Workflow

[huwge]

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New M8 arrived today and I had to rush out and take some pictures. Given that it was about to rain, I can't really present these as proper images but I am struggling to work out the best work flow.

 

I use a MacBook Pro and with my Canon d-SLR and scanned M images there is no problem using iView to manage images with CS 3 (beta) / CS 2 as default editor.

 

I can only see thumbnails in iView and Image Capture does not recognise the DNG files, from a Sandisk 12-in-1 reader, so I have to manually drag from SD to desktop. Is there a workaround that makes this a one-click process or am I lumped with this 'til Apple wise up to the M8.

 

Is Capture One the best / only environment to view the DNG images at screen size or is there something else I could be using? Does it make sense to try the workaround for Aperture?

 

Sorry if some of these questions have been answered in earlier threads but it does seem that most users are still on a learning curve and responses can change as new solutions emerge.

 

B&W conversion in CS 3

 

Thanks,

Huw

[chrism]

You can process DNGs with C1, Raw Developer, LightRoom, LightZone, PSE, PSCS, or even Graphic Convertor if you play with it's prefs (it uses dcraw). There are others such as SilkyPix that I haven't tried. Eventually the OS might be upgraded to recognise the M8 flavour of DNGs, and at that time iPhoto and Aperture will also be possibilities.

 

Chris

[Eoin]

Huw,

 

It depends on what work flow you're used to in the past, the Canon software won't read the DNG's and the Base Mac OSX does not have support either. You mention Aperture, if you've been used it or used it in the past and like it's workflow I don't see why not.

 

C1 can import your files directly from the SD card once attached to the Mac, You should have gotten the C1LE version with your M8. It's worth a try but you should upgrade the shipped wersion with the most current version. One point to note you get 1 upgrade with C1LE and if you use it now that's it. I'd download the 30day trial of C1 Pro and test that to see if it's what you need.

 

There is also Lightroom Demo and you already seem to have CS2 / Beta 3 Give them all a try and see which you prefer.

[stunsworth]

Huw, to see full sized images in iView you need to run the RAW files through the Adobe DNG convertor - this is converting DNGs to DNGs which sounds illogical I know. When you process them make sure you select the option to have full sized Jpegs imbedded in the output DNGs. When you then open these file in iView you'll have the nromal full screen image available.

 

As far as I can tell your problem with iView is caused by the M8 only embedding a small Jpeg in the RAW file. One downside to converting them is that Capture One won't then open the DNGs you've created - ACR will without any problem.

 

So my workflow now is to stick a card in the card reader, select the RAW files on the reader in the DNG convertor and specify the target location, then convert the files. I then import them into iVIew.

[huwge]

As a multiple response and thanks for the replies. My Canon workflow was to read RAW files directly from card, via Reader. Image Capture would open and images would be assigned to appropriate folder. Default image editor was CS2, but have been playing with CS3 beta. I have also used Capture One LE, having bought this previously. I like it but it seems less inutitive than how I was working with CS.

 

I have experimented with Aperture and have found it the less friendly of my Mac apps, but to be fair I had so much already set up with iView I didn't want to reinvent the wheel. I had hoped to use Aperture as the test environment for my M8 shots - wishful thinking on my part.

 

Steve - I am being a little dim here, but how do I convert DNG to DNG? I am not bothered if I can't then view these in C1 as I always back up original files to two locations and they will be unedited, i.e. as lifted from card. I am just trying to find the easiest way to chimp images for the missus without having to edit everything first. I am assuming the DNG conversion is a batch process and possible even can be automated with Apple Script?

 

Cheers

Huw

[stunsworth]

Hi Huw

 

You need to download the free DNG convertor from Adobe

 

Once it's installed start the application and you'll see that you can enter source and target directories. Point the source directory at the relevent directory on the card and the target directory at the location on your hard drive where you want the converted files to live.

 

There are various options that you can specify. One of these allows you to select the size of the Jpeg that you want in the output files. You want to select 'Full Size' (I don't have the convertor on the machine I'm using at the moment, so I can't be sure if this is the exact phrase used).

 

There are also other options involving the file names you want to give the files (I leave them unchanged) and you can specify lossless compression - this reduced the size of the files without throwing away any date (similar to Zip).

 

Once you've set all the options press the convert button and all the files in the source directory will be converted and the output files placed in the target directory.

 

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any further questions.

