B/W conversion using DPP, Ufraw, Gimp

I've been using DPP for my raw editing and B/W conversions, but I want to try using a channel mixer, which I don't think I can do with DPP. I read that it's better to do a black and white conversion with the raw file (correct?), so I was looking into Ufraw. Does anyone have any experience using Ufraw for B/W conversions? Or is the Gimp a better option for B/W conversions, even though it wouldn't be working in raw?

Thanks!

You can also do a B&W conversion in DPP: Select picture style "Monochrome". You can then apply a few "B&W filters" which give some control like the channel mixer does.

More on grayscale conversions using Photoshop: http://www.getcolorman​aged.com/general/grays​cale/

Might give you some ideas.

Unless the Gimp supports 16 bit editing in its channel mixer (I don't know if it does) there would be a significant advantage to using UFRaw's channel mixer which does work at high bit depth, because B/W editing typically involves very large tonal shifts.

Sorry to be off topic but I really this software in case you are interested in other options.

http://www.powerretouc​he.com …hite_plugin_tut​orial.html

René Damkot wrote in post #13023485
You can also do a B&W conversion in DPP: Select picture style "Monochrome". You can then apply a few "B&W filters" which give some control like the channel mixer does.

That's what I've been doing so far, but I couldn't get quite the effect I wanted with the filters--which is why I was thinking of trying a channel mixer.

That's a good point--I don't think Gimp supports 16-bit editing.

Thanks for the replies!

Juliet, I'm not sure of the definition of a "channel mixer". I do most of my work in Lightroom, where you can adjust color channels in the Grayscale "toolbox" -- the panel is called "Black and White Mix" and offers controls for 8 color channels -- is this the type of thing you are referring to?

In DPP, I think that you can't pick the same "filters" that you can in the camera (but I may be wrong about that). In the Raw tab (if you shoot Raw) it seems like once you switch to Monochrome as your Picture Style you are limited (in the Raw tab) to messing with your White Balance, but I'm not sure about the filters.

But, the RGB curves in the RGB tab can be pretty effective with a B&W/monochrome image. Between the various tools in the two tabs, you can come up with some interesting effects.

But, I'd say that if you are planning on doing B&W conversions during a shoot, it could be useful to switch the camera over and set up whatever filters and such, but still shoot Raw so you could have the full set of tools.

But, maybe you've done all this! I know that I personally like the Lightroom toolset. But I do like to know what's available, and that's especially true with DPP.

Yes, that's what I was thinking of. But now that you mention it, I've never tried adjusting the RGB curves in DPP for B&W conversions. I'll have to try that--although it is a little more intimidating than the color slider bars. Actually, Ufraw does have the color slider bars too, which I've tried--here's a quick screenshot:

ufraw is highly under-appreciated. Good to see someone using it well.

kirk

Well Juliet, you have an array of good tools to play with!

Of course Lightroom costs because it is so comprehensive and full-featured.

DPP is free, and a lot can be done and is worth playing with!

The RGB panel does not have sliders for the color channels, but you can select the individual R G or B color to tweak the curve and you can also combine the effects of two channels or use one channel alone. Curves can be fun to play with, although I do like the range that is in LR!

tonylong wrote in post #13026972
In DPP, I think that you can't pick the same "filters" that you can in the camera (but I may be wrong about that). In the Raw tab (if you shoot Raw) it seems like once you switch to Monochrome as your Picture Style you are limited (in the Raw tab) to messing with your White Balance, but I'm not sure about the filters.

When you set the P.S. to Monochrome in DPP, the Hue (Color Tone) and Saturation sliders change to Toning Effect (sepia, etc.) and Filter Effect.

tzalman wrote in post #13028315
When you set the P.S. to Monochrome in DPP, the Hue (Color Tone) and Saturation sliders change to Toning Effect (sepia, etc.) and Filter Effect.

Ah, OK, that's good to know!

And, the RGB curves still work!

tzalman wrote in post #13028315
When you set the P.S. to Monochrome in DPP, the Hue (Color Tone) and Saturation sliders change to Toning Effect (sepia, etc.) and Filter Effect.

Yep.

Here's a (Dutch) tutorial I wrote about grayscale in DPP.
I think the images speak for themselves:

http://photoguide.nl/f​orum/viewtopic.php?f=8​&t=325 (for people who read Dutch)

Just the images:

Thank you, everyone! And thank you, René, for the screenshots. I definitely have a lot to try.

bruisergirl wrote in post #13033133
Thank you, everyone! And thank you, René, for the screenshots. I definitely have a lot to try.

Yeah, those were cool demos, René! It's fun to learn new stuff!