In-depth comparison between DPP, PS-RAW, EOS, anywhere?

[LexLuther]

Has anyone written up a comparison between various parameter settings vs. jpeg+raw vs. raw conversion software? (Using a 20D here)

I've just spent the last couple of hours taking pictures in my basement of various items to try and determine what would give me the nicest results the quickest. I'm basically trying to figure out a basic workflow to build from. I was first comparing in camera JPEG to RAW using parameters 1, 2 and then setting one to full sharpness/contrast/tone. I took all photo's in RAW+Fine JPEG so I could compare.

I found the jpeg to loose quite a bit of quality but retain excellent sharpness using Parameter 1. It rivaled the images that DPP was converting from the RAW version in terms of sharpness. I found that DPP was adding the purple halo around any white text I shot loosing detail in the process.

Now once I started opening the RAW files in PhotoShop I was REALLY impressed. Very little detail loss and AMAZING sharpening, biggest downside is no batch process.

EOS is software that I've just fired up, and it seems really nice. It's also very nice to see that you can change every in camera setting, including the B&W features which I thought were completely lost when shooting RAW.

I'd put PS being #1, then EOS as #2, followed by DPP last. This is sad for me, because for the last 100 pictures I've taken I was using DPP without too much extra thought.

I couldn't seem to get DPP to stop blooming edges of white text. I couldn't get DPP to get me an image close to what PS was giving me. Maybe someone knows some magic settings?

Maybe someone has something to add to this? or some other software which they think can rival all of these at perhaps not too steep a price?

Anyhow, I'm a bit confused from looking at the same image for so long, so I need a break before I get back into it.

[leony]

It's pricy, but if you can afford it, it is well worth the cost. It will save you many hours of mundane editing as well as produce superior images from RAW.

http://www.phaseone.com/content/eshopmenu/c1pro.aspx

[drisley]

Raw Converter Comparison With Sample Images (http://www.sphoto.com/techinfo/rawconverters/rawconverters.htm)

[PacAce]

Raw Converter Comparison With Sample Images (http://www.sphoto.com/techinfo/rawconverters/rawconverters.htm)

It's a little out of date, though, isn't it?

[Steven M. Anthony]

"Now once I started opening the RAW files in PhotoShop I was REALLY impressed. Very little detail loss and AMAZING sharpening, biggest downside is no batch process."

PS CS has batch processing for RAW files...

[HKFEVER]

I have setup my monitors and printers with
- setup the moniter with SpiderPro2
- Setup the Epson PictureMate with PrintFix
- Setup the Epson 2100 with PrintFix

I print direct from PS CS and DPP without adjustment nor conversion, but:
- PictureMate print form PS CS is a little lighter than printed from DPP.
- Epson 2100 is more red than my monitors.

So, DPP and PS CS 's print the Raw in different result.

Any suggestion?:oops:

[drisley]

It's a little out of date, though, isn't it?Hmmm, maybe a little old, but it does mention the newer ACR2.2 for Photoshop 8 (CS), and shows how much the image quality has improved since the older versions.

[mechanizedeye]

my own not-so-scientific comparison of c1 pro 3.5.2, ACR 2.2, DPP 1.0.0.5 & EVU 1.0.0.30 is avalible here: http://www.livejournal.com/users/dreamless/295446.html

i've found i greatly prefer the workflow and quality of C1, but it is a little on the spendy side for some folks.

shot with the 1d Mk II & 16-35L

[LexLuther]

Thanks for the info. After heading to www.russelbrown.com (http://www.russelbrown.com) and getting my hands on his great tutorial vids and scripts I think I'll be headed the way of PSCS for RAW conversion, although I'm not a big fan of having too much choice, but I guess I'll learn to live with it.

I was really dreading having to make actions (which I knew how to do) to batch the conversions, and I was doubtful it would keep settings which I figured out last minute by holding the ALT button in ACRC2.2. Yesterday was a good learning experience. More experimentation tonight hopefully.

[Jamkin]

To All that might benefit from some RAW File Handling Observations

Equip.Note: EOS 20D, OSX Panther, G4 Powerlogix1.33, PS CS w RAW 2.4, EOS FVU(EVU) +
DPP; All Latest Versions.

Useful clarification Info RE RAW handling for conversion; after thouough testing today for:
EOS 20D;

EVU: Is able to use and apply all Parameter data from Camera at time of capture or as
specified afterwards. Best not to use sharpening in this util. due to halo-ing.

DPP: Uses and applies all Parameters to RAW file for conversion excluding Sharpening and B&W paremeters. Sharpening utility is in/with save dialogue box, and is usefull but leaves 'grain' - better to use PS CS. Excellent for applying Camera Set Parameters (Tone, Sat.; Contrast) for 'pumped' up colours etc..

PS RAW: Only recognises White Balance setting from 20D, all other parameters ignored. 'Steady Eddie' Utility, but leaves image somewhat 'flat' WRT saturation if no settings thereso relevant are applied, so apply 'goodies' as necessary. Still quite excellent in its general functioning.

Other RAW Prosessors: Read several sources that Bibble and C1 (best?) , also PhotoMechanic produce best colour results....but no experience. Yada Yada Yada Blah Blah Blah.....can we just take photographs again.....?!:)

Jamkin