[huwge]

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Thanks Steve - solves the iView problem, but then doubles up the files if you still want to edit with C1. Will need to think about this but at least it's a relatively easy option. I wish C1 were quicker or I'd leave everything there

Huw

[wparsonsgisnet]

Huw,

 

I don't use Bridge or any other tools to copy my images from the SD card, instead making my own, descriptive directories and copying images to them manually. When I see them there and verify them, then I move them to the backup locations. I also try to eleiminate unwanted images at this time.

 

I like to see the files appear where I want them to be and to be able to verify them. Only when this storage and verify process is complete do I begin working with the images.

 

I currently use C1 (in windoze) and use Edmund's profiles and sent him a contribution. You can see his stuff in the first sticky on the Forum.

 

I scan my jpeg's using ACDSee, which came with my D2. I decide which images to work on using the full screen views that this software provides. I then go into C1 and select the images I have decided upon, using the silly thumbnails. Who can make decisions based on thumbnails?

 

I select Edmund's profile, white balance, and adjust exposure. When the exposure is correct I can see the edges of the crop rectangle, I crop. I then focus and process the image. I have saved "-LinLoSat" as the suffix for the tiff that gets created.

 

I now go into PhotoShop, do any further corrections I think I need, like iCorrect for color balance, and then apply Neat Image noise reduction and save the file as a tiff.

 

I have worked out this process using advice from the monsters on the Forum -- and I post it here hoping for further advice.

 

It took me about 2 hours to learn to use C1 (minimally), and another 2 hours to get profiles working properly in my C1.

 

I like PS ACR because I like the ability to increase exposure and midtones separately in the raw converter. ACR in PSCS2 also seems to get the adjustments correct the first time.

 

Separate adjustments can be done in C, as well, by using exposure and then adjusting the curve.

 

I got to this place and am producing satisfactory pix. I am therefore *waiting* for several developments:

1. V.1.1 of the M8 firmware,

2. Phase One's new profiles -- tho I don't know why I will need them with both Jamie's (for unfiltered images) and Edmund's profiles available.

3. PS to get their M8 profile act together.

 

The images from this camera and its ease of use knock me out. With only a few hours of initial pain I can make shots I really like.

 

Regards,

[Guest sirvine]

White balance is the big stumbling block in my workflow (I use Lightroom 1.0). I'm getting a little annoyed with having to manually correct WB in every shot, even after applying my camera calibration and autoWB presets at import.

 

I wonder if it makes sense to correct WB in the camera instead. Normally, I wouldn't bother, but the images from the M8 are really, really, really far off when it comes to WB in my experience. With the in-camera Auto WB on, every shot is way too yellow.

 

I've never used an expodisc...do you actually need one that fits the lens size, or can you get away with a larger diameter by just holding it in place? Is there a better alternative (either for correcting in-camera or in post)?

[james_h]

Thanks Bill,

 

That's very useful. I know I really struggled to workout a workflow when I first started and I'm still not there yet.

 

Perhaps it would be an idea to start a new thread listing individual workflows.

Could become another sticky. We could have a Mac & PC workflow versions. Providing the pro's don't feel their giving too much away.

 

Regards

Jim

[kobold]

I would be very happy to contribute to a workflow sticky.

 

I have copied, backed up, reviewed, edited, and processed 400+ images in a few hours after a shoot many times, and had the jpegs up in a folder (with contact info. etc., and job name and so on) on the server for the client to view and select particular images via the web for further processing etc. the same day, many times. For this you need a bullet-proof workflow, and I would be delighted to share mine. Next week though; I am running a three-day workshop in Melbourne this weekend. Cheers to all, KL

[james_h]

Thanks Kit,

 

I'll certainly look forward to it.

 

cheers

Jim

[mitchell]

Sol,

 

It is perfectly possible to just hold the Expodisc over the lens. Get one big enough to fit over all your lenses. It has a neck cord so I actually think it's preferable to just hold it over the lens for a second than fitting to the lens.

 

I hardly ever use mine because I'm always shooting outside so someone else might have better advice.

 

Best,

 

Mitchell

[mitchell]

I would love to see a sticky workflow thread.

 

I think it'd be nice to restrict it to the workflows themselves and have a separate thread for questions, discussions and debate. These threads can get really long to sift through.

 

2 cents

 

Best,

 

Mitchell

[huwge]

Thanks everyone, now just need to get the C1 profiles sorted. At some point I might even manage to take some pictures!

[Guest stnami]

If you want ease of use shoot jpegs:D :D other than that get your WB right even if you do convert to B&W later