Partially switching to Capture 1 was a forced change, as Lightroom could not support my new EM1x without a new operating system (i.e. computer), but it was and still is a revelation.

Lightroom was pushed aside in favour of the more powerful and system empowering C1, but there may a use for the old stager still.

In good light, with lower ISO settings, it may be I like the files from Lightroom more. Noise and high ISO sharpness/contrast are definitely better in C1 for a M43 user. No contest. Brilliance and that glow Lightroom can offer when the situation is more likeable is a different and fully valid interpretation of an image.

I processed the above files on their own merits as the programmes I used felt they warranted. C1 on the right with a little added saturation. Lightroom held more brilliance in the highlights in the starting file and after gentle editing. It had more colour snap and seemed more at home.

The C1 edits became more about reducing highlight blow-out without losing brilliance and colour warmth. I know a different editor or even me with more time with C1 would probably disagree, but as I see it now, Lightroom is still a real option when the image requires maximum “Hollywood”.

Interesting thing is I have obviously responded to different criteria with each processor, adding saturation in C1 and cropping differently.

ISO 3200 poor light indoor sports and it would be a different matter, but for these shots, images I have always gravitated towards when using Lightroom (for good reason?), the programme sings. One thing that did happen though is a glitch in the (slow) start up where none of my cursers worked in Lightroom until I shut down and re-started. I think a lot of my recent mouse issues may have been Lightroom’s fault, so another reason to have an option.