Dear David and others,
I will try to explain as simply as possible (in fact it is bl..dy simple), what are the different features in the Brumbaer Converter based on the SW windows.
But first I would like to ask you David, which version of Brumbaer you are using?
1. Colour Matrices
the window on the left side called "Color Matrices" is effectively the colour calibration which the converter uses. There are "default" calibrations stored which can be accessed and selected from the pull-down list (e.g. D55, corresponds to daylight 5500°). It is usually a good starting point to use this D55 to get a good calibration. I would however suggest to creat your own colour calibration, and I have got the best results by doing it under a cloudy sky.
As said, beside the default colour calibration matrices one can create one's own colour calibration matrices by means of a Macbeth colour chart. To do this click the ""Calib" button and follow the indications on screen, step by step. At the end you will have to save this calibration. The "Load" button is simply to choose/select those created colour calibrations.
The second part of this "Color Matrices" allows basically to do simultaneously a second colour calibration, on top of the first one, and which is calculated into the file IN ADDITION to the first one on the top: it is supposed to give an even better result, but nobody uses it. Just leave it on "Ignore" and DON'T use it.
2. Back specific Reference files
Each back has its own reference files. When you use your back the first time it will load those reference files (from the internal memory of the eMotion) and place them into a specific folder from the Brumbaer converter ("Home" ---> "Library" ---> "Application Support" ----> "eMotionDng"). One can therefore use as many different backs as possible and the application will take automatically the right reference file which belongs to the back.
The serial number of the back(s) used can be seen in this left window, on the far left side in tab and text reading from down to up, e.g. David's back has serial number 1320.
3. White Reference
The little rectangular window below the color matrices window is for the use of "White Shading" files. By default the converter will use the reference file delivered with each back. In case of colour casts due to shifts, tilts/swings, or due to lens or sensor fall-off, one can create a specific files called "white shading" and which corrects this colour casts and lens/sensor fall-offs.
One can create, save and apply those "white shadings" and the converter has the unique ability to apply them in a batch process, automatically and on as many images you want/need.
4. Drop-in Window
The window in the top middle is used to drop (drag and drop) the raw files and start the conversion into DNG. As soon as file are dropped in, a bar below starts to become active (green), showing the progress. The window on the right side lists all the files to be converted and how many are left to be converted.
5. Below the Drop-in window
- Button to select the folder where the DNGs and RAWs (.IA and .BR files) files should be stored.
- one can then choose or no to save also the RAWs (.IA and .BR files) ---> check(un-check the box.
- "Keep structure" is what it says: will keep the structure of the files as they are.
- "Overwrite": in case of converting again the files, allows to overwrite (and delete) the older DNGs or to keep those previous DNGs and apply a new name to the new ones.
- "Logfile": I am not sure of the meaning of this one, but use it always un-clicked.
- "Whitefile creation"
Here can be applied a "Denoise": this has nothing to do with noise reduction in the image data. It is to denoise the white shading file. The white shading files are shot with a plexi-glass in front of the lens, thus need about 2 f-stops more light. Since one cannot change the aperture for the creation of this white shading, one has to exposure longer. Often this leads to an exposure time in the vicinity of a few seconds. This might add noise to the white shading, and if not eliminated (Denoise), this noise will be applied to the image date while the white shading correction is done: therefore this "Denoise" possibility of the "white shading" file(s).
- "Vignetting"
One has the possibility to correct lens vignetting by checking the box. Not all images show vignetting, mainly short focal length lenses.
- "Image conversion"
The "Destitch" feature is used when one has a centerfold issue in the file: this can happen with CCD sensors, giving usually a distinct line/separation, mostly in the middle of the image. It is too long to explain this in detail here, but basically it is due to the way the light signal/information is read out from the sensor. ALL digital backs can show this effect, under certain light conditions. By checking this box the converter will automatically correct this effect.
- "Preview"
nothing special to explain here.
Best regards,
Thierry