Camera Raw is the most familiar RAW file processing tool. With the recent updates, the functions of Camera Raw have become more and more abundant. In addition to the original adjustment content, the adjustment independence of Camera Raw has become stronger and stronger. The functions that were originally implemented with the help of PS are now also reflected in Camera Raw. Here are five small features that have been updated in recent generations of Camera Raw.
1. Panorama synthesis Distortion control is better than in PS
First, let’s start with the two newly updated image processing merge functions in Camera Raw. The panoramic composition and HDR composition functions are the functions that Camera Raw updated after 9.0. These two functions are independent of the photo composition and HDR composition functions of PS. You can use RAW files to synthesize panoramic pictures or HDR pictures, and most importantly, composition The subsequent pictures are in DNG format, which is a general RAW file, and Camera Raw can still be used for lossless adjustment in the later stage.
For panorama synthesis, we have introduced a certain amount before, let’s take a look at the specific application of this function.
The use of panoramic composition requires preliminary shooting preparation. In the preliminary shooting, we need to follow the standard splicing steps, that is, use manual exposure and manual focus, and then horizontal splice. After the splicing shooting is completed, we import all the RAW files into Camera Raw and open it, and then perform splicing operations.
We can see that when splicing the film, the computer will first generate a small-size preview image, allowing the user to determine whether to continue the splicing work. Then we select the save address of the DNG file, and the computer will automatically connect the film.
It is worth noting that when using Camera Raw to splice, larger memory and cache disks are required, so the number of original files for splicing should be carefully selected. After this step is completed, it is the process of waiting. The connection speed in Camera Raw is actually faster than that in PS, but higher configuration is required.
After the splicing is successful, a very important step is to remove the distortion. The new version of Camera Raw provides good distortion correction, and has an automatic cropping function, which is easier than the splicing operation in PS.
More importantly, using the Camera Raw connector, the computer will automatically recognize the camera’s lens correction, so the distortion control is better.
From the practical application, the splicing effect of Camera Raw is better than that of the PS itself, and as long as the configuration can meet the demand, the splicing speed of Raw files will be faster and the distortion will be smaller. So for users who often synthesize panoramic photos, it is more recommended to use this new feature.
2, HDR synthesis based on RAW files, the picture is cleaner
The next function is HDR synthesis function. We know that PS has its own HDR synthesis function, which can automatically synthesize multiple photos into HDR images, but this method generally has obvious edge highlights and serious picture distortion problems. The new version of Camera Raw also has the function of HDR synthesis based on RAW files, and the synthesized format is DNG’s general RAW format.
When using it, just like the panorama, we need to import all the photos into Camera Raw at one time, and then use the HDR synthesis function to synthesize multiple photos into a HDR RAW file, and we can adjust it normally.
Note: To use RAW files for splicing, we must have several sets of bracketed photos, not a single RAW file modified and exposed.
But in fact, you can find that HDR in Camera Raw does not completely synthesize images independently. Part of the HDR effect during synthesis comes from the synthesized file, and many adjustments come from the adjustment of its own parameters.
Therefore, using this method to synthesize HDR, the adjusted file is not the special effect that we see in PS, and some exposure adjustment content is needed to have a better visual effect. Of course, the computer will use automatic mode to automatically balance the light ratio during synthesis, and we can also modify the parameters by ourselves.
Therefore, compared with panoramic synthesis, the strength of HDR synthesis is not great. Sometimes the adjustment effect of the gradient filter is not obvious from that of a single picture, but it is indeed a brand new picture that integrates a lot of brightness information.
Because the RAW file itself has a high adjustment range, the practical application value of this kind of synthesis is still very high under the general environment.
The biggest significance of using Raw file splicing is that the photo has less noise and does not have a lot of highlight edges, which is not possible with the HDR effect in PS.
3. Histogram control Another exposure adjustment mode
In the recent Camera Raw, there is a small hidden function. We can directly drag the histogram to control the exposure of the photo. This is a boon for friends who are not familiar with highlight and shadow adjustment.
Before talking about adjusting the histogram, let’s talk about what kind of histogram is the most expressive. The histogram provides the brightness information distribution of the image. The left side of the histogram represents the brightness of 0, which is black when viewed in black and white, the right side is the highest brightness, and when viewed in black and white, it is white.
Therefore, in order to make the photo more in line with the aesthetic feeling of the human eye, we should try to make the histogram cover the entire histogram area from left to right, and the “peak” is located in the middle of the histogram, forming a mountain peak.
Therefore, with the direct control function of the histogram, Caemra Raw directly divides the histogram into 5 areas. We select an area and drag it directly to change the exposure, thus better controlling the overall exposure of the image.
In fact, this adjustment still corresponds to adjustments such as exposure, highlights, shadows, etc., but unlike data adjustments, this adjustment is performed automatically by software. When we are uncertain about the parameters in the basic adjustment, try directly adjusting the histogram and sometimes it has a good effect.
4. Dehazing function, fool mode but very helpful
Let’s take a look at the defogging mirror function that Caerma Raw added last year. Here are the specific usage and applicable scenarios of this function.
For the defogging function, the display form of Camera Raw is very simple, but not all haze can be removed by the defogging function.
The original intent of the defogging function is to remove the mist, that is, to eliminate the “fogging phenomenon” in the picture or the unclear picture caused by a small amount of haze.
So in principle, the defogging function is similar to an advanced contrast filter, which can improve contrast, increase contrast, and increase saturation.
To use the defogging mirror function, first make sure that there is no excessive black and white contrast in the picture. If there is color overflow or a large amount of underexposure, using the defogging function will make the picture very bad.
However, for the slightly foggy film, the advantage of the mist removal filter is that it can be adjusted independently of the contrast and exposure adjustment, which further expands the space of the photo. This is the advantage of the defog filter.
Although removing the haze is simple, it is of great significance. This allows us to adjust our basic parameters more freely. It is equivalent to adding an adjustment dimension to our RAW file adjustment. When a large number of manipulations are required, there is an extra layer. Dimensions will have a very helpful effect.
5. Radial filter can emphasize the main body of the picture more
The last function introduces the use of radial filters. The radial filter is not a new feature in Camera Raw, but it is often overlooked. Adobe’s official interpretation of the radial filter is “to highlight the main body of the picture”, indicating that the radial filter has a good effect in humanistic photography.
In use, the use of radial filters is similar to gradient filters. But the gradient filter is based on the gradient line drawn by the mouse for parameter transition, and the adjustment content of the radial filter is the inside or outside of the elliptical selection, and the transition range is the degree of edge feathering of the selection. From an operational point of view, you can choose to adjust the content for the screen within the selection or for the screen outside the selection.
The radial filter can be used for portraits, sketches, scenery, etc. It is more suitable for regular local adjustments. Compared with gradient filters, the adjustment content is more localized, but the edges are more regular than adjustment brushes. Using the radial filter, you can also simulate the effect of natural light or local blur effects (such as shifting axis), thereby providing more creative space.
Of course, the article here is mainly about function introduction. How to apply these functions to be more powerful, you still need to slowly explore in the subsequent post-retouching. After all, the tool is only a means, and how to use it depends on the user’s reasonableness. application.
