The Perfect Exposure

Exposing and Editing RAW Files the Right Way

The path to technically optimal images leads through two stages: the best possible RAW exposure and competent post-processing. That’s why my Fuji X Secrets RAW workshops deal with both aspects equally.

by Rico Pfirstinger

Note: This is the English version of my German blog entry on Fuji X Secrets. Click here to read the original article in German.

From time to time, participants submit images to my RAW workshops that have been exposed incorrectly. Usually, this is because they want to compensate for their exposure error by processing the RAW image and “salvage” it somehow. This is based on a misunderstanding: RAW processing is not primarily intended as a rescue expedition to improve the technical (and sometimes also creative) mishaps of photos that have turned out badly. Although this may well be possible in individual cases, our goal should be to deliver RAW files that are as technically well exposed as possible. Then we can process them with all the skill at our disposal to make the most out of them.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

The quality of the captured RAW data determines what you can achieve with them in the RAW converter. A simple rule applies: The more light the camera can capture in a shot, the technically superior the image will be. So, do you overexpose vigorously? Of course not! A shot with blown-out highlights that cannot be recovered in the RAW converter is not attractive.

The principle of letting as much light hit the sensor as possible is thus limited by the fact that image-critical highlights in the scene should not be destroyed by the exposure. The photographer decides what is image-critical, not the camera. For a technically pristine image, it is always better to control the camera – rather than being controlled by it.

The Correct Exposure

To set the optimal exposure for a scene, we need some help. Fujifilm’s mirrorless X and GFX Series cameras have several things going for them in this respect:

  • The live view usually (not always!) displays a WYSIWYG preview of the JPEG shot – and thus also serves as an exposure preview.
  • Respectively, the RGB histogram shows the brightness distribution of the JPEG for each individual color channel.
  • A blinking overexposure warning indicates overexposed (blown-out) areas in the live view.
  • Spot metering allows pinpoint brightness measurements for isolated areas in manual exposure mode (M).

Since the live view, the histogram and the blinking overexposure alerts always refer to the JPEG to be generated by the camera (and not to the RAW data), they are based on the JPEG settings that apply at the time. So, it does make a difference which film simulation, contrast or white balance setting is currently in effect. This allows us to specifically find in-camera JPEG settings that are closest to the potential of the RAW data – let’s call them “JPEG settings for RAW shooters”.

Live view, histogram and overexposure warnings depend on the currently selected JPEG settings of the camera. The image above shows the factory settings of an X-H1, the one below our custom “JPEG settings for RAW shooters”. For the live view and the histogram to correspond as closely as possible to the exposure of the RAW file, I recommend low-contrast JPEG settings with reduced color saturation. 

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The GFX 50 Series is an ISO-less Classic

The sensor in the GFX 50 series is certainly not the fastest. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate this ISO-invariant classic with its 50 megapixels. In terms of sharpness and dynamic range, it can still hold a candle to newer developments.

by Rico Pfirstinger

Virtually all cameras of the Fujifilm X series are ISO-less (also known as ISO-invariant). This refers to cameras with sensors for which the ISO setting doesn’t matter in terms of image quality. Only the set aperture and exposure time (shutter speed) are decisive. It’s all about the actual amount of light that reaches the sensor. I have written about this before (German version, English version).

Is My Camera ISO-less?

You can find out yourself to what extent the sensor in your camera is ISO-less. Here’s an example with a GFX 50S: I first shot a consistently lit test subject at f/13, 1/50 sec. and ISO 1600. The result was a correctly exposed image. I then shot the same subject again at aperture 13 and 1/50 sec., but this time I reset the ISO to ISO 100. This is the base ISO value of the GFX 50 series, i.e. its baseline sensitivity. Of course, the second image appears four stops darker. After all, it was taken at an ISO setting that was four stops lower than the first shot, with otherwise the same exposure. To make our second image (captured at ISO 100) appear as bright as the first, we need to boost it four stops in the RAW converter (in our case, that’s Adobe Lightroom). This we do by moving the converter’s exposure slider 4 EV to the right from its zero position.

The same subject shot twice with f/13 and 1/50 sec. – on the left with ISO 1600, on the right with ISO 100 and a subsequent brightening in the RAW converter by 4 EV.

Please click on the image for a larger version.

To better assess whether the GFX 50S used in this example really works ISO-less, let’s take a closer look at enlarged details of the two test shots:

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Rico’s Fuji X Secrets Ultimate workshop in Phuket is Open for Registration

dscf5267Fuji X Secrets Ultimate is a unique workshop experience for Fujifilm X-series enthusiasts from all around the world. This workshop will be conducted by Fuji „X-Pert“ Rico Pfirstinger in English and takes place from Nov. 12 – Nov. 19 in Phuket (Thailand). A second workshop from Nov. 19 – Nov. 26 will be available in German.

A Stunning Place for Sharing X-Secrets

We have rented one of Phuket’s most beautiful villas exclusively for our small group of delegates and their respective guests – a beautiful place where we, a fellowship of like-minded X enthusiasts, will have ample space for photo shoots, training lessons and informal discussions. It’s a place where we can not only learn from each other, but also relax, enjoy great food, refresh in the infinity pool, sip a cocktail at the bar or simply have a great time.

Daily Training Segments and Excursions – and Bring Along a Friend!

02-pool-terrace-level-4-1030x684In addition to daily seminar segments, we will also offer daily photo excursions in and around Phuket in cars and drivers that belong to our villa. Also, each delegate can share his or her room with one guest, such as a friend, family member or loved one. So there’s no need to leave your partner behind.

Fuji X Secrets Ultimate is an unforgettable “X-perience” for everybody who wants to live and breathe the spirit of the Fujifilm X-series together with a small group of like-minded fellows in a unique environment. This comprehensive workshop will be truly special, and it will certainly tell you Everything You Always Wanted to Know About X, But Were Afraid to Ask.

Please click here for more details.

New Fuji X Secrets Starter Workshop in Germany

March 19 marks the date of the first Fuji X Secrets Starter workshop. The full-day seminar is hosted by Rico Pfirstinger and targets new users and DSLR converts who want to make the most out of their new X-series camera.

x-fujifilm-system_body_lens_white-1Did you know that factory settings only unleash a small portion of your X camera’s potential? Rico Pfirstinger’s new Fuji X Secrets Starter workshop offers you a better alternative and tells you exactly what settings to change, and why.

The full-day seminar covers your camera’s exposure modes and demonstrates how to use the live view and live histogram to perfectly expose each shot. It also explains Fuji’s powerful (but little known) DR function that not only helps extending the dynamic range, but can also be used to create high-key images or enhance portraits.

Logo FUJIFILMSchool sw_Kooperation_SloganWhat AF mode is best for different situations, which AF frame size are we supposed to pick, and how can we best track moving subjects? How do we shoot attractive portraits in bad light, and what are the pros and cons of using face detection or the optical image stabilizer? What can we do with the built-in RAW converter? Ricos’s workshop provides solid and practical answers to these and many other issues, offering insights on everything you always wanted to know about X, but were afraid to ask.

Fuji X Secrets Starter is made available in cooperation with FUJIFILMSchool and will be held on March 19 from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. at Fotohaus Brinke in 91301 Forchheim, Germany. The workshop costs 149 EUR (incl. VAT) and is held in German. There’s a maximum of 10 participants. Please click here for more information.