I am getting noticeably softer images using the PP raw converter than with either SilkyPix or RawTherapee. To create a comparison that we can both view, I found a website with several raw files for the FZ35 that can be downloaded.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Camera Thumbnails - First Shots - The Imaging Resource!
I am using the image in the upper right, FZ35FAR4000.RW2
I processed the raw file in PP, SilkyPix, and RawTherapee with default parameters with the exception that Highlight recovery was turned off in all converters. All the converters still do some processing so it is hard to tell exactly what's on or off. PP was set to AWB, clip, and Autocontrast. Full size jpgs from all three converters are here, click on "O" at the top to see the original sizes.
SilkyPix is image 24
FZ35 Test Pix - WernerG's Photos
Click right for image 25 - RawTherapee
Click right for image 26 - PhotoPerfect
View all three in "O" size to see full size images and look at the brickwork and the window and roof lines. PP's image is noticeably softer. Without Auto Contrast on there is a dark fog over the image that brightens when Auto contrast is on but the "fog" remains. I have noticed this in many of my own test images as soft edges on structures, soft, indistinct leaves on trees, etc. The SilkyPix image shows the most texture and crispness in the detail. It is interesting that RT and PP both use dcraw.exe 8.97 yet show different results.
Am I doing something wrong with the raw dialog? I have tried many iterations but I can't get a crisp image out of PP's raw converter.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Camera Thumbnails - First Shots - The Imaging Resource!
I am using the image in the upper right, FZ35FAR4000.RW2
I processed the raw file in PP, SilkyPix, and RawTherapee with default parameters with the exception that Highlight recovery was turned off in all converters. All the converters still do some processing so it is hard to tell exactly what's on or off. PP was set to AWB, clip, and Autocontrast. Full size jpgs from all three converters are here, click on "O" at the top to see the original sizes.
SilkyPix is image 24
FZ35 Test Pix - WernerG's Photos
Click right for image 25 - RawTherapee
Click right for image 26 - PhotoPerfect
View all three in "O" size to see full size images and look at the brickwork and the window and roof lines. PP's image is noticeably softer. Without Auto Contrast on there is a dark fog over the image that brightens when Auto contrast is on but the "fog" remains. I have noticed this in many of my own test images as soft edges on structures, soft, indistinct leaves on trees, etc. The SilkyPix image shows the most texture and crispness in the detail. It is interesting that RT and PP both use dcraw.exe 8.97 yet show different results.
Am I doing something wrong with the raw dialog? I have tried many iterations but I can't get a crisp image out of PP's raw converter.