One of the reasons a Windows user won’t use a Linux distribution is that he can not use Photoshop on this OS. But what this user does not know is that there are alternatives to this graphics editor, or even if they know it, they can not stand up to the standard of Adobe’s product. The JPEG format is for unprofitable photos, they are comported and ready for printing. JPEG also offers the possibility of choosing a level of compression; if we choose a large compression, the quality of the photo decreases but our memory space is also growing. The RAW option gives you the advantage of modifying the photos after shooting.
1. Lightzone Project – Free RAW converter (open source).
A RAW converter with a similar Lightroom interface, Lightzone is easy to use despite the complex editing options and the different mode of operation. There are both basic and advanced options for correcting tones, perspective, vignetting, exposure and contrast, as well as a rich set of filters and effects. I was saying that LightZone is working differently from the programs we are used to: the simple contrast and exposure sliders have been replaced with a more complex system of “zones”. Basically, the program divides the image into 16 areas of brightness, which can be adjusted, editing being non-destructive. Though it seems complicated, once you get used to this concept, you may not want to come back to classic editors, as the Lightzone solution is more complex and more precise. Lightzone is available in both Windows, Mac, and Linux versions.
2. DarkTable – Free RAW converter (open source).
A fairly complex editor and an easy-to-use interface, DarkTable is a good alternative to Adobe Lightroom. It has almost all the editing options available in Lightroom and a similar interface (including how to organize files in the Catalogs and the tabbed interface – Catalogs, Darkroom, Tethering, Maps). In addition, from DarkTable you can trigger remote by tethering, as you can from Lightroom. DarkTable is only available for Linux and Mac OS, not Windows.
3. DigiKam – A great photo editor for photographers. It can also be installed in Windows.
4. Fotoxx – an application that allows you to retouch and optimize your photos very quickly and efficiently.
5. AfterShot Pro – I did not know the existence of this program, but it seems to be a potent photo editor. It can be installed on Linux, Windows, and Mac. We can test it for free for 30 days, and then we’ll have to pay.
6. F-Spot – is a program that allows you to add effects and other minor changes to your photos.
7. Photivo – an application that offers the best algorithms for graphics editing. These are meant to work with digiKam, F-Spot, Shotwell and Gimp. It requires a very powerful computer.
8. UFRaw – can be used as both editing tool, but can be integrated as a Gimp plug-in.
9. Photoshop (Wine). It can also be installed on Linux with Wine. The latest Photoshop version may not be compatible, but older versions can be installed much easier.