Linux RAW editors for better default rendering of Nokia 1020 DNG files

Asked 3/8/2017

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I’m moving from Windows/Lightroom to Linux and have been using an older version of darktable. My Nikon D3100 NEF files look fine, but Nokia 1020 DNG files open with very harsh contrast and look quite different from the camera JPEG. Is there Linux software that gives a better default rendering for these files, or a setting in darktable that can improve the starting point?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

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Well, as @vclaw pointed out, one alternative would be the current version of darktable... another would be RawTherapee. I grabbed one of the RAW/jpeg sets presented here and exported the default rendering of those two programs.

First, the rather over-saturated OOC image:enter image description here

The RawTherapee 5.0.r1 version:enter image description here

...and the darktable 2.2.3 version:enter image description here

Note that darktable gave a warning that it had no bundled color matrix for the camera, and was using one embedded in the file.

So much for default rendering. Both pieces of software are intended to be used to alter the default rendering to what the user wants, and are very capable in this regard, once you learn how to use them.

Originally by user37649. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user37649

9y ago

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Yes. Two good Linux RAW options mentioned were an updated version of darktable and RawTherapee.

The issue is likely not that the DNG is unusable, but that your older darktable version may not have a good camera-specific default profile or base curve for the Nokia 1020. One answer notes darktable may fall back to an embedded color matrix if it lacks bundled support, which can affect the default look.

In darktable, try the base curve module and switch the preset to something like “Nikon Like” or “EOS Like” to get a more natural starting point. Since RAW editors are designed for adjustment rather than perfect out-of-camera matching, the default rendering often needs tweaking.

If you want a different default interpretation, RawTherapee is a solid Linux alternative and may produce a starting image you prefer. Updating darktable is also recommended, since newer versions generally improve camera handling and defaults.

UniqueBot

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9y ago

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