End of Aperture (at least for me)...

[Dalt]

Hello,

I have small photographic business - shooting weddings. I shoot weddings with two Sony cameras - Sony Alpha SLT A99.

For processing photos, I have build ecosystem around Aperture - Aperture holds photos + basic corrections, Nik Software for some tonning and Pixelmator for advanced editing. I've tried combination Lightroom+Nik+Photoshop, but I was disappointed from overall performance, so I decide to stay with current setup, hopping that Apple will resurrect Aperture...

With update 10.12.4 Apple bring support to newest Sony A Mount camera - Sony A99-2. Since, I have plans to change my bodies, I go to the store and make some test pictures...

Surprisingly, Aperture does want to open raw files from A99-2. It shows Unknown Image Format. At the same time Photos import raw files without any problems. I tried to re-install latest patch, to use another user, to do same on my laptop but without any success.

Tomorrow, I will call Apple support as my last and despaired try, but...

At the same time my Apple gear is 5 years old, so instead of invest in Apple, I may do this in other direction...

 

[mpfuchs]

The update likely only brings support of the Sony A00-2 for the Photos app.
Since Apple has stopped development of Aperture all together a while back, I doubt we'll see any more updates to Aperture.
I've taken the plunge to Lightroom last year. After a steep learning curve, I actually like it better now than I did Aperture. Nik Software is integrated into Lightroom very well, and export to Pixelmator works as well.

That's pretty much my work flow.

You can always buy Lightroom as a standalone app instead of the monthly subscription, maybe that's an option for you as well, if you wanna stick with Pixelmator instead of Photoshop.

 

[Dalt]

The raw support under Mac OS X till now was OS based. The new thing is that raw support now is somehow app oriented. Photos get raw support, but Aperture does not. I do not know what Apple changed, but there is no Digital Camera Raw Compatibility tool anymore...

 

[L Caputo]

Hello,

I have small photographic business - shooting weddings. I shoot weddings with two Sony cameras - Sony Alpha SLT A99.

For processing photos, I have build ecosystem around Aperture - Aperture holds photos + basic corrections, Nik Software for some tonning and Pixelmator for advanced editing. I've tried combination Lightroom+Nik+Photoshop, but I was disappointed from overall performance, so I decide to stay with current setup, hopping that Apple will resurrect Aperture...

With update 10.12.4 Apple bring support to newest Sony A Mount camera - Sony A99-2. Since, I have plans to change my bodies, I go to the store and make some test pictures...

Surprisingly, Aperture does want to open raw files from A99-2. It shows Unknown Image Format. At the same time Photos import raw files without any problems. I tried to re-install latest patch, to use another user, to do same on my laptop but without any success.

Tomorrow, I will call Apple support as my last and despaired try, but...

At the same time my Apple gear is 5 years old, so instead of invest in Apple, I may do this in other direction...

Have you tried Adobes DNG Converter, its free. you should be able to convert your Sony raw files to .dng and import them to Aperture, Photos, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.

 

[Precision Gem]

I have had some raw images import into Aperture and just show that Unknown type message, however if you click on the blank image, the actual photograph does come up.
I'm hanging on to Aperture as long as I can too.

 

[The Bad Guy]

You have a small business and you trusted Apple to look out for you with support? That's either very brave or...well, you know.

 

[USAntigoon]

Hello,

I have small photographic business - shooting weddings. I shoot weddings with two Sony cameras - Sony Alpha SLT A99.

For processing photos, I have build ecosystem around Aperture - Aperture holds photos + basic corrections, Nik Software for some tonning and Pixelmator for advanced editing. I've tried combination Lightroom+Nik+Photoshop, but I was disappointed from overall performance, so I decide to stay with current setup, hopping that Apple will resurrect Aperture...

With update 10.12.4 Apple bring support to newest Sony A Mount camera - Sony A99-2. Since, I have plans to change my bodies, I go to the store and make some test pictures...

Surprisingly, Aperture does want to open raw files from A99-2. It shows Unknown Image Format. At the same time Photos import raw files without any problems. I tried to re-install latest patch, to use another user, to do same on my laptop but without any success.

Tomorrow, I will call Apple support as my last and despaired try, but...

At the same time my Apple gear is 5 years old, so instead of invest in Apple, I may do this in other direction...

Did you ever looked into the Capture One Pro for the Sony cameras ? I believe your A99-2 is a supported camera.. (more here)
https://www.phaseone.com/en/Products/Software/Capture-One-for-Sony/Supported-Cameras.aspx
And here...
https://www.phaseone.com/en/Products/Software/Capture-One-for-Sony/Sony-Pro.aspx

 

[steve123]

MacPhun is apparantly planning a DAM for Luminar in 2017. At the moment, this looks to me like it could be the closest thing to Aperture. It has been a long wait and I am hoping this will be the one.

 

[MCAsan]

Also KelbyOne, as in Scott Kelby inc. has signed some sort of deal to start doing training on Macphun apps. That should be very interesting to watch.

