Experimented while Marge was "sitting" last night.

This image was captured June 24, 2006 at 8:19 pm using a Nikon D70, f7.1, 1/200 sec, ISO 200 with a Nikon 18-70 lens. It was a warm hazy evening and a polarizing filter was used to cut through the haze and saturate the colours.

The two photos show the difference between the data the camera captures and the image after the information hidden in the data is revealed. When using the RAW setting the camera makes no attempt to prepare the photo for viewing.  The .jpg settings allow the camera to interpret the data and enhance it for the human eye. Working from the Raw data allows the photographer to interpret the scene to suit his or her own designs.

The dull image is the Nikon RAW.NEF file converted to .jpg.  Notice that it's file size is smaller than the retouched version which contains a greater depth of colour and contrast.

The retouched version was "dialed in" on import using the RAW tools in Photoshop then tweaked minimally in Photoshop.

A few weeks ago I bought a 70 - 300 lens.  It inexpensive and tends to the soft side.  In other words the photos, especially at the long focal lengths, are dull and lack crispness.

Saturday was a beautiful fall day.  The mountains were hazy and for the most part I was taking photos toward the sun. I also shot at ISO 500 so that I could obtain a fast shutter speed for the long lens. The combination of the atmospheric conditions, the iso setting and the lens made for dull looking photos.

Fortunately Picasa and Photoshop restored some of the beauty of the day.