Raw and Raw conversion
Supplied software
The Sony Alpha NEX-6 is supplied with the following
software:
·
PlayMemories Home (Windows) – this cataloging and browsing
application replaces the Picture Motion Browser and is part of a set of
cloud-based apps designed to make your content available on both desktop and
mobile devices with sharing directly to social media sites.
·
Image Data Converter 4.2 (Windows / Mac) - A further development
of the Image Data Converter SR software has been seen, which offers the
abilities to convert advanced RAW, adjustments including Creative Style,
Sharpness (including tweaking at overshoot/ undershoot standard level),
Highlight Color Distortion reduction and Noise Reduction. This now includes the
features of the side-by-side image comparison of the old Image Data Lightbox
software.
Image Data Converter 4, the RAW
converter is shipped with the NEX-6, which is relatively simple when compared
to most of the third party product packages but nevertheless provides all of
the useful conversion parameters and is easy to use. It offers an adjustment
for brightness, color, white balance, sharpness, noise reduction and color tone
chart and also allows you to select your favorite Creative Style, reduce the
effects of blur in the corner of the image and change the setting of the
D-Range Optimizer in the camera. It also combines the features of image browsing,
labeling and cataloging of the current interrupted software.
The Image Data
Converter feature combines with the image browsing and arranging Image Data
Lightbox software of the previous Sony’s cameras.
All of the
significant RAW editing tools are likely to be found on the right side of the
screen. The individual adjustments can be suspended in Windows, if a person
wishes that.
The RAW file conversion
In the sections below we will compare the same raw file as
handled by the Image Data Converter software provided by Sony, DxO Optics Pro
8.1.2 and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) 7.3, along with the associated in-camera JPEG
file.
·
JPEG - Large / Fine, the default settings
·
IDX - Image Data Converter 4, the default settings
·
ACR - Adobe Camera Raw 7.3, at the default settings using 'Adobe
Standard' profile
·
DxO - DxO Optics Pro 8.1.2, the default settings
Sharpness and detail
As you can see below, the conversion of a RAW file has the
ability to provide a more natural, satisfactory representation of ultra-good
detail when compared to more flexible sharpening applied by the camera's JPEG
engine. You will see this most clearly in the 100% crops from the DxO Optics
Pro and ACR conversions; they are very similar to the level of detail shown.
The conversion of Sony less impressive, and at the default conversion settings,
detail is blurry, even when compared to the JPEG performance of the camera.
Adobe ACR 7.3 RAW -> TIFF (The default performance
settings)
ISO 100 studio scene 100% crops
DxO Optics Pro 8.1.2 RAW -> TIFF (The default
performance settings)
ISO 100 studio scene 100% crops
Sony Image Data Converter 4.2 RAW -> TIFF (The default
performance settings)
ISO 100 studio scene 100% crops
JPEG out of camera, High quality setting, manual WB (all
other settings default)
ISO 100 studio scene 100% crops
Resolution
The examples below indicate that DxO Optics Pro brings up
the sharpest, evidently most detailed results of the group, with that the ACR
is not too far behind. Sony’s own Image Data Converter does not do a decent job
of our resolution chart at all, and color moiré and blurring is able to be
visible from 1600 LPH.
Adobe Camera RAW
7.3
DxO Optics Pro
8.1.2
Sony Image Data
Converter 4.2
JPEG Large/Fine
