Capture one/panoramic/helicon focus workflow suggestions

[2jbourret]

I am looking to learn the best sequence of steps to take tiffs from C1, stitch them using PS, and layer for depth of field using Helicon Focus, and then take to LR3 for further adjustment, printing, etc.

Can anyone offer their workflow and suggestions?
Thanks

[BartvanderWolf]

I am looking to learn the best sequence of steps to take tiffs from C1, stitch them using PS, and layer for depth of field using Helicon Focus, and then take to LR3 for further adjustment, printing, etc.

Can anyone offer their workflow and suggestions?

1. Capture One (preferably Pro), reduce lens aberrations (CA), remove dust (LCC) and vignetting (LCC), output without sharpening.
2. Helicon Focus for each tile.
3. Stitch the HF output.

Do note that Photoshop can also do focusstacking, but I prefer the capabilities of HF.

Cheers,
Bart

[2jbourret]

Thanks Bart,
I a bit concerned that some image degradation (sharpness loss, tonal range) will occur as a result of all the processing steps. Do you see that occurring?

[BartvanderWolf]

Thanks Bart,
I a bit concerned that some image degradation (sharpness loss, tonal range) will occur as a result of all the processing steps. Do you see that occurring?

There are always trade-offs involved when trying to beat physics. The Raw converter can get the most out of a Raw file, Helicon Focus can create sharpness where is none, and Pano stitching will allow to shoot at a higher magnification and still have a wide angle. To me it seems a good trade-off, but one needs the tools and skills to make the best of it at each step of the way.

Cheers,
Bart