Before leaving for a trip I decided to test my new backup camera in order to fine the best default settings.
Because of the suboptimal Raw support under Lightroom and as some camera automatisms will restrict the use of the Raw format, I decided to
test the real gain from sRGB to AdobeRGB.
The results left me with mixed feelings. I immediately ran over highly saturated colors (especially reds) to compare the two, but soon after realized a
huge difference... in dynamic range.
Both the photos have been taken with DR 200% setting (= ISO 200). Everything the same and default, except for color space. Shot in Manual mode. Film simulation: Velvia (to boost saturated colors).
Serial number 21L****, firmware 1.02. Should be fixed sensor (no orbs).
Original shot:Light tones:Dark tones:To me it's obvious how the
sRGB version has much more dynamic range within. Where AdobeRGB is almost blown out, detail in sRGB is still present. Same for the shadows: AdobeRGB almost completely black while in sRGB version we still have visible detail.
I shot as Raw+JPG. The Raw files are almost identical, so no exposure shift between the two.
What do you think about it?