In this head-to-head shootout, we compare the raw import and export performance of Adobe Lightroom Classic against the increasingly popular alternative Capture One 21. Is C1 really faster? And if so, by how much?
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The results
In our testing, we found that Capture One is faster
overall, but not across the board.
In terms of navigation, copying edits or presets across hundreds of files, and the smoothness with which an image preview renders as you move a slider back and forth, there was no noticeable difference between the two programs running on the same computer.
This is because both Capture One and Lightroom Classic use GPU acceleration to help with high resolution displays and most basic photo editing tasks, putting them on an even footing. And in terms of browsing images in your catalog, a recent update has pushed Lightroom ahead somewhat, making it possible to speedily inspect even 61MP Raw files at a pace that most users would expect to find in
Photo Mechanic.
But back to our measurements. Where the two programs differ most is in exactly those tasks that we decided to benchmark: Import/Preview Generation, and Export.
| Adobe Lightroom Classic | Capture One Pro |
|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
|---|
| |
|---|
- Faster at importing files and generating standard previews
- Gives you the option to generate 1:1 previews (if you have the time)
- Seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop and other CC apps
- Robust cloud integration and companion mobile apps
|
- Faster at exporting heavily edited files
- Features significant GPU hardware acceleration
- Better optimized to take advantage of Apple Silicon M1
- Available as Sony-only, Fuji-only, and Nikon-only versions for less money (or included with camera purchase)
- Available as a one time purchase
|
| Cons: |
- No GPU acceleration for import, preview generation, and export
- Export speed is heavily RAM dependent
- May eventually be discontinued and replaced by cloud-based Lightroom CC
- Not everyone loves the subscription model...
|
- Performance is similar to Lightroom when using low-end hardware
- No cloud integration or companion mobile apps (yet)
- Pro-focused interface comes with a steep learning curve
|
