What software was used to create the emulation profiles?
The profiles were created using a combination of Lightroom, CameraRAW, 3D LUT Creator, and Lattice. 3D LUT Creator and Lattice offer more precise color manipulation tools than Lightroom, allowing for greater accuracy in film emulation. A ProPhoto RGB color space was used across all platforms to ensure that no colors are clamped when working with RAW images.
How is color and contrast consistency maintained across different cameras for proper film emulation?
Even with RAW photos, color and contrast output can vary from camera to camera. For proper film emulation, consistency across different cameras is crucial, which is why these additional steps were taken; The debayering profile used for the emulations is Adobe Neural, which is the flattest standard profile available. After this, a unique conversion transform is applied to each camera-specific profile, ensuring that all cameras start with the same base look. Once this is established, the same film emulation grade can be applied across all the different camera profiles, maintaining consistency and accuracy in the final result.
Are the camera specific profiles made for each individual camera?
No they are made for the range of bodies of that camera manufactures. For example, the same Nikon Z profiles should be used on Nikon Z6 II, Z7, and Z8 cameras.
Do I have to use them on RAW photos or will .jpgs work too?
There is a .jpg version available, but these emulations are designed for the highest accuracy when used on RAW photos. A RAW file provides a neutral baseline, ensuring consistency across different camera sensors. In contrast, a .jpg image already has a camera manufacturer's profile applied, which can alter colors and tones, making the emulation less precise. For the most authentic results, using RAW files is recommended.
Why use profiles for film emulation?
Profiles are better for film emulation because they control how Lightroom processes colors, allowing for more accurate skin tones and subtle color shifts that presets can’t achieve. Profiles apply a consistent color transformation without interfering with exposure, contrast, or other edits.
Whats the difference between Lightroom Profiles and Presets?
Presets are saved adjustments that modify Lightroom’s sliders, applying a set of changes like exposure, contrast, and color settings. Profiles, on the other hand, alter how Lightroom renders colors and tones without moving any sliders. They apply a predefined look at a deeper level and can be adjusted in strength using the "Profile Amount" slider.
How do Color precision profiles handle highlights?
When applying a Color Precision profile to an image, the highlights will be reduced, but the white point will stay fixed. If the white point were to be reduced to mimic filmic highlight rolloff, the brightest points of the image would be clamped, and pure white could not be brough back into the image, even if you set hightlights to 100%. Soft Highlight presets are included in the product that will give you a natural looking rolloff by reducing the white point in the curves adjustment. Using profiles that have built in highlight rolloff can clip your highlights.
I have a camera that is not supported. Will you make a version for that?
Yes please reach out with what camera you would like to see support from. Currently we have the Olympus/OM in line to test and profile.
Can I get a refund?
No. This is a one time digital download, so all sales are final. But there is a free Demo that you should try first if you're thinking of purchasing. There are 8 emulations in there, and if you don't like those then this probably isn't for you. If you do like them, the full versions have many more emulation options to choose from.