Using a D850 to convert colour film negatives

[Camera Chops]

I've spent some time comparing the D850's built in digitizer on C-41 colour negative film against a workflow also starting with the D850/ES-2 but then using Raw and Photoshop.


The inbuilt conversion, although insanely convenient, currently isn't great even when compared to a simple Photoshop routine that takes about 1 minute to perform.



The D850 conversion especially blows out reds and produces results more akin to canned Velvia.


On the positive side, if you use RAW you'll be able to resolve the grain of 100 and 200 asa film, so I see little need to break out my dedicated Coolscans, at least for 35mm.



Pictures and a video of the Photoshop steps can be found here:


http://www.camerachops.com/nikon-d850-digitizer/

 

[philipus]

Interesting comparison, thank you. I believe there is no one-stop-shop for the perfect scan and this shows it quite well. I'm also surprised how such a competent camera completely blows almost all detail in anything that is bright red, like the jacket and the lifeguard ring.

Br
Philip

I've spent some time comparing the D850's built in digitizer on C-41 colour negative film against a workflow also starting with the D850/ES-2 but then using Raw and Photoshop.


The inbuilt conversion, although insanely convenient, currently isn't great even when compared to a simple Photoshop routine that takes about 1 minute to perform.



The D850 conversion especially blows out reds and produces results more akin to canned Velvia.


On the positive side, if you use RAW you'll be able to resolve the grain of 100 and 200 asa film, so I see little need to break out my dedicated Coolscans, at least for 35mm.



Pictures and a video of the Photoshop steps can be found here:


http://www.camerachops.com/nikon-d850-digitizer/