Canon DPP version 4 - Automatic gamma correction

Dear Board,

I edit all of my RAW files but I pretty much just slide things around and punch in numbers until I'm happy. I use Adobe CC and Corel PSP mostly.

For my Canon cameras I've started using DPP 4 and notice that it has automatic gamma correction. I use it often and I find that it does a better job than I can do with sliders and numbers. What I don't know is what does it actually does?

I'm asking because I shoot RAW files on Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus cameras in addition to Canon and I'd appreciate a short description of what is happened when I use it so that I can do the same with my other cameras in Adobe or Corel?

Thanks in advance,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

When you click the Automatic gamma button, look down where it says "Advanced", notice that it will show adjustment in the Highlight & Shadow settings. There you can see just how much Automatic Gamma adjusted them for the image you are working on. Keep in mind that each image will most likely need different amounts of Highlight & Shadow adjustment but this will give you an idea of what's happening.

There's also 3 sets of numbers right below the Gamma adjustment Histogram. I assume those are representing Highlight, Gamma & Shadow. They also influence the results you see. Perhaps someone else can offer an explanation better than mine.

Dear Tim,

Thank you, I will check out what gets done the next time I use DPP 4. I'm sure it will at the least give me some ideas to go on when I use the sliders in other programs!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

Tim; You might want to try playing with the Gamma Adjustment bars a bit just to see what they do. That's the "Gamma Adjustment" "Automatic" Histogram. You'll notice little white triangles on the ends of the horizontal bars & the ends of the vertical bars. If you hover your mouse over any part of the bar (line) you'll see which way it moves. I found these adjustments more effective (for me) after using the "Automatic" gamma button. It adds an extra bit of fine tuning.