Purple/Pink RAW files

[Spanrz]

Umm, I might be doing something wrong, but all the RAW's that I am shooting, turn a very strong Purple/Pink colour.
The whole scene is this major Purple/Pink colour.

Shot in sRGB, using photomatix to view the RAW's. Canon 500D camera.

Do I need to shoot in Adobe RGB?

EDIT: (it wasn't astro, but doing daylight tests with the new camera)

[DavidU]

Has it had the CMOS filter removed?????

[wasyoungonce]

If they are it is more than likely it's a problem with your camera white balance..is it set to auto?

or

you are overexposing the white? Try faster (edit...faster not slower) shutter speeds & lower ISO.

or ...here (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t32942.html).

edit:

forgot to say are the pics ok in canons DPP software?

[Spanrz]

No. Camera is untouched. Even though I am a tinkerer, I am resisting it at the moment.



I'll check that. I think by memory it is set to AUTO.


I've tried various scenes, light dark outside inside fast and slow. It just shows a major phsycodelic 70's pink/purple scene, all that's missing is the weed.... :lol:



I'll have a look at the link. Haven't tried the Canon Software yet. I'll do that now. The JPG's are fine, no problem there.

I'll post back shortly. :D

[Spanrz]

Bingo..... You are the man :D
They (RAW files) work fine in DPP.

Photomatix problem? Maybe convert to tiff first then open in photomatix??

[wasyoungonce]

I'd say that you actually found your problem using sRGB with CR2's. Sounds like Photomatix is not handling the files correctly.

I did read this "photomatix uses a special approach........ ..... If you use Photoshop® CS2, you are left with a 16-bit image in which the distribution of tonal values still isn't quite right. You must tweak it using a curves adjustment."'

From here (http://www.atncentral.com/pages/photomatix.htm).

[Spanrz]

Thanks. I think I have the hang of it now :D

Had a play today with processing the pics to HDR.
My car was the guinea pig and done as a CR2 (raw) file x 3. Used DPP to batch process it, then used photomatix to open files.

Seemed it was too hard for photomatix to open it directly. Hence the Purple-ness.

I do now have Adobe Photoshop. Just started to play with it just now, wow. Should have had this ages ago.
I just tried a few mods (in PS) with a star trail (first night I had the camera).

Original problem (using Photomatix to pick up the RAW CR2 file):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4781817855_8342b0c297_b.jpg

Car HDR (RAW batch processed in DPP then photomatix):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4782053810_acda34fe69_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4782424322_b2ce5303ef_b.jpg

Star Trails (Test - RAW then modded in PS)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4781801323_5f8e938412_b.jpg

Oh this PS is so much better than my other software combined.;)

[wasyoungonce]

Yikes...now that is pink!:shrug:

[Octane]

Brett,

A word of advice, using anything other than the supplied Canon software for RAW conversion and editing is bound to end in a disaster. Canon's RAW format is proprietary. Everything else is reverse engineered. And, as you've no doubt discovered, gives less than acceptable results. You've spent a decent amount of cash on your gear and shouldn't expect anything less than what your sensor has recorded.

I won't mention my thoughts on HDR as they're well known and will get me into trouble. :P

All the best.

H

[RB]

One quick question Brett.
Which version of Photomatix are you running?

[Spanrz]

That's what said and a bit more. 3 different settings of RGB, didn't do diddly.



Over the years, I got used to manufacturers using proprietary stuff. Certain companies make something so close with a minor mod, it never ever fits to the standard.
(i.e Sony's version of the Micro SD "M2" versus the standard format of the Micro SD)
Now with Canon, I've just figured that out. And you have now confirmed that. Atleast they use standard forms of SD and not proprietary ones...sheesh.
Yes, I know what you think of HDR. It was merely an experiment as I've never had the opportunity to explore from a compact camera. (merely understanding what a RAW file was just enough).
Your non comments are noted. ;)



Running 3.1.3

Though Photoshop see's the CR2 files fine (I assume it should, for what it is?)

I've learnt a lot today :D

[RB]

The reason you're having trouble with Photomatix is that you need to update to version 3.2.9 so that it will recognise the latest models, ie. 500D

You can upgrade for free here: http://www.hdrsoft.com/download.html#pmp

This should fix your purple problems.

Photomatix is a decent program for HDR but it's not one I prefer to use.

HDR only appeals to me when done right and I find Photoshop does a better job IMO.

Some may claim that HDR is taboo (usually you'll find they can't do it well) but when done right the results can be striking.

Good luck.