Makten wrote:
Interesting! However, the difference from my examples is explained by you using the same ISO for both images, while since I used base ISO (100) for DR100, the camera forced me to use ISO 400 to be able to use DR400. Then C1 obviously applies a different curve. I mean, otherwise there is no point with the DR modes.
I think that if one is just trying to sort out how the DR settings do or do not affect the raw file, it is best to test all three options at the same ISO, which means at ISO 400.
The next step would be to look at the three resulting images using a raw file app that ignores (or can turn off) any Fujifilm file data that tells converters how to alter the underlying raw to look more like the in-camera jpg. My prediction, based on looking at some files of my own (though with a test that was admittedly a bit imprecise) is that the underlying raw data is not changed by the DR settings.
Beyond that, it would also be interesting to do a couple of other comparisons. One could be to simply shoot at ISO 100, 200, and 400 without using the 200 and 400 DR settings. We assume that there is some IQ effect from using a higher ISO, so in the end what difference, if any, might there be between using, say, the DR400 setting versus just shooting at the lowest ISO, exposing to protect highlights, and then recovering darker tones in post rather than letting the camera do it at DR400?