DPP4 Newbie

Discussion in 'Post Processing, Printing, and Scanning' started by Roy03, Feb 19, 2021.

  1. Roy03

    Roy03 New Member

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    Hi, I have installed a free version of DPP4, courtesy of Canon, and I haven't got a clue where to start. When I try to import my photos which is in my Photo app ( I have a 2020 iMac running BigSur ) it won't let me do it. The only way I can get a photo to have a play with, is by copy and paste, which is very time consuming. I know I'm not the sharpest tool when it comes to computers, but am I missing something, or is the software not user friendly Any help/advice very much appreciated,

    Roy
     

  2. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    There is actually a pretty simple problem here, when you import images into photos the file is part of the photos library file. Which is something you can't import into another program. I am guessing your trying to import the photo's library which would give an error. Photo's works differently from many photo editors. LR/PS/DPP4/Gimp etc simply look at the location on your hard drive where the file is located, they do not merge the source file into a library file. You need to manage the directory where the original files are stored as part of your workflow and do edits from there, Depending on the programs used and if you shoot raw there are different best practices.
    If you like photos because they sync with your phone and ipad, that is ok, but it should be an end location where you import your final edits afterwards. :)
     
  3. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Welcome to the forum Roy, what Johnsey has written is correct, now if like me you have not been brought up with computers, you need visual a explanation as well as written to understand, go on to YouTube and type in Digital Pro Photo 4, there is some very nice film clips explaining how to use the DPP4 software. It is user friendly so you can easily go back over section that you have difficulty understanding, all the best with it.
     
  4. rayallen

    rayallen Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Hi Craig, Thank you for suggesting watching some of the videos on YouTube for DPP4. I did as you suggested and my views about DPP4 are now quite different. I had previously dismissed it as non-intuitive but now that I have been shown what it can do I am going to give it more of a go. I'll need to watch the video again to gain more familiarity but I feel that it will be worth it.
    This is the best one I have seen so far:
    The presenter is very enthusiastic about DPP4. :):D
    I suggest that you watch it, @Roy03
     
  5. Roy03

    Roy03 New Member

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    Many thanks for your replies, as Craig says I'm not very computer literate, and having heard how good it is to shoot in Raw, I want to give it a go to see if I can get as nearly good shots as other members seem to get. We have all this spare time on our hands, even though we're in lockdown, so it seems to good an opportunity to waste
    once again many thanks and stay safe

    Roy
     
  6. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Thanks, Ray. I started out using DPP, it was using YouTube , I learn how to use it, I then progress onto Photoshop 5. now I am up to photoshop19 again using YouTube to progess.
     
  7. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Roy as you said this lockdown is an excellent time to learn especially about software we use with our cameras, it has two benifits, one is we feel more comfortable using the software and also enjoy our passion for photography a lot more and two it is good for our mental health by becoming more confidant in it's use instead of feeling defeated by the use of the software.
    photoshop and DPP4 can enhance your images it is true but it will not fix poor images, there is a old saying and that is get it right in camera first. That is slow down a bit and compose your images, Family shots sometimes does not allow this especially with grand kids and pets zooming around, preparation is the key here. use a higher ISO and a faster shutter speed, if not comfortable with Manual use shutter priority and set for 250th of a second or higher.
    Family shot are more precious and thus worth the extra time.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2021
    Roy03 likes this.

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