Table of Contents
gradation parameter in Olympus Picture Modes
introduction
- each of the Picture Modes in the jpeg rendering options of Olympus cameras allows you set a parameter called “gradation”
- setting a gradation value other than Normal may result in your RAW file exposure being inaccurate!
- Auto setting and Low-Key setting will generally result in under-exposure of the RAW file
gradation = Auto
- the Olympus image processing engine attempts to get as much dynamic range (range of brightness from very dark to very bright) as possible squeezed into the jpeg file
- best used for high contrast scenes where you want both highlight and shadow detail
- the modern Olympus cameras can achieve a remarkable dynamic range:
Comparison jpeg results of dynamic range from dpreview.com
gradation = normal
- no gradation algorithms are applied
gradation = LOW KEY
- Gradation is applied that best suits a dark subject that NORMAL gradation would process to be lighter.
- It can be used to make images that have a somewhat somber mood and are darker but retain shadow detail
gradation = HIGH KEY
- Gradation is applied that best suits a bright subject, such as silhouettes on a foggy day.
- It processes images so they are bright with slightly higher contrast in the brightest areas.
- Gives a transparent and fresh look