Variable Contrast

Hi there,

I've been trying to use LibRaw on a project, but keep running into an issue where the output images don't look "contrasty" enough -- they differ substantially in contrast from both the embedded previews in the JPEG, as well as ACR and FastRawViewer (which I understood uses libraw internally?)

Looking in FRV, there's an option called "contrast curve type", which is set to "variable contrast" -- I think this is what I'm missing.

How do I invoke libraw such that it mirrors the "variable contrast" setting, so that my images look right?

Thanks!

Forums: 

FRV does not use LibRaw for

FRV does not use LibRaw for raw image postprocessing, only raw decode phase is used (LibRaw::open_file/LibRaw::unpack).

'Variable contrast' curves in FRV are based on real photographic film contrast curves.

-- Alex Tutubalin @LibRaw LLC

Got it. Thanks for taking the

Got it. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

If you had any book recommendations that help explain how to do this postprocessing, I'd be very interested.

Thanks again, and thanks for making this amazing library available!

A good place to start IMHO is

A good place to start IMHO is "Image sensors and signal processingfor digital still cameras", edited by Junichi Nakamura and "Way Beyond Monochrome" by Ralph Lambrecht. One book covers the digital part, the other speaks of photographic process.

--
Iliah Borg