Processing Camera RAW files
After doing a tiny bit of research I have determined that this is the best order to process camera RAW files. Most of the information I have found has focused exclusively, and unnecessarily lenghtfully, on the actual processing controls and not how to combine them to get the best results. I offer this short list for people who already are familiar with the tools, and would like a basic first-framework to use when expiramenting (or just following the routine, whatevers):
- Transfer RAW files to disk (making backups however one sees fit)
- Convert RAW files to DNG (if you have a camera that shoots DNG’s natively ignore this step)
- Import to processing tool
- Correct white balance
- Exposure correction with the curves tool
- Tweak the saturation
- Fix any dust or dead pixel spots
- Sharpen and noise reduce
- Correct any lens distortion
Adam,
I did this just a you said, but the bread wouldn’t rise, the meat won’t cook and my windshield is still dirty. Any pointers?
Ethan
E.Smith
June 22, 2009 at 10:44 am
Ethan,
You may want to try being an even bigger jerk. Especially on the internet. That seems to solve most problems.
adamv
June 22, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Adam,
I think you’ve been doing a little too much of #6 in your post. Tweak your saturation indeed!
Ethan
E.Smith
June 23, 2009 at 9:25 am
Come over here and say that to my face, and I’ll tweak your face, bitch.
adamv
June 23, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I think your just trying to get me to Pitt. with this offer.
E.Smith
June 25, 2009 at 8:39 am
So?
adamv
June 25, 2009 at 10:08 am
A needle pulling thread?
E.Smith
June 25, 2009 at 10:23 am
A needle pulling you to Pitt, maybe.
adamv
June 26, 2009 at 11:00 pm