 posts Gallery: 44 photos Likes: 4341 Joined Mar 2009 Location: Denver | HKGuns wrote in post #19164807 I am a beta tester for them already, I just didn't participate in the 21 release because of work. Clearly I didn't read the release notes. What is the purpose of focus stacking? To do focus stacking, you would take multiple shots with the focus point set to different parts of the scene. For a landscape shot, you might focus on the foreground, the middle ground, and the background. The focus stacking software will then blend the 3 images, using the sharpest part of each image, so you then get a shot that is sharp from front to back. I think focus stacking is really big for the macro people, since they have such shallow depth of field. LOG IN TO REPLY |
MCAsanMCAsan THREAD STARTER 3,871 posts Likes: 80 Joined Jun 2010 Location: Atlanta | I hope the update to support Apple Silicon improves import performance time. On my M1 Mini with 16GB and 1 TB SSD it took about 48 hours to import 90,000 images sitting on SSDs connected via TB3. IMHO, not good at all. LOG IN TO REPLY |
CyberDyneSystemsCyberDyneSystems 52,130 posts Gallery: 192 photos Likes: 9009 Joined Apr 2003 Location: Rhode Island USA | MCAsan wrote in post #19164221 ... I got my 21 via subscription. I would never paid list price for what seems to me to be a small set of new or improved features. Of course, this is all subjective. Looks like subscription costs MORE than buying the upgrade to me. GEAR LIST LOG IN TO REPLY |
Capture One 21 Win
NinetyEightNinetyEight 3,206 posts Gallery: 2 photos Likes: 26 Joined Sep 2008 Location: Dorset - England | Dec 11, 2020 03:51 as a reply to @digital paradise's post | #15 DP - I believe you still get 3 with a perpetual licence but only 2 with the subscription. Kev LOG IN TO REPLY |
Capture One Pro 21
Capture One 21 Beta
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