Message
Re: [colorvision_group] Workflow (Nikon RAW, Photoshop CS2, Canon, ColorVision)
2006-12-08 by CDTobie@aol.com
In a message dated 12/8/06 5:26:15 AM, colorolf@... writes:
Hi
I would like to discuss the best workflow for color management on a
step by step basis. May I start with a proposal?!
Okay...
I am working with
- Nikon Capture (or any RAW-converter)
- Photoshop CS2
- ColorVision Spyder2Pro
- ColorVision PrintFixPro
- Canon iP8500
- Nikon D2x
All sound reasonable, as long as you aren't printing B&W images for show or sale...
Step 1
Color calibration of the computer screen with ColorVision Spyder2Pro;
ADOBE gamma deactivated in the start-up menu (Windows XP); Result:
Screen shows colors perfectly calibrated
Okay...
Step 2
Define color space of the fotographs to be taken (Adobe RGB); shoot
RAW.
Good good choices...
Step 3
Transfer fotographs from the camera to the computer; verify that
information of the selected colorprofile (step 2) remains unchanged.
Okay...
Step 4 (based on Nikon Capture)
Make the basic picture adjustements (like white balance); Optional:
Change colorspace; Save final files as jpeg (within the preferred
colorspace).
Sad choice to limit to low bit jepgs at this point; any further changes will require rejpegging, which lowers quality even further. I'd save High Bit Tiffs, and live with the space costs...
Step 5
Calibrate your printer/paper-combination with PrintFixPro;
Right...
Step 6
Open jepg-files (step 4) in Photoshop CS2; make the final
adjustements.
See above
Step 7
(1) In Photoshop, define the printer profile from step 5 to the
picture to view it on screen in the colors of the printer output.
Soft Proof using Photoshop's Custom Proof Setup, Yes...
(2) Make the final adjustements.
Further adjustments to a Jpeg... such a waste!
(3) Print by letting Photoshop determine the color management of the
printer and choose again the printer profile (step 5) as the relevant
color management.
Correct...
(4) Verify that the Canon software chooses not automatically a
default color profile (manuell / deactivated Canon-ICM-profiles of
the printer)
This isn't the normal way to print without driver color management. Usually there is a setting called "no color adjustment" or "ICM > None" that is used for this purpose. Just deactivating the default profiles is not the same as turning of color adjustment in the driver...
(5) Print
I think most of you will agree on step 1 to 6.
Other than the Jpeg choice, yes...
As far as I can see, step 7 makes us most of the problems.
Only if you do it wrong, or have a printer that makes it difficult...
Is this
workflow really the "king's road"? I am asking that because there are
many ways to create systematic errors – and I am still not convinced
by the results I am getting by this procedure.
I'm not convinced that your proceedure is even correct...
By the way, great workflow analysis! Not many people are willing to take the time to present a full case, with most of the info already in place in their first post.
C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com