Black & White photography?

Michael · 11-30-2006, 01:36 PM

Does anyone know if there is a difference between the pictures coming from a camera that has the black and white setting on as compared to taking the picture, made in color, and desaturating it in photoshop?

Aren't the effects different? Meaning, aren't the black and white photos from the camera nicer?

Choleric · 11-30-2006, 11:59 PM

You have a lot more control if you convert it to B&W in photoshop, I also believe you should always shoot in colour in digital photography and then change it afterwords. Afterall it is a lot harder to add colour to a B&W photo than to take the colour away from a colour photo.

Michael · 12-01-2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choleric

You have a lot more control if you convert it to B&W in photoshop, I also believe you should always shoot in colour in digital photography and then change it afterwords. Afterall it is a lot harder to add colour to a B&W photo than to take the colour away from a colour photo.

I am aware of that, its just it seems that the contrast is better if you set the camera to take the picture in black and white.

Choleric · 12-01-2006, 11:40 AM

Yeah but essentially all your B&W mode on the camera is doing, is the same thing you do to it in photoshop, so why not have the abilty to control your contrast and other adjustments.

Michael · 12-01-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choleric

Yeah but essentially all your B&W mode on the camera is doing, is the same thing you do to it in photoshop, so why not have the abilty to control your contrast and other adjustments.

I am not to sure about the Jeff. I don't think desaturated the picture is the samething the camera does. I don't know...

NevadaJack · 12-01-2006, 12:36 PM

In the Canon when you select B&W you can set the parameters to control Contrast and Sharpness but also you can add Filter Effects such as yellow, orange, red or green. If you plan to use the finished image in B&W then I would think it better to shoot in B&W mode. You can also add toning effects such as Sepia, Blue, Purple and Green.

If you are not sure, then shooting in color and converting in PS to B&W is the best way to go...at least you have the option of color if you want it.

Choleric · 12-01-2006, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

I am not to sure about the Jeff. I don't think desaturated the picture is the samething the camera does. I don't know...

I am not sure either but, it is a digital camera so I believe it is taking a colour photo and is making it B&W by taking the colour away(desaturating), so I guess imo I would like to have the original in colour and work with it as I see fit.

Michael · 12-01-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaJack

In the Canon when you select B&W you can set the parameters to control Contrast and Sharpness but also you can add Filter Effects such as yellow, orange, red or green. If you plan to use the finished image in B&W then I would think it better to shoot in B&W mode. You can also add toning effects such as Sepia, Blue, Purple and Green.

If you are not sure, then shooting in color and converting in PS to B&W is the best way to go...at least you have the option of color if you want it.

That is very interesting Jack. I wonder if I could do the same with my Nikon. I am sure I can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choleric

I am not sure either but, it is a digital camera so I believe it is taking a colour photo and is making it B&W by taking the colour away(desaturating), so I guess imo I would like to have the original in colour and work with it as I see fit.

I am sure you are right, I just would think why would the option be there if you could do the same thing in photoshop? you know? I am sure there is a difference even if it is subtle.

NevadaJack · 12-01-2006, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

That is very interesting Jack. I wonder if I could do the same with my Nikon. I am sure I can.

I am sure you are right, I just would think why would the option be there if you could do the same thing in photoshop? you know? I am sure there is a difference even if it is subtle.

Check the manual Michael...I would expect in your model the B&W Option would be there being a semi-pro camera like the 20D.

11-30-2006, 01:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Michael Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 3,248 Thanks: 246 Thanked 340 Times in 205 Posts	Black & White photography? Does anyone know if there is a difference between the pictures coming from a camera that has the black and white setting on as compared to taking the picture, made in color, and desaturating it in photoshop? Aren't the effects different? Meaning, aren't the black and white photos from the camera nicer?

11-30-2006, 11:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Choleric Justice Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Great Plains Posts: 3,393 My Mood: Thanks: 564 Thanked 1,129 Times in 612 Posts	Re: Black & White photography? You have a lot more control if you convert it to B&W in photoshop, I also believe you should always shoot in colour in digital photography and then change it afterwords. Afterall it is a lot harder to add colour to a B&W photo than to take the colour away from a colour photo.

12-01-2006, 11:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
Choleric Justice Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Great Plains Posts: 3,393 My Mood: Thanks: 564 Thanked 1,129 Times in 612 Posts	Re: Black & White photography? Yeah but essentially all your B&W mode on the camera is doing, is the same thing you do to it in photoshop, so why not have the abilty to control your contrast and other adjustments.

12-01-2006, 12:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
NevadaJack Advocate Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV USA Posts: 943 Thanks: 35 Thanked 112 Times in 58 Posts	Re: Black & White photography? In the Canon when you select B&W you can set the parameters to control Contrast and Sharpness but also you can add Filter Effects such as yellow, orange, red or green. If you plan to use the finished image in B&W then I would think it better to shoot in B&W mode. You can also add toning effects such as Sepia, Blue, Purple and Green. If you are not sure, then shooting in color and converting in PS to B&W is the best way to go...at least you have the option of color if you want it.

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