D80 and using curves. Has anyone tried it?

[herc182]

I was reading through Thom Hogans book and he goes through the use of curves. If I am not mistaken you can basically get the "punch" you get by using curves in photoshop after taking a shot. The advantage being its done in camera to start with. Am I right in thinking this? Has anyone tried using it?
Pros / Cons appreciated

Thanks

[r3g]

I would prefer to apply curve in PP. If you do it in camera and then when you look at it on your computer realize you dont like it there is nothing you can do about it.

[K1W1]

Custom curves were something that were used a lot in the D70 and earlier days when (Nikon) DSLR's produced very flat images out of the camera.
Since the D50 release Nikon's out of camera images have improved dramatically and also the abundance and ease of use of software has improved. I haven't seen of heard much discussion about curves for ages.

[herc182]

hmm. The only reason i bring it up is that i do very little PP nowadays. I have started to get results i really like straight out of the camera (using spot metering seems to have been the turning point). Even black and white i am happy with (by using the in built filters).
The only thing i might use PP for is making something colour in a black and white pic (see below - sorry i am at work and cant resize it to insert in the forum) curves in some cases and always a border. was just trying to remove that one step extra!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/philipduarte/955401226/in/set-72157601104553650/

[Rooz]

why don;t you just use batch processing ? if you're going to put a border on everything then just addthe L&C in the same batch. whether there is only adjustment or 50, its still the same amount of work for you.

i didn;t even know you could adjust curves in cam. lol i suppose if you can just make it a simple S curve and check out the results.

[K1W1]

There is no reason why you can't use curves. I just think it's gone a little bit out of fashion. Searching the Nikonians site might get you some more detailed information.

[herc182]

I think I am answering my own question by saying that you cant batch process curves as it depends for each picture (those that require tweaking). So i suppose having one curve for all shots (in camera) is a no go!

I batch process for borders and resizing (to upload onto Flickr).
I think its probably more trouble than its worth to have various curves on camera (if thats even possible) and then selecting each for the appropriate shot.

Will stick with post processing that aspect.

[K1W1]

Use Google.
Search for "D80 curves" and you will find 246,000 links to look through!
Seriously, the first couple look like they might have the info you want.

[herc182]

thanks K1W1. Had a look this morning...thought this forum, with its highly intelligent users, could shed some more light (and experience) on the matter :p

[Rooz]

i may be wong but the vivid and more vivid settings are probably just a L&C tweak anyway. i'm gonna try it out anyway.