Help a newbie to RAW processing?

[jolefler]

When I got my new camera, it came with Silkypix RAW developer. Unfortunately the software has no manual or help available on the website. I've played with it for hours and notice better results than with the in-camera jpeg processor. I should let you know that I use the RAW data when I shoot copies of my B&W negs to later reverse with other software.

My questions are specificly regarding the many noise reduction functions in the software. There are two sliders under the noise reduction heading: false color control and noise reduction. I've only noticed a big difference using the noise reduction slider. There are three sliders under the noise canceller heading: noise level, noise cancel and geometric noise reduction. Playing with these sliders aren't making diffences that are easily seen.....what are they for?

Also, when I crank sharpening to the max, am I being deterimental to image quality? Doesn't seem like it, but I haven't shot any soft focus stuff lately, either.

Thanks in advance for the time and knowledge in responding!

 

[shiro_kuro]

Here is a link to the SilkyPix software manual .......

http://tinyurl.com/2qkytt

 

[minoltist7]

My questions are specificly regarding the many noise reduction functions in the software. There are two sliders under the noise reduction heading: false color control and noise reduction. I've only noticed a big difference using the noise reduction slider. There are three sliders under the noise canceller heading: noise level, noise cancel and geometric noise reduction. Playing with these sliders aren't making diffences that are

Silky has one of the best noise killers.

There are 2 types of noise - chrominance noise (variations of color - usually seen as purple-and-green dots), and luminance noise - variations of brightness.

I prefer only reduce false color - it makes pics grainy but without color variations, and give it more "film-look"

But, for simplicity of operation I'd recommend Adobe Camera Raw (Photoshop plugin). It's free and easier to use.

 

[cosmonaut]

I don't understand? Are you scanning negs and then making RAW files? A RAW file is the unedited file a Digital camera produces. A digital negative so to speak, so a scanned file converted to RAW is really not a RAW file. Any way sharpening doesn't correct focus. It only sharpens the RAW file just as the camera would have if you had shot in Jpeg format. LightRoom is probably the best RAW developer on the market. If I miss understand whaa you are doing I am sorry. But I do hope I helped. Please check the link.....
http://www.dig-mar.com/Commentaries/RAWfile.htm

 

[shiro_kuro]

I also wanted to add that there is a software manual that comes with the SilkyPix application which can be found under "Help" in the menu bar .... It is a little different than the one on line .. easier to navigate

 

[jolefler]

Thank you, Shiro_kuro....I looked in the toolbar help section and nothing would drop down!?! The link looks like it will help alot.

No Cosmo, I don't have a scanner. What I've been doing is copying my B/W negs with my Panasonic digital camera in tele-macro with #2 close up lens shot in the RAW mode. I tried some just yesterday using the jpeg processor in camera, and once again the RAW results are MUCH better even with no understanding of the RAW processing process.

I have found that the noise reduction feature makes the most difference....noise cancelling and geometric noise reduction don't seem to do much of anything that I can detect. NR seems to smooth things out....better tones, no huge spots.

Jo

 

[fbf]

Try "neat Image". yOu will be suprised by the result. It makes huge difference.

 

[jolefler]

This is how I'm doing so far...

This is how I'm doing so far...

Critiques, please