Beginner Arty filters?

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Mike Arnesen

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I have been much impressed the the dramatic "moody" skies my son-in-law can get with his Olympus TG4. Some sort of inbuilt art filter? Can I get similar effects with accessories for my D80 (18-135mm kit lens), or must it be in the post exposure processing (photoshop), or will I be forced into a TG4 or similar? Apart from the pleasing effect it also solves the persistent problem of insufficient dynamic range to handle sky detail without losing shadow detail. Have tried graduated and polarising filters with only moderate success. Thanks in advance for any helpful hints.
 
It's a daft question, but have you asked your son-in-law how he gets the 'moody' skies you like?
It's possible they are entirely natural, or he is just using a little exposure compensation well.
Specs for the camera don't say it has any special inbuilt filters, but does vaunt it's RAW capture compatibility and an 'advanced' in camera image processing system, which suggests it 'may' have some sort of 'live' in camera, HDR merging going on... but as a small sensor compact, your D80 aught to be able to do 'better' with a little know how.
 
Thanks, much appreciated. Not daft at all, perfectly valid. I watched him twiddle some sort of dial and witnessed the effects on viewfinder screen, including split screen, star etc, though I was only interested in the dramatic sky effect. Never gave it another thought until I saw the results, and there was apparently little intervention after original exposure. Therein lies my query. What is going on there and can I get similar effects with accessory filter/filter combinations, or is the effect realisable after the event with processsing? He is now 1000 kms away, I am into landscapes and I am scratching around for the "know how". Like you I have looked up the TG4 but found no revealing info to steer me towards alternatives. Do you thing there is some mileage in pursuing "HDR merging", whatever that is, or do I bite the bullet and lash out with the pennies?
 
Mike Arnesen said:
He is now 1000 kms away
Click to expand...
Pick up the phone?

Seriously, without a sample image or two to show us you're not going to get an accurate answer. The term "dramatic sky" includes a lot of different processing options. As it sounds like an in-camera process, have you thought about downloading and reading the manual for the Olympus TG4?
 
Mark and Alastair, thanks good suggestion, and have now downloaded TG4 manual. Not sure I will understand it but it is a start. Already asked how he got the effect. Doesn't know, just got it, and liked it - so do I! So we are both in deep water technically, but for me that is the attraction.
 
I suspect he's either used the iAuto or Backlight HDR modes.

You should be able to get a similar effect with most cameras but it will involve post-processing and may involve making multiple exposures of a scene for HDR merging and/or other exposure decisions before pressing the shutter to make sure you capture the best file to take to processing. Lightroom is pretty much the standard software for processing.
 
I think you have just answered my query Alastair. Looked up HDR merge and it looks real heavy, certainly for Photoshop Elements level. I may end up there in due course but for the moment it looks like a smash and grab raid on the piggy bank for a TG4 or look alike. If the "sky obsession" persists I will then upgrade my editing suite just for the technical challenge and buzz. But thanks to you and all the other respondents who have made my first foray into a Photo forum such an edifying experience. Nice folk to be around.
 
Bingo Craig! That is exactly the effect I was talking about. Looks like I will have to buy a TG4 as a fun camera.
 
Hi Steve, thanks for that. Will certainly look at it. My fear was that HDR would be beyond my skills, but maybe not. Bracketing is not difficult, so part way there, and certainly worth a try before lashing out.
 
HDR is relatively easy given the right tools, but be warned, it is all to easy to turn a nice image into something resembling clown vomit :)

Just do a Google search for "Bad HDR" and you will see what i mean
 
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Thanks Rich. Getting the message that post exposure intervention is the way to go first, so will put fears aside and try it, now that I have tools downloaded. All the replies have been so helpful. Certainly worth the post! Since I have never seen clown vomit I will Google Bad HDR!
 
The Olympus art filters are fun but very quickly get overwhelming. I reckon you'll be bored with them in no time; buying a camera just to have access to them seems like overkill.

Olympus used to have a free iPad app which allowed you to reproduce the same art filters after the event. If that's still available it may work on the jpegs you can acquire from your current camera.
 
Hi Simon, thanks. You're telling me more or less what everyone else is saying - try processing before forking out lots of money. Got pointed to free downloads for starters. Now I know what the TG4 is doing alternatives are emerging from the bushes. Boy, am I glad I posted the query?
 
Just one thing to point out, before playing with HDR, make a copy of your image and do the playing with the copies, so if it goes wrong, you can still go back to your original again.
May seem obvious, but thought it worth mentioning, just in case.
 
Got that Steve. I always keep originals in separate folder and work on copies. Rightly or wrongly I do it to avoid editing the same image more than once because of losses in quality. I appreciate the tip just the same, thanks.
 
rpsmith79 said:
HDR is relatively easy given the right tools, but be warned, it is all to easy to turn a nice image into something resembling clown vomit :)

Just do a Google search for "Bad HDR" and you will see what i mean
Click to expand...

I was just idly reading this and you made me look. https://urhdrsucks.wordpress.com/

Hoping a good sleep after my nightshift finishes will help my eyes recover.
 
Thanks to everyone who commented. The tips set me off on a quest for info, free downloads etc, also some helpful info from a Scott Kelby book. Looks like first stop "HDR merging" and hours of fun. Saved myself a heap of money and got a project as well. What's not to like? Thanks guys.
 
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