Microcontrast - what is it?

Brentor

Brentor

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Steve
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Someone mentioned microcontrast in another thread, a word that means nothing to me. A quick Google search shows that there is much confusion and doubt it even exists. Others mention getting a 3D effect that that it is often down to the lens rather than the software.

Can someone please explain what it is, how to get it and does it make any difference.
 
Brentor said:
Someone mentioned microcontrast in another thread, a word that means nothing to me. A quick Google search shows that there is much confusion and doubt it even exists. Others mention getting a 3D effect that that it is often down to the lens rather than the software.

Can someone please explain what it is, how to get it and does it make any difference.
Click to expand...

I think its often used to describe minute details seen when zooming in on screen.
For instance the print on a jar has detail visible within it, sometimes dots or lines.
When a new camera in a range has had an increase in mp its often used to describe the improvement in resolving detail.

Another BS term I assume along with so much other rubbish you see quoted.
 
It is what it sounds like... the ability to render differences (contrast) at the micro (pixel) level. But there are so many factors that affect it that attributing it to any one thing is about impossible.
 
As Steven says above I've always assumed it is essentially looking at adjacent pixels and making darker ones darker and lighter ones lighter. That is distinct from "normal" contrast adjustments because standard contrast adjustment will make all darker pixels in the shadows part of the histogram darker or lighter a similar amount, micro-contrast will make a pixel that is in the shadows part of the histogram lighter if neigboring pixels are darker even thoough it and its neighbours are all in the shadows region. I think this is basically what the dehaze/clarity/texture tools in Lightroom do.
 
I've had two cameras with excellent micro-contrast. Believe me you know when you've got it!

The first was a Sigma DP3M where the excellent prime lens and the 3 layered Foveon Sensor made huge enlargements totally possible.
The second was the Leica X1 again with a prime lens but a mundane sensor giving the famous " Leica Look" that so many think is a fantasy.

Happily , we have a new generation of AI software where even old images can be improved to be sharp but crisp as well.
 
[If you have Lightroom]

Pick a B&W image as this stops your eyes confusing colour with tone and allows you to see simple tones between white & grey.

Use the Contrast slider and see what it does to the image. In most cases, dark areas get darker, light areas get lighter (increasing the contrast between light & dark), and the bits in between will go either way, thus giving the illusion of a heavy handed sharpness effect.

Reset the image, then use the Clarity slider. This appears to do the same thing but on a much more defined part of the image. Your big dark areas won't change much and neither will the bright ones. But your middle tone stuff (especially around the edges) will do the same as the contrast slider. However because the effect is much less pronounced, it gives the illusion of sharpness.

Finally, reset the image, and look at the Sharpening tool. This does very similar to the other 2 sliders, but on a very detailed level. You'll probably have to zoom in to 100% to see the effect, but it's still increasing the "edge" contrast. You won't see the effect on anything apart from the very edges, but somewhere between here and the Clarity slider is what I'd consider to be "micro contrast".

Caveat: The Clarity & Sharpness tools have a bit more intelligence and do a bit more than just contrast adjustment, but for the sake of brevity (and my lack of knowledge) I omitted it here.
 
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