 

[Dalt]

Have you tried Adobes DNG Converter, its free. you should be able to convert your Sony raw files to .dng and import them to Aperture, Photos, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.

Yep, but the question is in work environment. I cant remove my work cycle just like that, because I have customers who wait their photos. My move needs to be precise and wise On your question - yes, I've tried but Im not comfortable with Adobe products...
[doublepost=1491887352][/doublepost]

I have had some raw images import into Aperture and just show that Unknown type message, however if you click on the blank image, the actual photograph does come up.
I'm hanging on to Aperture as long as I can too.

From time to time, I face the same behavior and fix it like you wrote. The problem is not with current Raw support (for my old cameras), but with new one (new Sony A99-2). No matter what, I can push Aperture to read Raw image. My plans was to keep Aperture too...
[doublepost=1491887407][/doublepost]

Did you ever looked into the Capture One Pro for the Sony cameras ? I believe your A99-2 is a supported camera.. (more here)
https://www.phaseone.com/en/Products/Software/Capture-One-for-Sony/Supported-Cameras.aspx
And here...
https://www.phaseone.com/en/Products/Software/Capture-One-for-Sony/Sony-Pro.aspx

Yep, tried it few months ago, but overal performance was bad, so I dropped it.
[doublepost=1491887509][/doublepost]

MacPhun is apparantly planning a DAM for Luminar in 2017. At the moment, this looks to me like it could be the closest thing to Aperture. It has been a long wait and I am hoping this will be the one.

Luminar is one of possible directions. I already try it and missed DAM functionality, but overal I like it... Today I will call Apple support, in order to try fix Aperture support...

 

[L Caputo]

Yep, but the question is in work environment. I cant remove my work cycle just like that, because I have customers who wait their photos. My move needs to be precise and wise On your question - yes, I've tried but Im not comfortable with Adobe products...
[doublepost=1491887352][/doublepost]

From time to time, I face the same behavior and fix it like you wrote. The problem is not with current Raw support (for my old cameras), but with new one (new Sony A99-2). No matter what, I can push Aperture to read Raw image. My plans was to keep Aperture too...
[doublepost=1491887407][/doublepost]

Yep, tried it few months ago, but overal performance was bad, so I dropped it.
[doublepost=1491887509][/doublepost]

Luminar is one of possible directions. I already try it and missed DAM functionality, but overal I like it... Today I will call Apple support, in order to try fix Aperture support...

DNG converter is real simple, a small program that you select your folder of raw images, nominate its destination and then it will convert your image to the .dng and then you can import to Aperture, you don't need to get involved in the Adobe environment thereafter, its free and easy to use , why not try it.

 

[Dalt]

Ok. I had call with Apple Enterprise support (Aperture) engineer and the guy told me following:

This is list with Aperture supported cameras http://www.apple.com/aperture/specs/raw.html and there will be NO more cameras added to it. The last modify date of the document is from july 2016.

So, if I want to use this new camera from Sony, I should change my workflow, because Aperture cant read the files...

 

[Chancha]

RAW support for newer cameras indeed come at OS level, so even Finder quicklook or Mail.app attachment can render RAW files, not just Photos.app. The fact that Aperture, despite running "fine" in Sierra, cannot use or see these RAWs is because Apple literally stopped supporting it, they don't even bother typing a few lines of code for that to happen.

So yes it is time if not already late to move out of Aperture. Even with referenced library, getting out of it is not all that bad with the few exporting tools around, but you may already know that there is no way to translate the non-destructive adjustments to another database driven app. I personally would recommend giving Lightroom a second look, since your workflow consists of Photoshop and Nik.

 

[Kebabselector]

So, if I want to use this new camera from Sony, I should change my workflow, because Aperture cant read the files...

It's no different from attempting to use an old Adobe product. As much as you like Aperture its probably time to move on.

 

[whiteonline]

As noted above, it's time to modify your processing workflow.
At worst, it means you should hold of on upgrading bodies until you have worked out the process with a new software of choice.

I'd go with Lightroom or Capture One for the DAM and processing. I tried Luminar and On1 (among others). They are missing some key things; On1 doesn't have profile based lens correction or tools for chromatic aberration. Luminar is missing the DAM as of now, and to me is very heavy handed in sharpening, and poor noise reduction. I don't like to hand files between different applications for a single effect (sharpening, noise reduction, etc). Lightroom performance for a new MacBook Pro is very good IMO.

The other alternative is to outsource your post processing if you can divorce yourself from it.


One other thing - get ahead of the curve and find replacements for the Nik suite. It's (developmentally) dead, and never coming back.

 

[Dalt]

I decide to wait until June with investments (new cameras, new iMac (current one is from 2012)). There are few possible directions to move on - iMac with Lightroom (Luminar if they produce good asset module) or PC with Lightroom. Another possibility is to continue to use Aperture, if Apple decide to resurrect it, since they missed photography in their PRO portfolio (especially in the light of last moves to get back to PRO market).

