Cull the dross

Previously, I would have used BB to do this, but since I've begun using Capture One DSLR Limited Edition (C1LE) for raw file conversion, I have found that I can use C1LE for this step. Although it is a smaller image, I found that the preview - reflecting as it does the development settings for exposure, compensation, sharpness, etc., etc. - helps me choose more easily than the embedded JPG that BB uses.

Browsing in C1LE

The C1LE screen can be configured to display all thumbnails (View>Toggle Maximise Collection or <Ctrl><b>), and, for the 10D, the thumbnails can be sized to a useful 384 x 256 pixels. I can scroll through the thumbnails deleting (actually, moving to the Trash folder with C1LE) pictures that I don't want. A big advantage of C1LE compared to BB is that although the preview image is much smaller than that in BB, I find it much better quality. It's easy to switch from thumbnail to preview and have a close look at a marginal picture. Further, because C1LE has almost instantaneous updates, I can make a few quick adjustments to white balance or exposure to get a better idea about the image.

As I mentioned, "deleted" images are moved to a Trash folder. Unlike BB, there is no option to have them permanently deleted instead, so periodically the trash must be emptied. Update: Mitch Schlesinger has pointed out that <Ctrl><Delete> will permanently delete an image. C1LE does, however, ask for confirmation of this action, so it's a bit "swings and roundabouts".

Finalise Development Settings

Now I'll go back to the first image and set the various parameters on the various tabs. First, the Development Tab: As I've mentioned I upload images to my PC into date-based folders like this: