I would like to re-iterate a "wish" for gamma curve control on both an RGB level and with R, G, and B channels independently. Earlier I talked about how NCH Videopad has this as one of its built-in functions. I would encourage readers (and Cyberlink developers) to download Videopad for two reasons: 1) To see how the gamma function works and why it is so much better than the gamma options in Powerdirector and 2) To gain a huge appreciation for Powerdirector when it comes to ease of use, work flow, and DVD authoring power.
In earlier discussion some helpful folks talked about how I can use various tools stacked together to do level, gamma, color modification so that I can match camera painting. After doing this rather extensively, I have concluded that this approach is inadequate. It does get me pretty close to where I want to be, but in terms of work flow (one of Powerdirector's biggest strengths) it is a log jam. Using the gamma curve tool in Videopad is faster and produces much better results. Later I can describe how to make this tool a lot easier and faster to use.
ColorDirector was suggested as a solution but besides the price being high for what I need, it's like using a jack hammer to crack a walnut (note: those of you who have black walnut trees will agree that a jackhammer is nearly warranted). Worse than the overkill problem is that it makes no sense to use an add-on that may add intermediate files, certainly add to overhead, and certainly slow down the start-to-finish project work flow when gamma processing is a VERY simple algorithm! It's so simple that I could write it - way easier than de-noise, image stabilization, etc. It only makes sense that Powerdirector would work a process like this at the same level that it does brightness control (that is, in the Fix/Enhance world).
When you look at what makes Powerdirector a great choice, a clean and intuitive user interface with strong and flexible tools built right into the core application is right at the top of the list! This is why Powerdirector is good for workflow. Having to use add-ons and work-arounds slows things down and clutters the editing process. It can be argued that many people would not use this proposed gamma curve tool because they won't understand it, but there are a couple good ways to use a UI solution to make color and level matching very simple. I also think that since there is a multi-cam editor, there is a demand for multi-camera capability. Critical to that is a way to match those cameras without a lot of fooling around.
Len
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Feb 26. 2017 15:27