A Mighty 900kb File Size

[Phelon Profile]

Hi Arwin,

Always nice to see your comments!

DxO Labs is found at "www.dxo.com", and they actually have three software applications. I started out years ago with their more robust app., DxO Optics--it's now version 9. Correcting the geometry and white balance of my images is what got me going. This is a very scientific lab that computes image distortions for many lenses, and lets you have their resulting correcting modules for all the software. As the science of correcting lens distortions kept getting more sophisticated, the tools were enough to establish a second software, namely DxO Viewpoint. I was an early beta-tester for them.

If you were to only get one app, I would trust the bigger app, DxO Optics Pro 9, to do a lot of my work. I have depended on this app for years to have the best, and most accurate white balance color picker. Then, of course, I had the geometric tools, 2 vertical and 2 horizontal, or just 2 vertical. SPE is very good, but is limited in that the Straightening Tool only has 3 controls. You can download a trial version of their software and see for yourself. The DxO Viewpoint 2 app is one I couldn't be without because of it's ability to correct image distortions to the very best.

An landscape or architectural photographer won't get far, or be well respected, unless he or she has a means to correct the geometry in their photos. If you look into Capture One Phase One, you will find great software and super fine digital cameras and backs--some medium formats here cost up to $30,000, and maybe higher or lower, depending on whether you need camera and back or just a back to fit on your medium format, such as a Hasselblad. I have a lot of expensive film cameras, but are not easily converted to digital.

Well, there you go, Arwin. Just a little touch of something before you, and hope I've been of some help. Continue your good work and communication with everyone.

Cheers,
Phelon

[Arwin Profile]

Hi Phelon,

Thanks for your detailed response! I did Google it to get the website shown, but still thanks.
The question I had, was if the features of Viewpoint 2 are also integrated in the Optics Pro 9, but if I understand you right, Viewpoint 2 is more sophisticated in geometric/distortions corrections than Optics Pro 9?

I will give Optics Pro 9 a try to see, and when needed, Viewpoint 2 is still an option.

Thanks again, appreciated your time

Arwin

[Richard Briggs Profile]

Regarding 'what you see'. I guess it depends upon whether you're trying to reproduce what the eye actually sees or not. For me this discovery happened when our water colour class was taken to a picturesque French village to paint a lovely old house. We were no more than 100m from it. First we had to lightly sketch the subject and use our fingers to measure relative distances of key points in the picture. I assumed all verticals would be vertical and carried on in that vein. The result was an initial sketch that was clearly 'wrong'. I then measured as my instructor had taught us (should have done this to start) and found that the vertical divergence was really marked. Having been 'brainwashed' by photography over the years I assumed all vertical convergence was due to camera lenses. Not true.

So, take your pick. Reduce all verticals to 100% vertical and produce a picture that may not look 'right'.
Or retain slight convergence for a more real looking photo.

By the way, I'm not saying the above photo does not look 'right'. Just be careful about adopting a 'must eliminate all convergence' rule.

Richard

[MikeySewell Profile Website]

Well done Mozzy, great work to get this out of a 900kb file, love the sky replacement you used.
Using the straighten tool as Phelon did gives it even more strength to it.

Thanks Phelon for sharing the Dx0 Software, I put this straight to my wishlist! Do you know if DxO ViewPoint is in the DxO Optics Pro 9 as well or are these two separate programs?

Regards,
Arwin

DxO Viewpoint 2 is a standalone, and offers greater control over adjustment than DxOOptics Pro. I currently have, and use Viewpoint 2, and have DxO Optics Pro 8, although I haven't used it for quite some time. Version 9 may integrate more features from Viewpoint than version 8 did, but I cannot confirm.
Viewpoint is certainly worth the money, IMO

[Arwin Profile]

Thank you Mikey!

Arwin

[WC Lawson Profile]

Marvelous image. The temptation for many people would be to add more color/saturation. I like the way you did the sky treatment, subtle and works perfectly with the contrast and texture of the building. The dramatic scale of the front of the building as it relates to the distant part of the building is a nice effect.

I see talk about converging lines. I don't have a problem with that in this case. The horizon line would be the only thing I might change to horizontal or nearly horizontal. Sometimes it is small changes that will make the difference.

Regardless, it is a very beautiful image as it is. I don't usually give advice, ask a hundred people there opinion and you will receive almost as many different opinions.

Wess