Camera Raw for High Dynamic Range Workflows

Abstract

This paper presents how all camera raw formats work in common and the different approaches used by several vendors to preserve the highest fidelity image information, while managing the large amounts of data required to represent those images. Camera raw workflows provide a variety of techniques to convert the sensor data into RGB image formats suitable for mastering, along with methods for generating a specific “look” to the images. The tremendous dynamic range afforded by a camera raw format permits a wide range of exposure during acquisition, which can be either mapped into the limited standard dynamic range of conventional output image formats or leveraged for use in the new high dynamic range image formats. However, looks and camera specifications can be deceiving, and one must know what is happening within the workflow to obtain the best image quality.