How I Process My Fuji XT3 RAW Files

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses their journey in finding the best way to process RAW files from the Fuji XT 3 camera. Initially disappointed with the results in Lightroom, they explore four different methods: direct import into Lightroom, using Lightroom's enhanced details feature, using Capture One software, and employing the Rhydian X Transformer plugin. After extensive testing, including printing and social media simulation, the creator concludes that while there are minor differences in the editing process, the final output in real-world applications is largely indistinguishable between methods. They recommend Capture One or the Rhydian X Transformer for a better editing experience and choose the latter for its seamless integration with their existing Lightroom workflow. The video also includes a sponsorship acknowledgment for Squarespace, a platform for building websites.

Takeaways

• 📷 The Fuji XT 3 camera produces RAW files that may not look great when initially imported into Lightroom due to the unique X-Trans sensor.
• 🔍 Lightroom is not the optimal software for processing Fuji RAW files, which can lead to a 'crunchy' appearance and the infamous 'worm effect'.
• 🔧 After research, the creator found that using Lightroom's enhanced details feature can clean up the file but results in a loss of detail and a softer image.
• 🌟 Capture One software was praised for its excellent handling of Fuji RAW files, producing high-quality images that rival professional standards.
• 💡 The Rhydian X Transformer is a Lightroom plugin that converts Fuji RAW files to DNG and handles sharpening, noise, and lens correction, with results comparable to Capture One.
• 🖨 In real-world scenarios like prints, phone viewing, and social media, the differences between processing methods are negligible to the average viewer.
• 🎨 For the best editing experience and to avoid a 'crunchy' look, the creator recommends using either Capture One or the Rhydian X Transformer plugin.
• 📚 The creator chose the Rhydian X Transformer plugin for future use due to its seamless integration with Lightroom and similar results to Capture One.
• 🤔 The necessity of switching to a different software or plugin depends on the user's specific needs, workflow, and whether they are exclusively using Fuji cameras.
• 👍 Squarespace is thanked for sponsoring the channel, and the creator encourages viewers to check out their website-building platform.
• ✅ The creator appreciates the advice and feedback from the community, which helped in making the video and exploring different processing methods for Fuji XT 3 files.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video was discussing and comparing different techniques for processing RAW files from the Fuji XT 3 camera.

How many different software techniques were tested for processing the Fuji XT 3 files?

Four different software techniques were tested.

Which software was initially used to process the Fuji XT 3 files, but found to be unsatisfactory?

Adobe Lightroom was initially used but was found to not be the best software for processing Fuji RAW files.

What is the name of the newsletter mentioned in the script?

The name of the newsletter is not explicitly mentioned in the script, but it is associated with the speaker's website.

What is the name of the plugin that the speaker decided to use for processing their Fuji XT 3 files?

The speaker decided to use the Rhydian X Transformer plugin for processing their Fuji XT 3 files.

What is the advantage of using Capture One for processing Fuji RAW files according to the video?

Capture One does an excellent job of processing Fuji RAW files, providing a clean, smooth, and high-quality result that is comparable to professional standards.

What is the primary reason the speaker chose not to switch to Capture One despite its advantages?

The speaker chose not to switch to Capture One because their entire workflow and ecosystem is based around Adobe Lightroom, and changing to a new system like Capture One would be a significant disruption.

What is the name of the company that sponsored the video?

Squarespace is the company that sponsored the video.

What is the purpose of the Squarespace platform mentioned in the video?

Squarespace is a platform that allows users to create and manage websites using a drag-and-drop interface.

What is the offer code that the speaker provides for a discount on Squarespace?

The offer code provided for a discount on Squarespace is 'heturn'.

What is the main concern the speaker has with the RAW files from the Fuji XT 3 when processed through Lightroom?

The main concern is that the images look 'crunchy' or over-sharpened, with a loss of detail and the infamous 'worm effect' when zoomed in.

What did the speaker conclude about the necessity of using advanced techniques for processing Fuji XT 3 files?

The speaker concluded that while advanced techniques like Capture One or the Rhydian X Transformer plugin improve the editing experience and the quality of the files, for most real-world applications like social media and prints, the differences are not noticeable enough to be necessary for everyone.