Canon s95 shot of daughter at Disney World

[brando72]

Disney World. Shot with s95 after receiving it 24 hours before. Not sure what the white dots are in her eyes? Also, cut off her arm, but at 3.5 years old, did not have time to compose.

 

[neuroanatomist]

White dots just look like catchlights, reflections from something bright to the side or behind you. Was this shot jpg? Lots of CA around the trees and towers, more than I'm used to seeing in my S95 RAW shots processed with DxO.

 

[brando72]

Yes, shot jpeg and only used some saturation in LR. Used AV mode and f/4.

 

[brando72]

I'm used to seeing in my S95 RAW shots processed with DxO.

Q: Is DxO a worthy investment for processing pictures over something like Lightroom?

Thanks.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Is DxO a worthy investment for processing pictures over something like Lightroom?

Personally, I think DxO is the best RAW converter out there - it does a better job at NR while maintaining sharpness than others. Also, I think the lens corrections are superior - Adobe Camera RAW's corrections are approximations, and many of those in the database are actually based on user-submitted calibrations where you have no idea if they were done correctly (lighting is critical, among other things). DxO's corrections are based on standardized laboratory testing of specific body/lens combinations. They support the S95 (and the S90, and I presume/hope they'll support the S100).

LR may be more convenient, though - DxO is really just a RAW converter, analogous to Adobe Camera RAW, with no real features for library management. But, I use Aperture for my library organization anyway.

 

[KyleSTL]

I'll echo neuro's thoughts (catch light and tons of CA/ghosting). There is also a white-hot pixel on her left eyebrow. Something looks very strange about this picture. Can you upload an as-shot jpg conversion? What settings were you using in LR, because everything in the background is ghosted (not just highlight/shadow transitions, but all the mid-tone transitions as well)?

 

[brando72]

I'll echo neuro's thoughts (catch light and tons of CA/ghosting). There is also a white-hot pixel on her left eyebrow. Something looks very strange about this picture. Can you upload an as-shot jpg conversion? What settings were you using in LR, because everything in the background is ghosted (not just highlight/shadow transitions, but all the mid-tone transitions as well)?

When you say strange, are you referring to possible camera issue?

 

[neuroanatomist]

Just for comparison within the theme, here's an S95 shot of my 3.5 year old, from Six Flags New England.

 

[brando72]

ok, here us non-edited LR photo.

 

[brando72]

Is DxO a worthy investment for processing pictures over something like Lightroom?

Personally, I think DxO is the best RAW converter out there - it does a better job at NR while maintaining sharpness than others. Also, I think the lens corrections are superior - Adobe Camera RAW's corrections are approximations, and many of those in the database are actually based on user-submitted calibrations where you have no idea if they were done correctly (lighting is critical, among other things). DxO's corrections are based on standardized laboratory testing of specific body/lens combinations. They support the S95 (and the S90, and I presume/hope they'll support the S100).

Thanks for your input. Do you suggest a particular version? Also, is their good documentation on using the software in a more KISS style or does mastering the program require endless reading material?

Thanks.

LR may be more convenient, though - DxO is really just a RAW converter, analogous to Adobe Camera RAW, with no real features for library management. But, I use Aperture for my library organization anyway.

 

[neuroanatomist]

In the unedited shot, the CA is still there but less evident. The saturation deepened the blue of the sky, but really enhanced the CA...not a desirable effect, IMO.

Thanks for your input. Do you suggest a particular version? Also, is their good documentation on using the software in a more KISS style or does mastering the program require endless reading material?

I'm running the current version, v.6.6. I'd guess they're getting close to a v7 based on historical releases.

Knowing how thorough DxO's testing is, I'd guess their documentation is quite thorough...but to be honest, I've never read it. IIRC, I used the 'first steps' help the first couple of times I launched it, and that was it. At least, that should give you some idea of the usability of the software...

 

[brando72]

many thanks. they do have a LR plugin.

 

[KyleSTL]

I'll echo neuro's thoughts (catch light and tons of CA/ghosting). There is also a white-hot pixel on her left eyebrow. Something looks very strange about this picture. Can you upload an as-shot jpg conversion? What settings were you using in LR, because everything in the background is ghosted (not just highlight/shadow transitions, but all the mid-tone transitions as well)?

When you say strange, are you referring to possible camera issue?

Yes, I was referring to a camera issue, not your composition or anything. I agree with neuro that the CA is still present in the as-shot, but the contrast/saturation boost does exacerbate the problem. I'd believe in the second picture the CA is not as bad since it is not backlit (like the first).