DNG's JPG vs In-camera JPG

[mltx]

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Hi, I am new to this forum and I have already learned a lot from this thread. Appreciate the forum very much.

 

I have a question I fail to find an answer. I have been trying to reproduce an M240's jpg, in LR from the DNG file, that is exactly the same as the one straight out of the camera, but there is always certain differences between them and it seems one can never get a jpg exactly the same as in-camera jpg. So my question is: can we reproduce the in-camera jpeg from the corresponding DNG file in LR or other post-processors?

 

Thanks.

 

mltx

[edwardkaraa]

I'm afraid the answer is no. LR processing algorithms are different than the ones applied by the camera processor. Leica could theoretically develop a raw converter that uses the same algorithms, a bit like Canon's, but I don't see any indication this might ever happen. By the way I too prefer the in camera color to that of LR.

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[mltx]

Thank you for your knowledgable confirmation.

In deed, Canon's DPP can reproduce exactly the same JPG as of in-camera.

So the Leica's in-camera JPG is a special and unique offer from Leica, and it seems I am right to always include a JPG and never use DNG alone.

Thanks again.

[CheshireCat]

You will probably be able to get the colors you like in Lr by tuning color profiles to your taste.

[250swb]

You will probably be able to get the colors you like in Lr by tuning color profiles to your taste.

 

Yes agreed.

 

Look at the .dng and JPEG images side by side and work out what is different, then work out what you need to do in ACR or Lightroom. Being able to spot the difference and then correct or use it is a good skill to develop anyway.

 

Steve

[robert blu]

I have a similar problem with my x1, I usually work the dng file with satisfaction. But there are cases in which the out of camera jpg looks better and trying both LR or PS I do not get the same result. Minimal differences but still there! More to learn about post processing...

robert

[CheshireCat]

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This is why Leica (and others) should provide a Lr color profile matching their in-camera one.

[mltx]

I have a similar problem with my x1, I usually work the dng file with satisfaction. But there are cases in which the out of camera jpg looks better and trying both LR or PS I do not get the same result. Minimal differences but still there! More to learn about post processing...

robert

Exactly the same experience as me. For some photos, no matter how hard I try in LR, I cannot get exactly the same color overall.

[sandymc]

This is why Leica (and others) should provide a Lr color profile matching their in-camera one.

 

It might not be a single profile - it's entirely possible for cameras to adapt their color processing based on an analysis of the image. Don't know whether the M240 does so - on balance I'd probably guess not - but it's not necessarily as simple as a profile. Also, even if there is only a fixed processing algorithm, it may not be easily encodable as a Adobe style profile.

 

Sandy

[jaapv]

Exactly the same experience as me. For some photos, no matter how hard I try in LR, I cannot get exactly the same color overall.

What is the need to get the same colour overall? Colour processing is the realm of judgement of the photographer. On balance, I would say my own results are far preferable to the out-of-camera jpg, to me. Why should I want to replicate the lesser look?

[mltx]

What is the need to get the same colour overall? Colour processing is the realm of judgement of the photographer. On balance, I would say my own results are far preferable to the out-of-camera jpg, to me. Why should I want to replicate the lesser look?

Thank you for the point you shared and I wish I could be that capable. Still, to me, the needs come from

1. My PS skill may not be that good to reach Leica's JPG level, so for some photos the Leica's in-camera JPG style is preferable;

2. Occasionally, my PS outcome is not that bad (I think), but still the results are in some way not so tasteful as Leica's in-camera JPG;

3. I would like to understand and learn Leica's style by studying the Leica's JPG profile, as I trust Leica is serious about its JPG's quality as well as its DNG one;

4. Occasionally, some PS on in-camera JPG might render even more special taste than on DNG files.

5. So, I would like to explore the full potential in Leica's in-camera's JPG rather than just abandon it.

[jaapv]

I understand. But I would advise to direct your efforts towards postprocessing.

[bocaburger]

Since getting the M240 I've stopped shooting DNG entirely. Unlike the M8 and M9 I had before, the M240's jpegs have been spot on for me. It has rekindled my love of Leica photography and improved my results greatly now that I no longer have the spectre of PP casting a dark cloud over my mood while shooting.

[mltx]

I understand. But I would advise to direct your efforts towards postprocessing.

Thank you. I will.

[mltx]

Since getting the M240 I've stopped shooting DNG entirely. Unlike the M8 and M9 I had before, the M240's jpegs have been spot on for me. It has rekindled my love of Leica photography and improved my results greatly now that I no longer have the spectre of PP casting a dark cloud over my mood while shooting.

That is very encouraging and I will continue learning towards that direction.

[CheshireCat]

Since getting the M240 I've stopped shooting DNG entirely. Unlike the M8 and M9 I had before, the M240's jpegs have been spot on for me. It has rekindled my love of Leica photography and improved my results greatly now that I no longer have the spectre of PP casting a dark cloud over my mood while shooting.

 

Quite an inconsistent PP spectre, as all that is needed is a batch export operation from Lightroom

 

JPEG may be spot on for you, but you should know that JPEG is removing a lot of precious information from your images. You will not be able to display your images at best on current high-end and future display technology, especially if you castrate the colors with sRGB.

 

You may want to shoot DNG+JPG, and just backup the DNG to rediscover your photos in the future.

[jaapv]

That is very encouraging and I will continue learning towards that direction.

Please don't. You'll never be able to get the best results...

It is the equivalent of being happy with Wallmart prints and throwing your negatives in the dustbin.

[mltx]

Please don't. You'll never be able to get the best results...

It is the equivalent of being happy with Wallmart prints and throwing your negatives in the dustbin.

Thank you again for your advice.

I am not going to abandon DNG and I prepare a long journey learning PP with DNG.

[Jeff S]

I am not going to abandon DNG and I prepare a long journey learning PP with DNG.

 

That will be a more useful (and enjoyable) journey IMO if, in conjunction, you venture into making your own prints; that's where you will really benefit from PP edits to your DNGs.

 

Jeff

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[mltx]

That will be a more useful (and enjoyable) journey IMO if, in conjunction, you venture into making your own prints; that's where you will really benefit from PP edits to your DNGs.

 

Jeff

With all of your stimulation and encouragements, I will launch a long march ...

Thanks.