rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

SOOC can be nothing other than the file captured by the camera, processed WITHIN the camera - it's the Polaroid, if you will. To be seen (out of the camera), it has to have been processed to a greater or lesser degree. That processing has been accomplished by programming set within the camera by the manufacturer and sometimes altered by the camera user in order to achieve a desired result. All the lofty pronouncements and ego-inflating braggadocio by self-acclaimed "photography experts" notwithstanding, it's as simple as that: SOOC has produced a unique image - which may or may not be the "best" available. As there are many variables in camera hardware itself, given settings will produce different results with different cameras and lenses, and may require tweaking (or going to a different system altogether) to achieve a desired result - as SOOC. The true experts on the HOG here delve into the depths of everything involved, but this is the simple answer to the question.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Yes, you're correct! It makes a beautiful SOOC - nice color and tone, and NO noise, even at 200%. How could anyone ask for better than SOOC???

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Bill_de Loc: US

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OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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Sounds like you have described a PHONE CAMERA---which is largely a synthetic image from a synthetic camera----algorithms.-----------------------

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

So, exactly what makes a phone camera any less of a "real" camera then, for example, a mirrorless or DSLR? BTW, every digital camera uses algorithms.

Chopper Bill Loc: East Tennessee

I'm so proud of your use of emojis! You're making my point. Keep on striving for perfection. None of us will ever get there, but attitude is everything.
SOOB = Straight Out Of Brain. Can you dig it?

Canisdirus

I understand that...lol.

It's also a format.

The original raw image can be viewed...saved ...stored.

Just like any other format.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

"Can one post SOOC if only shot in raw?"

Wow, was this a philosophical or technical question?

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

I only save raw files. But even if you only save raw files your camera will still create a JPEG and embed that JPEG in the raw file. The photo below then is SOOC from a photo only saved as a raw file. I extracted the embedded JPEG and posted it.

(Download)

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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Although I am the only apparent buyer and user of Sigma Foveon X3 cameras with the revolutionary sensor which does not mess around with Bayer algorithms, this site always ignores the obvious---that the images from a Foveon sensor are less synthetic. As for your comment implying all cameras use algorithms---the results comparisons speak for themselves since no manufacturer will disclose just how much fiddling they do. Obviously the increase in ISO over the years could be more the result of post fiddling than improved actual Bayer sensitivity. So--unless you actually work as an engineer in the software departments of major camera body makers---you nor I am fit to make more than guesses.-----------(my relatives all use phones for family pictures they send to me and nobody uses a phone for more than two years. I am appreciative to get the family photos as they most often catch clever candid moments--particularly of children, but the quality is low as I have stated elsewhere. Both the arm length selfies which sometimes includes a dozen people and other photos requiring the camera to assume a certain focal length---synthetically---there is great distortion. On one recent photo I could not even detect the prime person was even there, it was so distorted in both barrel distortion as well as skin tones!-------)

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

And, perhaps, to go further with your point, don't we usually just look at the image itself to determine whether or not it pleases us. We do not require a listing of algorithims, specs and settings anymore than we require the genealogy of a woman to help us decide whether or not we find her attractive.

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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There is more to both the apparent judgement of a woman's beauty and the beauty of a finished photo. The beauty of woman should be more than graceful curves and an age number but includes the personality which also includes life experiences and behaviors such as education and living practices?

A photo as we all can agree has equally as many facets. We might want to know the algorithms and specs to evaluate whether or not we could have improved the image had we had a competent camera rather than a mere phone. A relative sent a photo of children just this evening, taken with their phone--which in subject matter could not be upstaged in a hundred years. Adorable is the only adjective appropriate. And wielding a large camera possibly could never have gotten that moment.-----------

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Sometimes, as you know, it is good just to enjoy the rainbow rather than asking for a spectographical analysis of the light reflecting off the water droplets; much like Walt Whitman's poem about the Learn'd Astronomer. Just as in what you wrote about being sent an image of some adorable children of your relatives, what is the most imporant is not the algorithims or whether the image was made by the most hoity-toity camera available the hands of mankind or a mere cellphone, but being remembered and included as a member of the family. I do agree that it is good to know about the capabilities of various cameras to help us determine which ones will best meet our needs within our abilities to afford and operate them. But as the image itself I think that stands on its own to be judged by looking between its four corners without reference to its parentage. As to the Sigma cameras, you have favorably mentioned, I have looked at Pbase camera database, for examples of images from these cameras and have found many of them to be excellent. This could be partly due to the camera, partly due to the skill of the photographer, partly due to the subject matter appealing to me and partly due to intangibles that are undefinable.. Eric, I hope you have a great Christmas with those you hold dear.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

In all this bragging and chest pounding, has anybody ever considered that a person stating that their photo is SOOC is simply saying that what they posted the image they downloaded from the camera without running it through a post processing program.