I would like to pick some minds on best method to process the CR2 Raw files from my Canon Mark III to allow for best prints.
Currently I'm converting the raw files to TIFF files then after cropping or slight adjustments saving as jpeg. There seems to be a huge reduction in file size after tiff to jpeg conversion and wonder if ther is a better or best way to process these files with minimal artifacting and compression.
__________________ Keith A Stewart
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
It all depends on your long term goal for the images. If it's prints, what target size are you going for?
What I do is save a max resolution "Base" file which has all the adjustment layers in it (but no final sharpening), then I flatten that, target it for output, sharpen, then print. Depending on how big I really want to go with a specific image, that "max resolution" might be the nominal resolution of the camera, but if I know I'm going really big, I'll do the up-rez'ing in ACR and create the "Base" file with that output.
If your final goal is a jpg (for a newpaper, magazine, or other (relatively speaking) low resolution / low fidelity application) then you could just shoot jpgs in the first place and save yourself a lot of time staring at a computer screen.
The reason to shoot RAW is because you want maximum bit depth, maximum ability to pull detail out of the shadows and highlights, plus the ability to correct for lens chromatic aberration, camera sensor variation, etc. Don't just do it because someone told you it was the cool, "pro" thing to do, you need a good reason to go through the extra grief.
That'll be $0.02 please. ;^)
-- Roger
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Raw is the only way to go! You can always reduce the file size later but you can never get the same quality and versatility out of jpeg. Shooting RAW+Jpeg (if your camera allows) is the ideal situation.
As for file saving, in addition to the RAW file, I save my processed files in PSD format which does not compress or degrade the image and saves all my layers and adjustments.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Anyone know if the Mark III stores a JPEG inside the raw file? I know the 1.6x cameras do, but I'm not sure whether the 1D series has switched over to .CR2 files.
Regarding workflow... Kind of depends on the quality level you want and expect. One extreme might be to do the following, which I do to extract the most possible detail out of an image:
1. Convert in Photoshop Camera Raw (in my case I have CS3 and Camera Raw 4), choosing an upsampled resolution and 16 bit color depth. Tweak the sliders to avoid clipping any of the color channels (if possible), turn off the sharpening (you can do it better later), and especially fix any color fringing (CA) using the CA correction sliders.
2. Do whatever additional editing you like in Photoshop, including sharpening, then save the file as a .psd, which gives you lossless compression and keeps the full 16 bit color channel depth. Be prepared, even though there's compression, for a large file.
3. Reduce the bit depth and File - Save As a JPEG, which you can then send to printers, labs, etc.
You could say this is a "fine art" workflow, and that could be a COMPLETELY different process than you need, if for example you wish to process hundreds of (e.g., event) photos and generate 8 x 10 prints for people.
The MarkIII I have does give the option to save both RAW ( in varying sizes ) as well as JPEG ( also in various sizes ) simultaneaously.
I agree that for event photos or just day to day leave it in Large JPEG and run with it. The issue is as one reply asks for say portraits or personal shoot were the customer may want a large print ( say 16 x 20 ) if I catch the moment so to speak.
I need to read up on the layering that has been mentioned. I have n oticed that if I sharpen an image there is alot of artifacting during compression. I'll try the suggestions posted so far and look forward to more. Many thanks.
__________________ Keith A Stewart
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
turn off the sharpening (you can do it better later)
Noel,
This is a bit off-topic, but you started it! ;^)
I'm curious as to this "you can do it better later" thought. What do you have in mind? I think the new sharpening tools in ACR 4.1 are really pretty slick. Of course you aren't doing your target print size sharpening here, but any digital file needs a bit of sweetening at this stage so you'll get the best results when you do finally target, sharpen and print.
-- Roger
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Linear Mode
