streetshot Loc: Los Angeles, California

I use Nik Silver Effects Pro 2 as a plug-in to LR5 to edit and adjust my black and white images. For those of you who do the same, what is the best way to adjust the image in LR before sending it to Silver Effects or should I just do all the adjustments in SE? In other words does it make the process easier if I open the shadows, reduce the contrast, etc. before I move it to Silver Effects? What is your suggestion?

Lynn L Loc: Northern IL

Hi streetshot. As usual in photography, there is not really correct answer to your question. I have a book, I picked up a few years ago by Tony Corbell and Joshua Haftel Called: Nik Software Captured. In the chapter on SE Pro it stated that this program has more image controls than any other NIK product. It also explains how there are some adjustments in SE that are not in ANY other product. In my case, I open an image in ACR and check WB, Exp, and lens correction. From there it's in to SE Pro. You have total command in SE Pro. I'm just getting used to not using the presets and playing in a do-it-yourself mode. Now that I'm getting used to the controls, I'm having way more fun than I used to in my darkroom film days. If you can find a copy of the book in mentioned, you'll love it.

streetshot Loc: Los Angeles, California

Thank you. I noticed you are using an Olympus. I just got the 5 mark II and so far I like it. Any shortcomings or hints?

David

Lynn L Loc: Northern IL

I just love my em-1. I usually use prime lenses. I also have a Sony a7r. It doesn't run as smooth as the Oly. I have had no problems with the Oly. I have observed that when I check the specs on their Pro zoom lenses, they are about the same weight as the a7r lenses. Either outfit is sooo much easier to carry than my previous dslr's. You'll love Oly!

streetshot Loc: Los Angeles, California

Does the A7r have better IQ up to 20 x 24? Or what is the differences you see at any size? I have 15mm (Leica/Panasonic), 20mm Panasonic, 12-40 Pro.

Lynn L Loc: Northern IL

My answer is limited because the largest print I usually make is 16x20. Once in a while a 17x22. At normal viewing distance, I can't really tell much difference. The Oly with a prime lens does very well. Oh course if you get really nit-picky, the a7r is almost unbeatable, especially if the image had been improved with a crop. I got the a7r first, then I learned of Oly on UHH. I use the oly most of the time because it has better stabilization and faster range finding. You can make perfectly acceptable prints from your Oly. Sure, if you sold really large landscaped prints, a bigger file is better. For most people the Oly is enough. Bigger is only better if you, or your customers, really need it. I feel really great when I walk out the door with my em-1 and 6 prime lenses in a small bag & whole thing weighs in, at most 5 lbs, enough said. I also have a 12-40 Oly Pro zoom. It's sharp, very nice. It's also heavy enough that if I'm going to shoot zooms, I'll shoot the a7r with Zeiss or Sony G glass because there isn't any perceptible weight difference. If I had purchased the Oly first, there would be no a7r in my life. I hope you now feel you made a great purchase.

streetshot Loc: Los Angeles, California

Thanks again. I can let go of my sensor envy.

paccmps

The reason I prefer Photoshop is in the tools for converting to B&W the tools are about the same as using to photo in the good old film days !!