Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation and Noise reduction settings for fz300

[igaleian]

I just ordered the camera today from B&H.

Appreciate any information and advice.

Thanks

Ian

 

[nkbj]

Only you can tell what you like. This article by Thom Hogan can give you an idea how to find your prefered settings.

 

[windmillgolfer]

Congratulations, the FZ300/330 is a fantastic camera. To some extent the answer is a combination of what you like to see in the final image and how much PP you prefer to leave for the PC/MAC.

It is generally accepted that turning down NR reduces smudging/loss of detail and that NR, if required, is best left to PP. I have turned NR to -2 and use Topaz DeNoise on my PC but for most images do not denoise.

After that it is really down to taste. I have turned saturation and contrast up a notch.

FYI - the free Nik suite is very effective and easy to use. I find myself using Colour Efex quite when images are a little flat on dull days, rather than turning up the JPEG settings on the camera.

--
Stuart
Latest uploads http://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/
FZ330 images https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157659823425652
TZ60 images https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157642261079494
Aurora Borealis https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157663549812064

 

[igaleian]

very informative ,thanks

Ian

 

[igaleian]

much appreciated advice.

thanks

Ian

 

[ChrisLumix]

It is generally accepted that turning down NR reduces smudging/loss of detail and that NR, if required, is best left to PP. I have turned NR to -2 and use Topaz DeNoise on my PC but for most images do not denoise.

....

FYI - the free Nik suite is very effective and easy to use. I find myself using Colour Efex quite when images are a little flat on dull days, rather than turning up the JPEG settings on the camera.

--

I'd second everything said here - the Panasonic NR (like most manufacturers') is heavy-handed and tends to smudge. Of course it does mean you will end up with noise in low light shots but as WMG says, better corrected in PP.

For extra saturation there is the Vivid photo style, so no need to turn it up. Contrast is very much a factor of lighting conditions and the dynamic range of the scene, so again that's better corrected - if necessary - in PP. Sharpening is often a matter of individual taste, but if you prefer sharp shots do bear in mind that Panasonic's maximum will not OVER-sharpen.

 

[filibuster]

Do you like to present your results straight out of camera, or do you like to process images after a photo-shoot? If the latter, that could well influence peoples recommendations as you would be processing an already processed image.

 

[old jim]

Hi Ian! Let me suggest you look at the post from Mikedigi "First 6 shots with my new FZ330 on this thread. I spent yesterday switching my FZ300 to IA+ with default settings, and RAW + Fine jpeg for quality. His pictures from Jpegs look so good, actually better than good. However I pretty much shoot just RAW all the time, and as soon as I can I will be able to compare the difference. In any event you have an excellent camera, IMHO of course ;-) Shooting IA+ will let you have a lot of fun!! Let us see some of your captures when you can!!

Warmest regards,

p.s. look closely at His 1200mm shot of the sign. Pretty awesome!!! No TC either

--
DP Review - Where else?
Old Jim ;-)

 

[igaleian]

Thanks

Ian

 

[igaleian]

will do.

thanks

Ian

 

[igaleian]

thanks

Ian

 

[Mikedigi]

FYI - the free Nik suite is very effective and easy to use. I find myself using Colour Efex quite when images are a little flat on dull days, rather than turning up the JPEG settings on the camera.

Just trying to remember what I read previously about the Nik Collection - do you use it as a plug-in to PSE, please?

Mike

 

[windmillgolfer]

Mike,

yes I use it as plug-in but I think it can be used in other ways ( see here http://photo.stackexchange.com/ques...ection-be-used-without-photoshop-or-lightroom ) .

I find myself using the Colour Efex Pro 4 product, try Tonal Contrast filter, with and without Sunlight filter. Link here: https://support.google.com/nikcollection/answer/3000910?hl=en

 

[Mikedigi]

Mike,

yes I use it as plug-in but I think it can be used in other ways ( see here http://photo.stackexchange.com/ques...ection-be-used-without-photoshop-or-lightroom ) .

I have used them standalone but they are easier as plug-ins I think.

I find myself using the Colour Efex Pro 4 product, try Tonal Contrast filter, with and without Sunlight filter. Link here: https://support.google.com/nikcollection/answer/3000910?hl=en

Thanks Stuart, I'll try to make use of these.

Mike

 

[igaleian]

All people who answered

many thanks for all your help.

it is really an interesting camera ,very different from the 200

 

[PJPfeiffer]

I just ordered the camera today from B&H.

Appreciate any information and advice.

Thanks

Ian

I'm also new fz300 owner and found these tutorials extremely helpful ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoIf_3ex-YIaG1mc79Jr20WjKzRL5guz

This is also an extremely informative site ... http://photo.braybaroque.ie/fz300/index.htm

I've personally found that ISO above 800 is way to noisy for may taste. However is you're in a bind and you have some sort of stabilization (ie tripod) the camera can be set to autobracket at different exposures which after blending the set noise is not so objectionable

 

[igaleian]

many thanks for the information.

Ian