Powerful High-end color correction software

wildman · 05-21-2009, 04:19 AM

When out in the field shooting birds often the camera just can not keep up accurately with the ever changing lighting conditions and I don't have the time to manually mess about with WB-color settings. So I know I will be taking home files that will need a lot of PP.

Anyway I have a lot software for this purpose, and have my own opinion about what works well, but I was wondering what others consider particularly useful for someone who is fussy about getting color accurate and correct and is willing to spend the time to get it just right.

BTW I work in JPG only.

amoringello · 05-21-2009, 05:03 AM

With an image out of context and not knowing the exact ambient light temp or not having an exact color reference, it is difficult to tell if the color is "right" or "wrong". I wouldn't worry about it in many cases unless things are WILDLY off.

If it is personal choice to get the colors "accurate", shoot RAW.

The tools to color adjust in RAW do a much better job and do not degrade the image like it would for JPEG.

For one, with JPEG you loose more colors and get higher banding when making adjustments in 8-bit color rather than with 12bit or 14 bit color. Simple fact.

If JPEG works for you, stay with it. JPEG is fast, light and for many operations suits the job just fine. RAW simply has the potential to yield better better images.

It sounds like JPEG may have reached its limits for you and it is time to look at working with RAW.

If you have no choice and can only shoot JPEG, use a grey card when possible to help with later corrections. I carry a small fold up one for carrying around all day.

and · 05-21-2009, 05:13 AM

for accurate and non fuss id get a white balance card such as the whibal. just one click and youve got correct colors. not applicable in all situations tho and long teles and birds is one of those, there are other tools that go in front of the lens to set a custom white balance, dont think they are as accurate but they also do the job.

Jim Royal · 05-21-2009, 06:41 AM

If you want fast and powerful colour correction, I would suggest shooting raw and using Lightroom. Lightroom allows me to rip though large numbers of photos quickly, and make common adjustments to mutiple pictures simultaneously. And if you're concerned about white balance, then the only way to go is shooting raw.

*Wheatfield* · 05-21-2009, 07:51 AM

Photoshop CS3 and later can be told to prefer ACR for jpeg files.

Jasvox · 05-22-2009, 02:55 AM

I agree with Jim above...if you want the most control over your photo files, shoot RAW....and Lightroom is an awesome way to get it perfect, not to mention it is very easy to use and one of the best photo developing/filing software out there, IMO.

Jason

wildman · 05-22-2009, 06:08 AM

OK
Thanks for the reply's.

I'll think on it;
raw+PS or Lightroom.
I already have all the software needed (PS and Lightroom).

Right now I use two plugins PowerRetouce which is a suite of 10 plugins and Curvemeister which is specifically for color correction. Both have their place for color correction.

Anyway I'll think about going the raw way (again) to see if it's really all that much better.

Thanks,
Wildman

Jasvox · 05-22-2009, 09:10 AM

a good place to start....shoot in Raw, use Auto WB and then wash through in Lightoom using their Auto WB or WB correct add-on and see what you get.

Jason