When using Snapseed for RAW photo editing on the iPad Air, several limitations become apparent:
1. RAW File Support: Snapseed on iOS supports editing RAW files from a variety of camera models, but it does not support all RAW formats. For Android, it only supports DNG RAW files[5][7]. This means that if your camera uses a different RAW format, you might need to convert it to DNG before editing on Android devices.
2. Output Format: Snapseed does not allow exporting edited files in RAW format. After editing, the file is saved as a JPEG, which means any further editing on a desktop requires working with a JPEG rather than the original RAW data[1]. This can lead to loss of detail and flexibility in post-processing.
3. Workflow Limitations: The inability to maintain RAW data through the editing process complicates workflows that require moving files between devices. For example, if you want to edit a RAW file on the iPad and then continue editing it on a desktop, you'll have to work with a JPEG version, which lacks the flexibility of RAW files[1].
4. Stability Issues: Some users have reported issues with Snapseed crashing or freezing during RAW file editing on iOS devices, which can disrupt the editing process[3][6].
5. Integration with Other Apps: While Snapseed is powerful for editing, integrating it with other apps for tasks like metadata editing or file management can be challenging due to iOS limitations. For instance, managing photos through the Photos app can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with multiple versions of an image[9].
6. Lack of Sidecar Files: Unlike some professional editing software, Snapseed does not store edit adjustments in sidecar files. This means that if you want to preserve your edits for future use or transfer them to another platform, you'll need to rely on the app's internal mechanisms or export a new JPEG file each time[1].
Overall, while Snapseed offers robust editing tools, its limitations in handling RAW files and integrating with other workflows can make it less ideal for professional photographers seeking a seamless RAW editing experience across devices.
Citations:[1] http://jnack.com/blog/2016/09/01/workflow-tips-getting-raw-files-into-snapseed/
[2] https://aftershoot.com/blog/free-photo-editing-apps-for-mac-and-pc/
[3] https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/snapseed/id439438619
[4] https://photojoseph.com/tips/2015/12/22/quest-viable-ios-raw-workflow
[5] https://support.google.com/snapseed/answer/6203119?hl=en
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhotography/comments/146iox8/problems_with_using_snapseed_on_an_ipad_to_edit/
[7] https://support.google.com/snapseed/answer/6312515?hl=en
[8] https://photojoseph.com/tips/2015/12/22/quest-viable-ios-raw-workflow?page=0%2C2
[9] http://christopherjwilson.com/the-trouble-with-using-the-ipad-pro-for-editing-photos/