Once you set it up, you can see the scene in b&w through the screen and, of course, colour through the eye level viewfinder.
I had never tried this until yesterday, and chose a cold, windy, bleak day for my first experiments.
I took about a dozen pairs of photos and uploaded them to the computer. I tweaked the jpeg monos in Lightroom and converted the RAW images to b&w in onOne's BW module. In each case I preferred the conversion to the original jpeg: usually by quite a lot.
In the following pair, the discrepancy was least, but I still got more from the conversion than the original. To see what I mean, compare both the sky and the shadows on the frozen pond. I think this conversion ...
... is clearly superior to this original.
While some of this may have been been a fluke due to whatever dials I chanced to hit in post processing, it also seems that when it happened with three different photos that it is best to convert in post processing than rely on the camera's b&w version.
However, the benefit is also being able to see the image in b&w when composing the photo as it is different than always seeing in colour. So, it could be worthwhile experimenting some more with this technique, preferably when the weather conditions are more amenable.
AC, I'd agree with you about the result of the conversion. The images are much sharper and more intense. Great example. I don't know if my hubby's Nikon does this dual shot...I'll have to ask him.
ReplyDeleteno doubt, raw images retain a lot more than jpegs.
ReplyDeletePost conversion allows you to create mood, based on your contrast, tone, and other things. I think the camera stuff is for fun, but not as useful if you are a photographer.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I can't say that I've ever shot in B&W for more than a quick shot or two. I do prefer to convert and play around with it later if I decide it's meant to be in monochrome.
ReplyDeleteInteresting.
ReplyDeleteI can shoot RAW B&W but never do. I have often wondered how good the digital monochrome cameras are. Leica do one but I have never found one to borrow.
Hmmm. I've never shot B&W jpegs and I think you have just convinced me not to do it ever. :) Besides I like working with raw photos. :)
ReplyDeleteNo. 1 is definitely better. Thanks for the tutorial. Also, I love the New Year's picture of you and Cuppa. I hope 2015 will bring you all you wish.
ReplyDeleteI too usually prefer to convert in post production.
ReplyDeleteI have so little brains left that I just stick to JPGS.
ReplyDeleteI tend to be a lazy shooter these days and have never taken the time to explore the difference between shooting in RAW vs JPEG although I believe one of my digital camera offers this feature. That said, I do agree that the first photo shows much more detail.
ReplyDelete