DSLR 101

[ebiggs1]

Here is a sample of RAW and how it can help make your photos better. 

Normal RAW exposure.

Normal exposure jpg.  They look pretty close because you are looking at a computer monitor.  The RAW has been converted to jpg in post.  The original jpg was done by the camera, a 1Ds Mk III in this case.

However, suspose you got something wrong. In this case I under exposed it by 3 stops.  But it could be any condition.  WB, color balance, saturation, and on and on, etc.

Corrected RAW.

Corrected jpg.  But below lets look a little closer.

Especially check the shadows. Can you see the difference?  Need a better look?  OK, here is a 100% crop of that enlargment.

It should be blantly obivious that RAW is the way to go.  All else was equal. Same camera. Same lens. Same time of day. Same, same!

Get Lightroom................

[jazzman1]

Yes I asked you for help.  I thank you for all you've helped me with.  I think I've lerned alot from much you've told me.  One thing you've said that sticks out here is sometimes we have different goals and things we're trying to do.  I really don't think I'm asking for too much in seeking a lens that works for me, that's my only goal here.  I like to take long range shots (maybe more than most) and a lens that can caputure those shots with good clarity and sharpness is my goal for any future lens now in question.   I can get crappy shots with this lens I got.  I don't have a good one at the moment, but I wanted my next lens purchase to be one  that can satisfy the requirements of the lens for what I'm trying to do.  I would like a good long range lens that won't break the bank if I can find one.  If not, guess I'll have to bite the bullet for whatever it costs.  None of this has anything to do with me learning the things you're trying to teach me.  I'm still willing to continue to learn if you are willing to continue.  But yes, for better or worst, right or wrong, that's where my head is on my next lens.  Heck, no matter how many lenses I eventually get, I'll most likely use the combination of my 24-105mm and  whichever long range lens I get, most days out shooting.  I just want a lens soon as I can get one to satisfy my immediate needs in my shooting enjoyment.  I don't think that's a big thing to want.   Nor, do I think it will in anyway create problems in me learning and getting better.  Maybe there's somethings best not to discuss with you, and just follow your lead in what you want to teach.  I respect your knowledge and help Obiwan, but I will have at times goals and things I may want to do, that you may not be able to see  or understand.   I hope that won't be a problem.

[jazzman1]

BTW....I have not found or decided on a new lens yet....But I am looking.  I would hope you had some suggestions in a lens for my purpose.

[ebiggs1]

"I would hope you had some suggestions in a lens for my purpose."

I think silence is golden on this subject and my best choice.

[jazzman1]

Ok Obiwan it's your call.  I sure am not angry with you.  We have to make the choices that make us happy, cause most times, we are the only one our choice's will effect.  .

[jazzman1]

On focus, is auto focus as good as manual focus???   Are there times where one would want to choose M focus over A???   Which mode do you choose most times with your shots???

[ebiggs1]

Use what works.

[jazzman1]

Ok Biggs, I'll let you know.

[jazzman1]

Afternoon Obiwan.  I don't remember if it was you or Bob that told me how to make a split screen in DPP.  I've searched over all the posts you guys replied to and could'nt find that post in my saved folder.  I'm going through the manual for DPP and can't find it there. Can you tell me again how to do a split screen and save.   I will make sure I tab this reply this time so I can readily find it again if needed.

[RobertTheFat]

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@jazzman1 wrote:

Afternoon Obiwan.  I don't remember if it was you or Bob that told me how to make a split screen in DPP.  I've searched over all the posts you guys replied to and could'nt find that post in my saved folder.  I'm going through the manual for DPP and can't find it there. Can you tell me again how to do a split screen and save.   I will make sure I tab this reply this time so I can readily find it again if needed.

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I don't remember that topic coming up as such. The only thing I can readily think of that involves a split screen is the "Before/After Comparison" that lets you compare the current edited state of an image with the last saved state. You can see that for an open image by right-clicking the image and selecting "Before/After Comparison" from the menu. It also appears on the "View" menu (possibly the "Preview" menu in Version 4).

But maybe what you're remembering is the fact that you can create a "recipe" file that incorporates all the changes made to an image. You can save the recipe file and re-use it later on the same image or a different image. In Version 3 the three recipe commands are in the "Edit" menu; I think they're in the same place in Version 4, but I'm not certain. If you start using recipe files, note that in V3 the recipe doesn't include crops that you've made to the image; in V4 I'm pretty sure it does. (Cropping is better integrated into the general editing of an image in V4 than it is in V3.)

[jazzman1]

Thanks Bob.  I feel like a dunce.  After I sent that post I figured out how to do it.  I found it trial and error.  But I still have not got DPP down pat just yet but I am learning.  I did do this when you told me the 1st time but I forgot...just that quick.  It's as you said, I'm looking back at my 1st edits and can see how sorry they were.  And that's only after a short time.  I can really see as you said when I get good at this I will really want to go back over my earlier edits.  I'm struggling now trying to figure out how to do use all the features and save all my edits before I batch process them all to Jpg.  I'm doing each pic one at a time and it's really time consuming.  I downloaded the DPP manual and will try to figure how how to follow the directions.  I can tell you, even with the manual It's not easy for me to follow and learn very quickly.  But I will get it.  I'll struggle for a time but I'm determined.  I'll mark this reply in my saved folder so I can come back to it as needed.  Thanks much Bob, you're a life saver.