Postprocessing X1 Images

[JanCderidder]

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I have all my images in Jpeg as well as RAW/DNG files, up until now I have only been using the Jpegs for my prints and slideshows and such. Yesterday I downloaded my Lightroom copy and started to try and PP the DNG's ... Now you must realize I now nothing about Lightroom at all, I think I mildly understand the workflow (top to bottom) but thats about it.

After having chosen my favorite 5 images PP'd them but I feel to see any improvements over OOC Jpegs, with which I have personalized my setting slightly.

I think 90% of the image quality with Jpeg are the Bee's Knees so to speak, and can't imagine how to improve them by PP-ing the DNG's.

 

Am I just ignorant, missing something or is this a total lack of Lightroom know-how (probably a combination of the former three mentioned assumptions), in which case I would like to ask you about any proper training material, books, video's etc.

 

I would also like to know how many X1 users actually PP what % of their DNG's?

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[wda]

Jan, I have just upgraded to LR3 and I have been astonished by the improved quality of my raw files after processing compared with earlier versions. Adobe's claims for this new version are fully vindicated.

 

I feel your problem lies in your need to spend some time learning how to get the best out of ANY post-processing software. You will waste a lot of time and opportunities if you just try to work it out by instinct. In my early days I used several very useful on-line tutorials, including those on Adobe's own website. In parallel, I studied some good books and have standardized on Martin Evening's excellent series. He has inside knowledge and is an expert. Granted his books look daunting at first, but they are excellent for reference once you have an idea what you are doing. But first you need to understand LR's interface, modules, tools and preferences. There is much to learn and master.

 

I process 100% of my raw files automatically before strict editing of content. Once a shoot has been whittled down, I rate my pictures on a scale from 0 to 4, with most falling between 1, 2 or 3. (Pictures with no stars rarely survive later editing). I can quickly filter the shoot to select which files I need for a specific purpose. All files are key-worded, even most basically to help me find pictures later. The DAM (Digital Asset Management) feature within LR is vital once you start accumulating many 1,000s of images.

 

In a nutshell, DNG files processed in LR are far better in terms of potential image quality than OOC (out-of-camera) jpegs. What is more, LR is non-destructive. You always have your original DNG files to reprocess a different way if necessary. (Colour; BW; toned; cropped etc.) You simply make a 'virtual' copy, which adds nothing to storage requirements (just a few more stored instructions), Compared with jpegs, you have so much more image data to process and use. If all you need are small prints or pictures for websites, jpegs probably will suffice. Most Leica photographers wish to go further to utilize the high quality features of their cameras. Don't forget that you can easily produce jpegs from your DNG files later and they are likely to exceed the quality obtained simply by in-camera processing. Remember, jpeg files straight from camera have been 'destructively' processed!

 

I hope this helps you.

[h00ligan]

Anything that's getting kept gets SOME level of pp for me.

[wda]

I wonder if the OP has forgotten this thread?