FZ8 - image color issues

[bcmjr]

I purchased the FZ8 last week to replace an Olympus D-40. I really like all of the features and ergonomics of the FZ8 but I'm having problems with IQ, specifically color issues. I've taken hundreds of shots so far in a variety of conditions and camera settings, but the colors for the most part are dull and lackluster - not true to life - as compared to my old Olympus. I know I can teak the colors using Photoshop or with the RAW editor, but I really don't want to have to tweak every image I print! I'm thinking about returning the Panny and picking up a Canon S5 IS. Is there anyone else out there experiencing color issues with the FZ8?

 

[TEBnewyork]

please post samples with EXIF where you aren't happy with the colors and give some hints on what you have saturation, contrast etc. set to. Then it will be easier to help.

My April in Arizona and flower macro galleries are essentially all FZ8 without PP
--
terry
http://tbanet.zenfolio.com/

 

[Steve82]

I'm thinking about returning
the Panny and picking up a Canon S5 IS. Is there anyone else out
there experiencing color issues with the FZ8?

Be sure and check some reviews before you buy the S5. The early photos I've seen are not promising.

One of the pro-comments made in the FZ-8 review here at DPReview says that the FZ-8 gives "good, natural color". However, if you don't like the color that you are getting, have you tried adjusting the color parameters in the menu? You may want to bump up the saturation and/or contrast to get a color profile that you like.

 

[KALLIAS]

I purchased the FZ8 last week to replace an Olympus D-40. I really
like all of the features and ergonomics of the FZ8 but I'm having
problems with IQ, specifically color issues. I've taken hundreds of
shots so far in a variety of conditions and camera settings, but
the colors for the most part are dull and lackluster - not true to
life - as compared to my old Olympus. I know I can teak the colors
using Photoshop or with the RAW editor, but I really don't want to
have to tweak every image I print! I'm thinking about returning
the Panny and picking up a Canon S5 IS. Is there anyone else out
there experiencing color issues with the FZ8?

Have a look at Kodak P712

Jpeg - RAW - TIFF
Hot shue for zoom flash (P20)
Panorama mode
interval auto capturing
IS 12X SK optics.
selectable spot metering and focus.
Real life colors.
Just make a test, you deside.

 

[KALLIAS]

I purchased the FZ8 last week to replace an Olympus D-40. I really
like all of the features and ergonomics of the FZ8 but I'm having
problems with IQ, specifically color issues. I've taken hundreds of
shots so far in a variety of conditions and camera settings, but
the colors for the most part are dull and lackluster - not true to
life - as compared to my old Olympus. I know I can teak the colors
using Photoshop or with the RAW editor, but I really don't want to
have to tweak every image I print! I'm thinking about returning
the Panny and picking up a Canon S5 IS. Is there anyone else out
there experiencing color issues with the FZ8?

I forgot to say that I had color issues with FZ7 this is the reason that I got P712 and I am very happy so far.

I was ready to upgrade in FZ8 for RAW because I wanted to have more control in colors, last minute I changed my mind and choose the right path… (At list for me)
So if you have the advantage to return your camera ask to try before buy…
You know better than anyone else what you want.
And I am sure that you have a well trained eye….. ;-)

 

[Entropius]

Like everyone who's posted here except for our friendly Kodak salesman, I've not had any trouble with the color on my FZ8. If yours isn't producing good color, then something's screwy.

My image settings are NR on low, everything else std (except contrast on low sometimes), auto white balance.

What white balance and saturation settings are you using?

In order to help we'll need samples. In particular, what sort of light have you been taking pictures under? Auto white balance (on any camera) won't work under incandescant light, or certain other kinds of indoor lighting. To get good color there you'll need to use custom white balance.

 

[KALLIAS]

Like everyone who's posted here except for our friendly Kodak
salesman, I've not had any trouble with the color on my FZ8. If
yours isn't producing good color, then something's screwy.

Oh yes the same story again at list this person has a chance to save his money choosing another camera.
Me as an original Kodak salesman lost 419 euros for a silver FZ7 …
And finally you just found another one with color issues shoot him like me…

 

[TEBnewyork]

Actually,

The problem the poster seems to be having is exactly the opposite of what you complained about in the FZ7. To make sure I got it right this time you complained about overdone Greens. The poster here is not complaining at all about too much saturation but dull colors.

We are still waiting for your side by side FZ7 vs. Kodak tests...

Like everyone who's posted here except for our friendly Kodak
salesman, I've not had any trouble with the color on my FZ8. If
yours isn't producing good color, then something's screwy.

Oh yes the same story again at list this person has a chance to
save his money choosing another camera.
Me as an original Kodak salesman lost 419 euros for a silver FZ7 …
And finally you just found another one with color issues shoot him
like me…

--
terry
http://tbanet.zenfolio.com/

 

[KALLIAS]

Actually,
The problem the poster seems to be having is exactly the opposite
of what you complained about in the FZ7. To make sure I got it
right this time you complained about overdone Greens. The poster
here is not complaining at all about too much saturation but dull
colors.

We are still waiting for your side by side FZ7 vs. Kodak tests...

Instead of continuing shoot me for my words try to help him, and as for the test I’ll be back…

 

[bcmjr]

Actually, one of the most glaring examples of my color issue is in pictures taken of a green playground slide. The slide is actually a bright green color, but it comes out a dull, washed-out green in the FZ8 images. In my mind, the slide should be replicated "as-is" even in simple mode - but this is just not the case. I'll try to post examples as soon as I get a chance.

 

[GregGory]

Actually,
The problem the poster seems to be having is exactly the opposite
of what you complained about in the FZ7. To make sure I got it
right this time you complained about overdone Greens. The poster
here is not complaining at all about too much saturation but dull
colors.

LOL, you beat me Terry! Seems like the Kodaks can overtake from left AND right at the same time! Isn't that amazing? ROFL

 

[AAOwen]

I think I am right in saying that until recently Oly used Kodac sensors. Olys are famous for their rich colours, the OP obviously misses this. Pan colours are less hyped that's all.

I have owned a number of Olys and a couple of Pans - the way they treat colour is different.

A.A.

 

[GregGory]

Olys are famous for their rich colours, the OP obviously
misses this. Pan colours are less hyped that's all.
I have owned a number of Olys and a couple of Pans - the way they
treat colour is different.

Indeed, I couldn't agree more. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=23654506

 

[aahhaaa]

it seems to me that there are non-obvious issues here that never get benchmarked.

the basic issue here is whether somebody's going to be out some cash for new camera when its not necessary...

take your FZ8 back to the dealer and take an identical (all setting the same) shot with both yours and another FZ8. if they look identical, you have no 'unit fault' in your camera. if they don't, exchange your camera on the spot.

you also should check your monitor optimization. many people get used to oversaturization as vivid color- the real test is whether what comes out of the printer looks right. you can get some advice about this from anybody who runs a printing machine for a living, they've seen all the cameras!:]

 

[Entropius]

take your FZ8 back to the dealer and take an identical (all setting
the same) shot with both yours and another FZ8. if they look
identical, you have no 'unit fault' in your camera. if they don't,
exchange your camera on the spot.

Or perhaps the faulty colors don't result from a unit fault or some fundamental flaw in the design of the FZ8, but from some kind of white balance issue, or monitor calibration issue, or issue with the camera settings.

The only way we can really tell what's going on is to see samples...