Performance

Of course a software’s operational speed varies depending on many factors, including the computer being used, disk space available and image source. 

Importing a batch of 100 raw images (36-million-pixels each) from the laptop hard drive to a new catalogue took approximately 30 seconds, which is hugely impressive. The speed was compromised a fraction by importing from an external drive, but nothing significant.

Magnifying and scrolling across a selected image is smooth and without lag. The same can be said for using the masking brush. The ‘Capture’ tool used for tethered shooting is excellent - responsive for shutter release and live view refresh is quick too. 

Exporting the aforementioned 100 raw images once edited was of course much slower than import, at around 20-25 minutes. However, when processing does take time, in most scenarios one can continue using the software at usual speed for other jobs while the processing is being carried out. 

Batch processing wise, the most amount of files I handled in one job during my test was between 500-1000. Whether working on single image editing or processing multiple images, I rarely found myself waiting around or being frustrated. Typically I would plan a large batch export for a time away from the screen. 

To summarise, Capture One Pro 10 is a well oiled machine, with for the most part an impressive operational speed.

Onto image editing. By default, Capture One Pro applies a bunch of adjustments during import of raw files, including ICC profiles (colour management) and lens corrections unique to the camera and lens model, plus sharpening.

The default import settings of Capture One Pro are dynamic, but not over the top by any means. To create quick workflows, one can customise the import with batch edits from user presets or photo filters. 

It is possible in some cases that images look good enough straight from the off and without further edits. So if you want to minimise the number of adjustments needed on images, this is a big plus. Typically though as a basic edit I would further apply adjustments to white balance, curves, contrast, vibrance, clarity and so on.

In contrast, Lightroom appears to offer a more neutral raw image processing than Capture One Pro, with sharpening at a minimum and lens corrections not applied. 

Neither approach ‘betters’ the other because the image adjustments applied during import can be modified in either case. I can add sharpening and lens corrections (as well as preferred settings for clarity, curves and so on) to a Lightroom preset that is applied during import. Conversely, should I wish I can reduce the sharpening applied in a Capture One Pro import. 

To reiterate, I rather like the default way Capture One Pro processes images. 

Those bothering to invest in software like Capture One Pro (or Lightroom) do so to get the most out of their pictures and a willingness to put a little time into achieving this is needed (or at least creating presets to achieve this). Whether achieved during import, batch applied in editing or going through images one by one, applying adjustments with Capture One Pro is relatively straight forward. 

White balance adjustments for portraits are a breeze thanks to the extensive features of the white balance picker. Further to the standard grey picker, one can select white balance by skin tone, at a click. This tool is logical. Typically if a person is in a picture, I would want their skin to look just right in preference to their surroundings.

A new feature for lens corrections includes diffraction correction. Without explaining diffraction in great detail - a lens has its sharpest point which is typically its middle apertures such as f/8 or f/11 on a DSLR. When one uses a smaller aperture than this, such as f/22, a degree of softening occurs. The new diffraction correction tool addresses this softening, which should be of particular interest to landscape photographers. 

Having experimented with the diffraction correction tool on my landscape pictures I found the effect subtle yet effective and free from artefacts, unlike aggressive use of sharpening. 

In my workflow I settled on keeping the diffraction correction applied to images by default and then if an image is particularly soft I would then apply further sharpening manually. Diffraction works with a single click so can speed up workflow. 

Sharpness and light fall off corrections are particularly useful tools for wide angle lenses where lens distortion is prominent in edge detail. Having these tools at one’s disposal can ensure good image quality right from the middle all the way to the edges.  

The last tool I will comment on here is spot removal. For the most part the automatic sourcing done by Capture One Pro 10 is accurate, though certainly helped by the user selecting a suitable spot size and the correct type (‘dust’ or ’spot’). The ability to manually change these details for every spot is handy. 

Overall, the auto application of camera and lens correction tools combined with a degree of manual control means that Capture One Pro can handle pretty much whatever is thrown at it. 

Before and After Examples

Edge Detail - Before

Edge Detail - After

Edge Detail - Too Much

Keystone Correction - Before

Keystone Correction - After

Lens Distortions - Before

Lens Distortions - After

White Balance - As Shot

White Balance - Skin

Conclusion

With its intuitive layout, clever image processing and comprehensive colour management tools, Capture One Pro 10 should be popular among image makers. What’s more, tethered capture is seamless and comprehensive. 

Capture One Pro 10 handles raw images very well - the sharpening applied plus camera and lens profiles give a reliable starting point from which to work. Spot removal and local adjustment like the masking brush require a methodical approach, but again the results are good.  

If you want to process hundreds of images from a day’s/ week's shoot and for basic adjustments to make those images look just right, then Capture One Pro 10 will not disappoint.

Exporting large numbers of images of course takes time, but the time need not be wasted through careful personal planning or continuing to use the software for other jobs during export. 

Although primarily created as an editing tool for Phase One’s own high-end cameras - the 'professionals' - Capture One Pro 10 will work for photographers of most skill bases and types, so comes highly recommended by Photography Blog. 

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Value for money	4

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