Unlike the 2019 trip, the 2022 trip this time round saw a couple of days – especially in the first week of our trip – where we experienced late autumn colors, which in turn made for great opportunities in post-processing to really bring out how beautiful the scenery was. The S21U was routinely able to do this automatically and created stunning JPGs, while colors were routinely muted for the Sony A73 and Canon G7X II. So, post-processing was necessary.
Sample #1 while making our way to explore the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto (Day 01): Sony A73 with Samyang AF 35mm f2.8. 1/400s, f2.8, ISO100, Samyang AF 35mm f2.8. Adjustments were +0.87EV, Highlights -100, Shadows +36, Dehaze +15. The actual scene was in the late afternoon and the general scene was getting a little gloomy already though there was still some sunlight.
Sample #2 at Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto (Day 01): Canon G7X II. 1/1000s, f1.8, ISO200. Adjustments were +0.78EV, Contrast +14, Highlights -97, Shadows +41, Whites +35, Vibrance +5, Saturation +5, Dehaze +15. This was close to golden hour when we saw some trees that were showing those beautiful late autumn colors. The sun is pointing towards the lens – in the far right corner if partially hidden by the tree.
Sample #3 at Yoshikien Garden in Nara (Day 02): Sony A73 with Sony FE 24-105mm F4. 1/125s, f4, ISO100. Adjustments were +0.6EV, Contrast +21, Highlights -85, Shadows +18, Vibrance +6, Saturation +6, Dehaze +15. This shot was taken at 9AM-ish where we had the mid-morning sun on a clear day.
Sample #4 at the Uji Prefecture Park (Day 02): Sony A73 with Sony FE 24-105mm F4. 1/160s, f4, ISO100. Adjustments were +0.4EV, Contrast +36, Highlights -100, Shadows +40, Whites +6, Vibrance +5, Saturation +5, Dehaze +15. Mid-afternoon shot on a clear day overlooking Uji River from its banks.
Sample #5 at Kenroku-en in Kanazawa (Day 09): Canon G7X II. 1/200s, f4, ISO125. Adjustments were +0.4EV, Contrats +27, Highlights -56, Shadows +7, Whites +52, Vibrance +5, Saturation +5, Dehaze +22. It had been snowing/raining/hailing on and off since we got to the gardens in the mid-morning.
Sample #6 at Shirakawa-Go (Day 11): Sony A73 with Sony FE 24-105mm F4. 1/640s, f4.5, ISO100. Adjustments were +0.3EV, Contrast +15, Highlights -52, Whites +20, Dehaze +22. Early afternoon at Shirakawa-Go. Clear day but no overhead sun. Truly a winter wonderland.
