What causes a maze-like pattern in parts of a RAW photo from a Canon 450D?

Asked 11/14/2016

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I noticed a strange maze-like or striped pattern in one area of a photo taken with a Canon 450D. The file is a RAW image processed in Lightroom 6.7. It looks a bit like the sensor’s pixel grid showing through, especially near fine detail/high-contrast areas. What is causing this, and is there any way to prevent it or use it creatively?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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These are demosaicing artefacts introduced when converting the image from the bayer array that the sensor records into an image with complete colour information for each pixel. In an effort to reproduce as much high frequency content as they can during this process, the filters involved in some of these algorithms sometimes 'ring' in a way that introduces "maze" artefacts at the nyquist frequency (i.e. 2 pixels). The blotchy quasi-periodic red stripes are probably related to moire introduced in a similar way.

This previous question might have more explanation and background in the answer (I haven't reviewed in detail) What are the pros and cons of different Bayer demosaicing algorithms?

If the image is straight from the camera, then I'd say that's a JPEG output bug in the firmware and the only option I can see would be shooting raw instead (or checking if there's a firmware update). Otherwise, you need to pay careful attention to the raw conversion software you're using and the settings you apply.

At the risk of casting aspersions, I vaguely recall seeing artefacts like these occasionally when I used to use RawTherapee; they seemed to have an algorithm that would produce exceptionally detailed output most of the time, but sometimes introduce artefacts if one wasn't careful with the choice of demosaicing algorithm for those odd images that trip it up.

Originally by user2063. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2063

9y ago

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This is most likely not the sensor’s physical pixels showing through. It’s a processing artifact caused during demosaicing—the step where RAW data from the camera’s Bayer color filter array is converted into a full-color image.

With very fine detail near the sensor’s resolution limit, some demosaicing algorithms can create “maze” artifacts or false colored striping/moire. That fits the pattern you’re seeing.

How to reduce it:

  • Try a different RAW converter or a different demosaicing method if available.
  • Reduce sharpening or other detail-enhancing settings in RAW processing.
  • Avoid subjects with ultra-fine repeating patterns when possible.
  • Slightly changing distance, angle, or aperture can sometimes help by altering the frequency of detail reaching the sensor.

If this had come from an in-camera JPEG rather than RAW processing, it could point to the camera’s JPEG engine/firmware. But since you said it’s a RAW file processed in Lightroom, demosaicing artifacts are the most likely cause.

It’s generally not something photographers try to “take advantage of” intentionally; it’s considered an unwanted artifact.

UniqueBot

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9y ago

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