RAW Conversion, PS Workflow to S800 Printer Output( Profiles

Has anyone run across or developed for themselves a workflow converting RAW images to Linear Tiff files with Breeze Browser or Bibble 2.99 into Photoshop with print output to a Canon S800.

My interest is in color management and accuracy and process. I would also be interested in what color calibration tools are being used.

I have read so much about Epson users having color management problems.

Ray, I hear you. But when you think about it, color all
comes down to software converting raw CCD data into pixels
of different colors within a range of so many million.
I am amazed that the digital colors come out as well as
they do. If you use JPEG resolution in the camera, then
the camera's software builds the picture, if you use RAW
mode then your PC (Breeze or Zoom) browser builds it. Then
if you use Photoshop on it there is another mofification.
Agreed that the pix come out very nice and mabe even better
looking than the original scene, but does it match the
original color in the scene, not by a long shot. Only with
a color chart in the picture can it be matched perfectly.
I have enjoyed my digital photos since the beginning because
to me they look better than film photos, sharper and more
saturated colors, very beautiful. That's why I switched
over to digital. My film cameras are now gathering dust
Woody

Thanks for the response.

Yes, I enjoy looking at my photos too.

My goal is getting that joyous image to a quality print.

Digital photography didn't guarantee it would be easier here just put it in my control with less chemical contaminants and hopefully less (stress) steps, cost, and time to the desired image and print. All this with a new set of tools. Now its taking the time to learn them.

My D30 is an awsome camera... I've invested heavily in expert lenses/glass. 10K +

I have a printer the Canon S800 that prints awesome quality. But.... and its a really big but. What I saw and what I saw in the viewfinder, on the screen doesn't always print as it should straight out of the camera. Sometimes I don't want to print what I composed, or what was represented by the digital image and there is a need to change it.

What caused the image not to print correctly? Me the software, the camera, the printer, the editor software?

Just as a transparency looked awsome in a lightbox or projected to a quality screen so too am I now faced with getting my image to look great as a print.

Digital or film the desired result is the same.

The difference is the media and tools used to get there.

You stated the advantage you see with digital. I agree.

But there are some factors that are similar and some that are not in reaching the goal of a great print unique to digital photography.

File Format - Jpeg vs Raw files ... the differences here should be evident. Kind of like a film choice.

Image Sharpness - Typically images are not sharp straight out of the camera. Not really like an out of focus image... the manuf. do this on purpose.

Camera Color Inaccuracy.

Conversion drivers and other software used to get the image viewable/printable/edi​table.

Monitor calibration, color accuracy.

Software programs, editors, sharpeners, and printing tools.

Print color/brightness accuracy - Print drivers, inks, papers, color profiles.

The workflow to get that quality print, efficiency, reduction in errors and time starting with a good quality image that is manipulatible with the greatest latitude to print is what I am looking for.

I will find the right way to get the image from a raw file, converted to an editable accurately viewable file that is not distorted by the time it prints. To be able to make the necessary adjustments once a proof is made to get that quality image. Photographer, Monitor, PC, Software, Printer all working together to produce a sharp, "color correct image". not the perfect image but one that is representative of the work I wish to represent and the image to share. In a frame, in a book, or on the web.

Ray,

Not a D30 owner (but I wish I were!) but with a little experience to share.

From my readings and browsing forums, I have the impression that conversion from camera to PC is not an issue if you shoot RAW and not much of an issue with large JPEG as far as the D30 is concerned. My experience is with the G1, where I have read about color cast and CA problems, but have not been plagued with them. I believe the potential for problems is there, but they arise primarily from difficult (or lackadaisical) exposure decisions.

My problems have been in system calibration: monitor calibration, sometimes the gamut of the colorspace, and printer profiles. I don't have a workflow for you, but I suggest that you begin with monitor calibration. Use Adobe Gamma at least, use a hardware calibration accessory if it is critical and you can afford it.

Then, using pictures with clear, clean subjects that let you recall from memory (or look at the subject while you work on its image), experiment with colorspaces and printer profiles, as well as paper. If you simply want faithful reproduction, use a high quality standard paper (not an "artsy" one) and one of the standard profiles for your printer. That will probably mean something other than the default sRGB profile that can work well, but works best for on-screen images and has a limited gamut.

Sorry I can't give you the profile you need. Others can recommend workflows depending on what software you use. The printer profile and paper combination needs to be an individual choice.

Del K