 

[Chancha]

Another possibility is to continue to use Aperture, if Apple decide to resurrect it, since they missed photography in their PRO portfolio (especially in the light of last moves to get back to PRO market).

I strongly advise you to at least look for alternatives right away. Apple is not looking like they will ever enter back professional software market any time soon. Efforts concerning photography will be on the iPhone, and the eventual AR capabilities surround it, so we may see a chance that the Photos.app get upgraded in terms of features, but probably not in the direction of a RAW editor or DAM, which it already is just not in depths that professional photographers require.

 

[Dalt]

I strongly advise you to at least look for alternatives right away. Apple is not looking like they will ever enter back professional software market any time soon. Efforts concerning photography will be on the iPhone, and the eventual AR capabilities surround it, so we may see a chance that the Photos.app get upgraded in terms of features, but probably not in the direction of a RAW editor or DAM, which it already is just not in depths that professional photographers require.

My current workflow is working. My clients are happy with the quality of final product, so I can wait little bit more. As per alternatives, I already check them all and most probably will choose Lightroom or Luminar, when moment come.

 

[GustavPicora]

My current workflow is working. My clients are happy with the quality of final product, so I can wait little bit more. As per alternatives, I already check them all and most probably will choose Lightroom or Luminar, when moment come.

Dalt,
I was on that ship a few years back, Loved Aperture, used Nik for fine tuning also. When Apple dropped support for Aperture I kept using it for a little longer, then I had to make a choice and change boat or face the problems you are facing atm. When I did the switch I looked and overlooked many of the other available options and ended up getting Capture One Pro license, and I couldn't be more satisfied. It was scary at the beginning to work with it, but the library management was kinda similar to what Aperture had, plus based on other reviews, (not from personal experience) Raw processing is "better" than LR. Maybe you can give it a try to it also before you make a decision.
Cheers.

 

[angeloweb]

Dalt, I've been curiously watching also to see if reviving Aperture is part of the refocus on pros.

 

[Dalt]

Dalt,
I was on that ship a few years back, Loved Aperture, used Nik for fine tuning also. When Apple dropped support for Aperture I kept using it for a little longer, then I had to make a choice and change boat or face the problems you are facing atm. When I did the switch I looked and overlooked many of the other available options and ended up getting Capture One Pro license, and I couldn't be more satisfied. It was scary at the beginning to work with it, but the library management was kinda similar to what Aperture had, plus based on other reviews, (not from personal experience) Raw processing is "better" than LR. Maybe you can give it a try to it also before you make a decision.
Cheers.

I already tried CaptureOne and like its interface, but not overall performance. It was year ago, so I definitely will take a look again. Thanks!

 

[simonsi]

Ok. I had call with Apple Enterprise support (Aperture) engineer and the guy told me following:

This is list with Aperture supported cameras http://www.apple.com/aperture/specs/raw.html and there will be NO more cameras added to it. The last modify date of the document is from july 2016.

So, if I want to use this new camera from Sony, I should change my workflow, because Aperture cant read the files...

I hope you are aware that any new body normally comes with a new RAW file format and ALL image software normally has a delay in an update being released to adopt the new format. So any new body you incorporate within your workflow will need to accomodate this delay, even on supported software.

Aperture has been flagged as not receiving updates for quite some time, it is unwise to assume anything like a new body will be supported, you should plan your business' move away from Aperture as soon as you can IMHO.

 

[Nordichund]

I still cannot forgive Apple for giving up on Aperture. Which Apple software is next?

 

[smirking]

Yep, tried it few months ago, but overal performance was bad, so I dropped it.

Did you try version 10 of Capture One Pro? While I was evaluating an Aperture replacement, I was trying Version 9 and decided I couldn't use it because it was just too damn slow, but before I decided on the replacement, version 10 came out and was much faster... until I upgraded to the 2016 MBP. Now it's kinda slow again. It's faster than version 9 for sure, but it's slow when I'm running on my 5K monitor. On a non-Retina monitor, it's pretty fast.

I'm hoping they release an update soon that fixes the speed issues on Retina screens. Capture One Pro 10 was running much faster on my old 2012 MBP than it is on my new 2016 MBP.

The nice thing about Capture One Pro is that it converts your Aperture Libraries and does a good job importing in all of your metadata (but not your adjustments).

 

[steve123]

Luminar is one of possible directions. I already try it and missed DAM functionality, but overal I like it... Today I will call Apple support, in order to try fix Aperture support...

Yeah, I hear you! I cannot recommend Luminar yet until I see the DAM. The other aspects look promising but the real proof will be if they can make a good DAM and import my adjustments from Aperture. It is good you have a few months to wait ... hopefully the Luminar DAM makes its debut before your drop dead date.
[doublepost=1492135583][/doublepost]

Dalt, I've been curiously watching also to see if reviving Aperture is part of the refocus on pros.

At this late date Apple has done permanent and lasting damage to their brand. No amount of so called refocus is going to earn back what they lost anytime soon. I do not see that there is a single executive at Apple that realizes the long term financial consequence of this mistake.