Processing Fujifilm Raw Files In Capture One Pro (Part One)

I’ve actually had a copy of Capture One Pro1 since version 4 and am now on the current version  12.1.3. With version 12 there is a lot of integration for Fujifilm cameras.  One of the best things about it is the integration of the Fujifilm film simulations. When processing raw files in Capture One you can use the same ICC profile that Fujifilm uses when converting images to jpg in camera. In Capture One 12 this is done thru the Base Characteristics Tool2. This means that you can set your preferred film simulation in camera and have the same simulation applied to your raw files imported into Capture One.

When the Fujifilm .raf raw files are imported Capture One applies default values to a number of properties. On import Capture One reads the file and auto applies the film simulation you have your camera set to. If you set your camera to display images in Classic Chrome, Velvia (VIVID), or any of the other Fujifilm simulations. Capture One will read you image and apply the correct film simulation. The Base Characteristics Curve field is set to Auto.

Auto means that it applied the same simulation you had selected in your camera.

 

You can then leave it at auto or change it to any of the other film simulations on the list.  As you move you mouse over each of the choices the image will be adjusted to mirror the simulation under the mouse cursor. In the following image I had camera set Classic Chrome. a simulation it took me a long time to use but is pretty much my standard now.

Changing the curve to Classic Chrome does not change the image at all.

If you change the curve to Velvia (VIVID) the image does change dramatically.

This is a great feature in that you start with an image that you shot and reviewed (and hopefully liked) on your camera and bring it into Capture One looking very much the same.

If you are thinking in black and white you can set your camera to one of the ACROS  modes (I usually use ACROS+G) the images with automatically be set the chosen black and white rendition on import.

Top image is ACROS+G and the bottom ACROS+R.

Note that tests that I did show that the in camera highlights, dynamic range,  sharpness, and noise adjustments that  can take place in camera for processing direct to jpeg do not seem to be applied to the image when importing the raw file.  This is probably good as you have a lot more fine adjustments that you can do in Capture One than you can do in camera, never was sure what a +2 sharpness would do to an image.

Speaking of sharpness Capture One does quite a good job of base sharpening on the images as they are ingested and I find that I rarely have to touch the sharpness sliders.  Usually only around eyes etc which I do on a layer rather than overall sharpening.

Images taken with Fujifilm X-T2 and XF 16-55mm F2.8 lens.


1 There is a specific Fujifilm only version of the latest Capture One that, while not having the full feature set of Capture One Pro, does the specific have capabilities that I am discussing today.
2 If you don’t see it on a tool tab you can add it by right clicking on the tool bar and adding it to the tool tab which makes the most sense for your work flow. I have mine on my exposure tab.

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