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 p.433 #16 · Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread | |
rscheffler wrote:
Are the Canon and Nikon files more accurate in reality, or more accurate to our perception of reality? I think that's a very important distinction and one that Kodak and Fuji spent a lot of time on as well with their various film emulsions. Kodak Gold was not an accurate emulsion, but it was what the average photographer wanted to see in their photos - vibrant, dramatic colors. I guess Velvia also falls into this category. On the other hand Ektachrome 64 Professional was, according to Kodak, " the standard of the industry for use in the studio or under controlled daylight conditions. Its rich, natural color and soft highlight contrast are ideal for food, fashion, and product advertising."
I'm not sure whether I mentioned this in our PM conversation or here earlier, but I really feel that the M9's images are 'old school' digital that require a lot more involvement by the photographer to optimize. That's not to say the out of camera files are bad, but like any digital camera, in 98% of cases, can be further optimized. It does seem that the M9 files benefit more from those with deeper post production experience/capability.
My feeling is that Canon and/or Nikon had a change in philosophy for their default camera settings back around 2004-5 away from creating the technically most flexible files for post, to creating the most visually pleasing files without need for post. Naturally, for this to happen, Canon and Nikon had to make certain decisions for us about color, saturation, contrast, sharpening, noise reduction, etc.. And for 95% of the DSLR market, it's likely the best route because it creates the most pleasing out of the box images.
Maybe Luka will chime in, since I seem to recall him stating that the M9 has very good color separation, or something along those lines.
I use the M9 alongside the Canon 1DIV and/or 1DIII, and I clearly see a difference in the files when browsing through Lightroom. I don't know how much of this is due to the cameras/lenses/sensors or Adobe's profiles for each. On the Canons, I only use Canon lenses, so maybe that's one problem  . On the M9 I use Leica, Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses. A difference I see is that the M9 files are generally richer and deeper. The Canon files seem a bit muted and digitally massaged in comparison. In terms of color, the M9 does render skin tones more harshly. Blotchy skin tone becomes much more apparent, with stronger separation of yellowish from reddish tones. But if you very carefully look at a person's skin tone, you will generally see that it is indeed splotchy. As I suggested in the PM, this can be somewhat resolved by shifting red hues slightly yellowish and orange/yellow hues slightly reddish. It also helps to select a good white balance....Show more →
Ron,
Thanks for your feedback. It is your PM make me rethink about the way I look and treat Leica file. I have to agree this is not the camera just shot and adjust white balance and tweak clarity or contrast and can get decent results. The thing even more complicated is there is no fixed profile to have it works every time under different light condition. Or.. Do we?
For Canon and Nikon, you will benefit from PP skill, but you could also leave them as is to get accept results. but Leica's file, it deserve your attention to make them just looks acceptably good. I agree its potential as I can see total different output result from different photographer. So, in that sense, I can echo your statement 'benefit more from those with deeper post production experience/capability. '
I have to agree with the reality and pleasing of the RAW file. Canikon's file looks polished and pleasing almost to the boring side. (a little strong here. at the end of day, it is still photographer but not any gear.) and well treated M9 files seems has some special quality there as so many talented photographers include yourself shown here.
It is a challenge to me but also offer a path to improve myself for the PP skill.
I know this is an image thread, hope you guys do not mind for a little discuss on this topic and hopefully it will benefit more people :-)
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