Tag Archives: photomatix

LG G4 – raw photo images vs jpeg – samples – updated with Lightroom 6 sample

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This was a quick test using the G4 camera in raw mode.

I used Camera FV-5 app in bracketing mode to take 3 shots. Exposures from +2,0,-2.

I then uploaded the photos in my macbook and used Photomatix to create a fancy HDR shot. As I’m using the trial the HDR images have 3 watermarks. I will be buying this app soon as its so funky to use.

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Normal shot above. This is the original jpeg. Below new HDR shot created from 3 raw images. Whilst HDR adds some excitement, the quality is also improved.

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Same again. Normal JPEG below.

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And now a fancy HDR combined using 3 raw images.

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And one more. Original jpeg belw.

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Just look at the HDR shot from the 3 raw images. Absolutely love the drama in this shot.

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OK some trees. Jpeg below.

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And the new image which again was created from 3 raw images.

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Now granted HDR is not everyone’s cup of tea, but its mine.

I will be exploring lightroom to carry out some normal post processing shortly.Also worth noting is the file sizes. Each raw image was 30mb. So for a bracketed sequence of 3, 90mb needed. After post processing the new jpeg created from the raw images is around 14mb.

You also have to factor in the extra steps of transferring the raw images, uploading them into the mac or pc software and all the time needed to create one super amazing shot. And then you share it on twitter or facebook and all that quality is lost!

Update – below is an HDR processed shot via Adobe Lightroom 6. Weighs in at 17mb. Same process as before, merges 3 raw shots.

Lightroom 6 File 1

LG G4 – Working with RAW images and ND Filter Kit

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Despite all my photos snapped over the years, I have never used RAW. Sure I tried it once or twice over the last 5 years, but just failed to see the logic when working with JPEGs seem so much easier and meant handling smaller file sizes.

Well, the G4 allows photos to be snapped in RAW. Also one of my favourite apps Camera FV-5 just received an update to support the LG G4. In addition, I have kept my eye on 2 pieces of desktop software. Adobe Lightroom 5 (I would like to use Adobe Lightroom 6, but my MacBook is too old and doesn’t have the necessary grunt) and Photomatix by HDRSoft.

Last night, I took 3 bracketed shots using Camera FV-5 with an exposure variation of -2, 0 and +2. This created 6 files. 3 jpegs and 3 raw DNG files. I copied the files across to my MacBook. I examined all 3 jpeg’s and then I imported the raw files into Photomatix and created a new HDR jpeg. The difference is unbelievable. Off the charts better. I would love to share the photo I captured, but it was just inside my living room and not very exciting. So what I will promise to do, is capture some more interesting photos and share with you the difference of RAW vs JPEG.

The next piece of the puzzle is exploring taking photos using a ND Filter kit. I bought a low cost set comprising of full and graduated colour/ND filter kit along with a pack of rubber bands. The rubber bands are going to be used to hold the filters more securely to the G4. Thanks to Paul Garner for the rubber band tip.

I am also going to have to invest is some desktop software and will be exploring the trials versions of these over the next few weeks or so. The G4 really does open up the photography options and I for one am looking for to the journey.