Slowly Working Through Images From Japan - Another Nighttime HDR Shot From The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

 

Fountain and Lanterns, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, In-Camera HDR

 

I have been very busy since returning from Japan. I've finally made it through grading about 1,500 images, so that I've reduced it to a few hundred that I want to look at closer. I've also gotten my film back from The Darkroom - two rolls from my Skeletons From The Closet camera for April, the Zeiss Ikonta folder. So, I'm making progress.

 

I wrote a while back about the surprisingly good images that I got using the in-camera HDR feature of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, handheld, basically in the dark.

 

(Click Here) to read my initial post about the LX7 and HDR in the dark.

 

The shot above is another example. In this scene, the fountain was really nearly in complete darkness. The original jpeg did have a weird color balance on the fountain; the lanterns were nicely white and didn't need adjustment. I was a little worried, working with just the jpeg file (no raw file is made with in-camera HDR), but was able to adjust the color and bring up the brightness of the fountain with no issues.

 

This image would have been nearly impossible to capture handheld with other cameras. Even with a tripod, the extra processing of multiple images at the computer would have been much less fun. I've got plenty of other images to process.

 

I am really enjoying the LX7. Now, I've got to get back to editing and presenting some more pictures. Maybe this weekend...

 

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See my Kindle eBook on how I set up and use the DMC-LX7. Only $2.99, or free for Amazon Prime members:

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 Shoots HDR in the Dark!

 

Kodaiji at Sunset, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, HDR Scene Mode

 

I've been using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 extensively on my trip to Japan. What an amazing little camera.

 

On this particular night, I went to see a "light up" event at the Kodaiji temple in Kyoto. During the spring cherry blossom season, they light the trees up at night. It's an incredibly beautiful sight. In the picture above, I was hoping to balance the artifical light on the trees in the foreground left with the natural sunset. I decided to try the high dynamic range (HDR) scene mode on the LX7. I was blown away by the results. The camera took three consecutive exposures and merged them on the spot. They were taken handheld, as tripods were not allowed in this location. You're looking at the result straight out of the camera.

 

Needless to say, I used the same HDR scene setting throughout the night. Even when it was completely dark out, it did a great job handling the very challenging lighting situations.

 

 

HDR in the Dark, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, HDR Scene Mode

 

The area inside the shrine above was extremely dark. The lamps were very bright. Again, you're looking at the result right out of the camera. I'm hoping to bring up the shadows some when I get this in Lightroom. Regardless, it's quite impressive, especially handheld.

 

Technology has come a long way in the recent past.

 

I'm sure that I won't be able to make large prints of these, but to be able to capture these images at all is a pleasant surprise to me.

 

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Get my Kindle eBook on the LX7 here:

 

 

Get your LX7 here:

 

 

 

So, Where Am I on Micro 4/3 These Days?

Travel Shot From Barcelona, Not Shot On Micro 4/3

Leica CL, Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2, Kodak Tmax 400 Film

 

Having started DMC-365 last year with a focus on Panasonic Lumix cameras, with specific emphasis on Micro 4/3 format, you may wonder where it fits in with my new, broader focus of the blog on the overall interface between equipment and creativity.

 

Let me be honest with you - I'm wondering the same thing. I had an enormous amount of fun with my twin Lumix DMC-G3s last year. I remember being amazed at how much progress had been made in image quality, specifically in low light, between the G1 and G3. I shot a lot of nice images with the G3 last year, if I may say so.

 

However, I also had a lot of fun with other cameras last year, and now tend to pick up either my Nikon DSLR for low light situations or nature, or my Leica M9 for street and people photography. And, in a couple of instances, shooting with film gave me pleasure and results not available to me with Micro 4/3. In fact, I've got an article soon to be published in a journal (don't want to break any confidences until it's ready), specifically about shooting film on my trip to Barcelona last fall. I shot probably 1/8 as many images on film as on digital, but actually had more "winners" by my own definition. In fact, at the moment, the G3s are not what I'd grab on the way off to another great international vacation.

 

So, I must admit, my G3s and incredible set of Micro 4/3 lenses have been idle for the last few weeks. Part of the reason is that I just don't have enough time to shoot. With more free time, I'm sure I'd still be using them. However, there's more to the story. I'm waiting on the next level of image quality in Micro 4/3 sensors.

 

What is not clear to me is whether the newest sensors in Micro 4/3 are the answer. The Lumix DMC-G5 clearly was not. It was an incremental, small step, as far as I can tell, above the G3. The Olympus OM-D looks like it really could be the next justifiable step for me, to keep using all of those wonderful compact, fast prime lenses. I honestly can't tell if the GH3 is as good an option for me. I don't like the idea of such a large form factor for a Micro 4/3 camera. And, from what I've read (you have to be careful what you read), the GH3 is perhaps as good, not better, than the OM-D. I hesitate to switch from the familiar menus of Lumix to a new set in Olympus. As I've said before, what may be convincing is a new compact GX2, with the GH3 sensor and a smaller form factor, which is a major attraction to Micro 4/3 for me.

 

So, for now, I'm thoroughly enjoying shooting other systems. I'm not ready to abandon Micro 4/3, but mainly because I have such an attraction to the size and great lenses. While I'm waiting for the next phase of sensors, I'll enjoy my other gear, and share the results with you. I hope you're enjoying the new format. I am having a great time shooting for my new regular features - Skeletons from the Closet (using old film cameras from my collection) and Whole Lotta Leica (pairing a wide range of Leica mount lenses with my M9). First results posts for both features coming soon!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Nik Software Bought By Google - Good or Bad?

 

Image Source: http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/index.php

 

The Online Photographer reports that Google has purchased Nik Software, makers of photo editing software.

 

(Click Here) to read the post and responses.

 

Personally, I use Nik's HDR Efex Pro, and find it very nice to work with. I am interested in trying Silver Efex (which is a monochrome conversion tool, to turn color images to black and white in a controlled way). I have also played with the app Snapseed, which is also a Nik product. It's actually very cool.

 

When I saw the news, my first thought was that this could be good for the company. Google's developmental and financial resources could ensure stability and really push the tools ahead. Most commenters disagree, and see this as bad news.

 

I will admit - I have no data on how products fare after companies are acquired by Google. Some commenters think that Google will focus solely on Snapseed, and kill the rest. That would be a shame. I kind of doubt that.

 

Thoughts? Predictions?

 

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How About an HDR Competition?

 

Inside the Stone House, Manassas Battlefield, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7, f6.3, HDR

 
mu-43.com is hosting a salon competition - hurry - it closes on July 18.
 
(Click Here) to enter!
 
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