PentaxForums.com - View Single Post - Lens colour, Raw shooting, Camera profiles

WheresWaldo · 12-01-2008, 07:19 AM

I have a question that I just wasn't sure where it went so I am asking it here.

I have seen many discussions about Pentax color or Sigma color or Tamron color. All these referring to color hue of various rendering based on the type of glass, coatings, etc. Usually the discussions are about camera makes but it has extended down even toward individual lens. I understand that different lens will have general tendencies toward different rendering throughout the light spectrum.

Now I shoot exclusively RAW images. I am teaching my daughter to shoot exclusively RAW images. With the speed of even the least expensive computers now a days working with RAW is not as difficult as it used to be. Certainly converting RAW to other formats is easier than ever.

The first questions are this; If I am shooting RAW all the time doesn't that negate some of the differences of color rendering? Wouldn't RAW ensure that all the color information available within the scene you are photographing? Does RAW shooting provide for some leveling of the playing field so to speak between lenses with regard to contrast and overall image quality?

Now secondly, if I were to not rely on the Adobe provided camera profile and instead create my own, let's say, based on the Gretag-Macbeth or Kodak Color Control Patches or IT8 Reflection Target, wouldn't that create a camera profile that would render all colors the same regardless of the lens used? Would I have to create multiple camera profiles for Adobe Camera Raw for example, one for my most common Pentax lens and perhaps one for my most common Sigma lens?

My understanding is that if a camera profile is created for your specific copy of your camera then you should get the same color rendering despite differences that may be inherent in the other equipment used. I am not just talking about glass either, but Flash units, lighting, etc. Am I incorrect in this assumption? I am sure others have wondered about this also and I can't seem to find a definitive source for the answers.

Thanks in advance.

12-01-2008, 07:19 AM	#1
WheresWaldo Pentaxian Location: North Carolina Gallery Photos: 11 Posts: 486	Lens colour, Raw shooting, Camera profiles I have a question that I just wasn't sure where it went so I am asking it here. I have seen many discussions about Pentax color or Sigma color or Tamron color. All these referring to color hue of various rendering based on the type of glass, coatings, etc. Usually the discussions are about camera makes but it has extended down even toward individual lens. I understand that different lens will have general tendencies toward different rendering throughout the light spectrum. Now I shoot exclusively RAW images. I am teaching my daughter to shoot exclusively RAW images. With the speed of even the least expensive computers now a days working with RAW is not as difficult as it used to be. Certainly converting RAW to other formats is easier than ever. The first questions are this; If I am shooting RAW all the time doesn't that negate some of the differences of color rendering? Wouldn't RAW ensure that all the color information available within the scene you are photographing? Does RAW shooting provide for some leveling of the playing field so to speak between lenses with regard to contrast and overall image quality? Now secondly, if I were to not rely on the Adobe provided camera profile and instead create my own, let's say, based on the Gretag-Macbeth or Kodak Color Control Patches or IT8 Reflection Target, wouldn't that create a camera profile that would render all colors the same regardless of the lens used? Would I have to create multiple camera profiles for Adobe Camera Raw for example, one for my most common Pentax lens and perhaps one for my most common Sigma lens? My understanding is that if a camera profile is created for your specific copy of your camera then you should get the same color rendering despite differences that may be inherent in the other equipment used. I am not just talking about glass either, but Flash units, lighting, etc. Am I incorrect in this assumption? I am sure others have wondered about this also and I can't seem to find a definitive source for the answers. Thanks in advance.