Review Digital Camera World 02-18-2014

Digital Camera World

Photoshop - Beauty Retouching Learn how to improve your photoshop retouching skill and knowledge in 21 easy techniques! Take this course for just $25. From our sponsors

Shooting in raw format: the real benefits of digital negatives Feb 18th 2014, 00:01, by jmeyer Is shooting in raw format really worth going the extra mile for? In this tutorial we take a look at all the benefits. Raw files are often referred to as digital negatives because, unlike JPEGs, they contain all the unprocessed data for an image and are a much better choice when editing. Images produced from Raw files generally have more detail, smoother tonal gradations and better colours than their JPEG counterparts. The downside to Raw files is that they require bespoke software to unravel and convert them into a universally recognised format. Fortunately, Photoshop comes with Raw conversion software called Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), which springs into action when a compatible Raw file is opened. Any work carried out in ACR is non-destructive and can be undone at any point. Because Raw files are specific to each camera model – unless it uses the DNG file format – Adobe produces regular updates to Adobe Camera Raw to continually expand its compatibility. So if you've bought a new camera, you may need to download the latest Adobe Camera Raw update before you can work on the raw format files it produces. Although its primary function is to allow raw files from a huge range of cameras to be opened in Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw has a fairly comprehensive collection of adjustment tools arranged in tabbed sections labelled Basic, Tone Curve, Detail, HSL/Greyscale, Split Toning, Lens Correction, Camera Calibration and Presets. These allow a good deal of image processing to be done at the file conversion stage. There are also tools to correct sloping horizons and make crops before the Raw files are opened in Photoshop. SEE MORE: Photoshop for beginners – master your photo editing workflow in 24 hours Working in Adobe Camera Raw Selecting the Convert to Greyscale option in Adobe Camera Raw's HSL/Greyscale panel turns the image monochrome, the sliding controls underneath enabling you to choose how individual colours will be represented. Once you are happy with the black and white version, it can be toned using the controls in the Split Toning panel. Up to two colours can be applied – one to the highlights and the other to the shadows. Once the colour of the tone is selected using the rainbow-like hue slider, its saturation can be adjusted. SEE MORE: Adobe Camera Raw – the secret to using it for just about everything Click on the infographic to see the larger version Strip the original colour Taken on a bleak and colourless day, this image is almost monochrome from the outset. But it lacks contrast and needs a little more impact. The old Victorian style of the pier lends itself well to split toning treamtment, as it will give the final result a timeless quality. Tweaking the contrast After brightening the image using the Exposure slider in the Basics panel of ACR, the shot has been rendered black and white by selecting the Convert to Greyscale option in the HSL/Greyscale panel. Adjusting the oranges in the Greyscale mix has the most impact. Raising the tone To enhance the picture's sense of drama, a yellowish hue has been applied to the highlights, while a bluey-purple tinge has been added to the shadows. It can be helpful to increase the saturation of the tone while you adjust the hue control to select the desired colour. Camera Raw in Photoshop Elements Camera Raw comes with Photoshop Elements 12, but it doesn't have the same set of features as the Photoshop CC version. There are only three tabbed panels – Basics, Detail and Camera Calibration. All the Exposure, Contrast and Saturation controls in the Basic panel are present, but the noise control options in the Sharpening panel are limited to Luminance and Colour sliders. PAGE 1: Tricks for using Adobe Camera Raw PAGE 2: Localised editing tricks READ MORE Best Photo Editing Software? 6 budget alternatives to Photoshop tested and rate Photoshop Curves Tool: 6 techniques every photographer must know Unsharp Mask – how to ensure the sharpest images possible every time Adobe Camera Raw: 8 tools that will save your raw files Best photo editing tips for beginners: 18 quick fixes to common image problems Manfrotto 190Cx 3-section tripod review Feb 17th 2014, 11:00, by jmeyer The Manfrotto 190Cx 3-section tripod weighs just 1.6kg and is the king of Manfrotto’s revised 190-series of tripods. But is it up for the job? Find out in our Manfrotto 190Cx review. Not wanting to rest on its laurels, Manfrotto has gone all-out to keep its 190 tripod range on top of the competition with this revised design. You still get the option of aluminium or carbon construction, with all versions rated to support up to 7kg of kit. The rigidity of this particular three-section carbon offering proved particularly impressive, especially considering it's 20% lighter than its aluminium sibling, tipping the scales at just 1.6kg. You'll still need to factor the extra weight of a tripod head, but this remains an impressively light and stable set of legs. SEE MORE: Alternative camera supports – 6 top models tested and rated Particular attention has been paid to the ergonomics, with the new Quick Power Lock leg clamps among the best designs we've seen. They can be flicked open or shut effortlessly while wearing gloves, and still lock each leg section securely. Magnesium leg-angle selectors are just as well-made and precise. Up top remains Manfrotto's 90-degree pivoting centre column. By simply pushing a button at the base of the column, a ball-and-socket joint inside the top casting is revealed, allowing the column to easily swing through 90 degrees and lock horizontally. It's handy when composing macro shots or hanging your camera over hard-to-reach subjects. Another fresh feature for the revised 190 is the Easy Link connector. This lets you mount an accessory like a flashgun on one of Manfrotto's many optional rigid or flexible arm brackets. It's a useful finishing touch for a top-notch tripod. Price: £345 Score: 5/5 READ MORE 77 photography techniques, tips and tricks for taking pictures of anything Photography accessories: transform your pictures for less than £100 9 secrets to using a tripod like a pro Hands-free photography: 4 ways to take pictures without touching your camera Camera Shake: the ultimate cheat sheet for using tripods, monopods and shooting handheld

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions