Nikon NX2 and Red Flowers

[gary payne]

<p>Yesterday, I shot some close-up images of flowers, red, yellow, white, and blue using my D700 and 24-70 f/2.8. As always, I shot in RAW, downloaded with Nikon transfer, viewed them using View NX 1.4, and then edited the images in NX2 2.2.2, I then saved the edited RAW image, and batch processed the conversion to JPG, again using NX2.<br /> <br /> I continually have problems with red flowers, and based on an earlier question on this forum, I know others do also. But, after adjusting exposure, contrast, etc. I got a very acceptable image as viewed in NX2. I saved the edited raw image and in View NX, it was a good looking image. I then converted the edited RAW to JPG using NX2, and used View to examine the JPG image. I had no real detail in the flower, just a red blob, so to speak. Not an acceptable image by any measure. I reaccomplished the conversion to JPG from NX2 not using the batch mode, and I got the same results as before.<br /> <br /> Now, I have assumed (yes I know the danger in assumptions) that since one cannot view a RAW file, that the conversion algorithms used to view images in View NX and NX2 were the same as used to convert RAW to JPG for output. So, what’s up here? All my other images, the yellow, white, blue flowers JPG images are indistinguishable from the edited RAW images. <br /> <br /> So, I’m looking for any insight into this issue. I have continually had difficulty with red, but never experienced a noticeable difference between the RAW and JPG before. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.</p>

[francisco_disilvestro]

<p>This could be related to a color space problem. Reds that look fine in ProPhotoRGB or even in AdobeRGB look blown out in sRGB.<br>

If this is the case, there is a way to work around this (I don't know specifically how to do it in NX2) that is to convert the color space with a perceptual rendering intent (appropriate when you have large areas of out of gamut colors) from a large space (like ProphotoRGB) to sRGB and then convert to JPG.</p>

 

[dan_south]

<p>Try decreasing the exposure a bit before converting to JPEG. Your red channel may be over-exposed. Check your red-channel histogram.</p>

[howard_m]

<p>I've heard that Nikon's *tend* to blow out red channel fairly easily so you have to be careful when looking at the histo (I always use the RGB set of histo's).</p>

[kevin_delson]

<p>Gary,</p>

<p>NX is a awesome program for Nikon RAW files.</p>

<p>As mentioned, this is a color space problem and also how you (convert) images prior to a jpeg save.</p>

<p>Unless you are setting up to print yourself, the (convert to) profile should be "sRGB"..NOT "Nikon sRGB" or anything else.<br>

Color rendering should be (perceptual)<br>

(Blackpoint Compensation) should be unchecked, unless you are printing yourself.<br>

(Auto Clip) should be approx 249 white and 06 Black.<br>

Soft Proof set to ON prior to "Save as"<br>

If you still feel the red is too hot, use the (Color Contrast) and (Chroma) to selectively reduce the red.<br>

Setting a anchor point will allow you precise control over that shade of red with the ability to expand slightly beyond the hue with the lower sliders.<br>

You can test this theory by converting to B&W and checking your detail.</p>

<p>Hope this helps a bit.</p>

[gary payne]

<p>Hey guys, thanks for the help. Kevin, I appreciate your step by step, and I'll give it a go. I have been using Nikon sRGB, so I'll get out the manual, do some reading, and lean more about color space issues.</p>

[gary payne]

<p>Hey guys, thanks for the help. Kevin, I appreciate your step by step, and I'll give it a go. I have been using Nikon sRGB, so I'll get out the manual, do some reading, and lean more about color space issues.</p>

[joseph_smith3]

<p>I am surprised you are having this problem. I use View NX amd Capture NX2 for my D 200 and D 300 NEF and Jpegs made from the NEFs. Right now I am using View NX 1.5 and capture NX 2.2.2 and do not have your issues with my red images. My processed JPEGs and NEFs look the same in View NX. I use Adobe RGB as my color space in both programs. To make sure that View NX is viewing the latest JPEG version, after you make all of your JPEGS and save them, close View NX and then reopen it. See if that makes a difference. Joe Smith</p>

[j.art.photo.]

<p>Hi Gary.<br /> The histogram you see on cam does not actually reflect the RAW file but a JPEG conversion on cam. what you can do to resolve this is get UNIWB for your D700 and use it as white balance profile when shooting RAW, your images will look greenish originaly but when corrected for WB will retain all the detail on the red channel. basically what UNIWB does is it mutes the white balance applied by the camera (according to the bayer array, you know there is twice the green filters over the photosites than red or blue) thats why is so hard to blow the green channel compared to the red or blue channels.<br>

Once loaded to NX2 you will see what the RAW file really looks like and correct white balance, its easy to blow the REDS if you are not aware of this, believe me you are not alone.<br>

<br /> There is much more about UNIWB on this site and it wont hurt to read and try it, is just another WB profile and you can load it and use it or not if you need to.<br /> Regards.<br /> J.A.R.T.</p>