Kirk Posted November 1, 2006 Share #1 Posted November 1, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am thinking of buying a D-Lux 3 to be used exclusively for B&W street photography. I do not currently shoot street scenes, so is this a good camera choice? And, I have not used a digital camera to convert color images to B&W, and make prints. But, I would think the extra color data could help produce excellent B&W quality... better quality than the D-Lux 3 color output. I understand that the L channel in LAB mode produces virtually noise free B&W images. So, is there anyone out there using the D-Lux 3 for B&W street photography? What are the pros and cons with using this camera? Any sample images would be great? Are there any camera settings that would help improve tonal range when converting to B&W? Besides photoshop, is there any software out there that is specifically designed for B&W conversion and editing? Thanks for your feedback! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 1, 2006 Posted November 1, 2006 Hi Kirk, Take a look here D-Lux 3 and B&W Photography. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
davidada Posted November 1, 2006 Share #2 Posted November 1, 2006 Hi I have the Dlux3 and one of the cool factors is that you can set the mode to B&W but still shoot in raw - You have the advantage of composing and viewing on the excellent screen in B&W but the full raw file which if you want you can still create the full color file. I have also found that by using a film filter such as Alien skin one can recreate various film looks ie Tri-x or Ilford Hp etc. This is not a cheap gimmick as the film grain that is introduced with this filter helps control the noise in a more pleasing ( familiar) manner. I have produced excellent quality enlargements up tp 20 x 34 in this way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share #3 Posted November 1, 2006 Thanks David! Are the images from the camera's B&W mode better than taking color and then converting to B&W? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
harmsr Posted November 1, 2006 Share #4 Posted November 1, 2006 Kirk, The B&W mode is for JPEG and the screen. The RAW file is still in color until you convert it. The advantage of the B&W mode on the screen is that you can compose in B&W also. Ray Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted November 2, 2006 Author Share #5 Posted November 2, 2006 Ray, thanks for clarifying that for me. That is a great feature... to actually be able to see in B&W while taking B&W. I like that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OttoG Posted November 2, 2006 Share #6 Posted November 2, 2006 Another advantage of the D-Lux 2/3 for street photography is that you can set the camera to manual focus (with aperture-priority exposure for depth-of-field control) and get almost instantaneous shutter release. Still, as with any compact digital camera, you need to plan a few seconds ahead that you intend to shoot, as it takes some time for it to extend the lens and boot up the software. Unless, of course, you are comfortable with the battery drain of leaving the camera on for extended periods. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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