Levels vs curves - help!

[Freaksta]

Hey guys I need a bit of help!

When ever I've done any post processing, I've done it in photoshop and have always used levels! I recently bit the bullet and got an iPad and with a bit of reading settled for filter storm as the app I'll be using. Now the only problem is that I don't understand how in the world to use curves(to me is far more confusing as apposed to levels, I've tried google but I still don't get how to use it correctly).

Maybe bwana can also help with regards to it as I know he uses filter storm as well! If anyone can help, post a link that is easy to follow that would be great!

Thanks
Freaksta

 

[Edduck]

Levels basically shifts the white and black clipping points and does not directly adjust contrast whereas curves applies contrast to different points on the levels (histogram)....

A good tutorial:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm

 

[murraybiscuit]

you can also set points more accurately for curves.
if i'm doing photocompositing, i'll do the levels on an adjustment layer, as the process is lossy, and then clip it to the below layer. you can also apply a layer mask to an adjustment layer if you really need to.
curves takes a bit of getting used to, but once you've got the hang of it, you won't use levels much.

 

[Freaksta]

Cool thanks for the help so far! i guess i need someone with filter storm to comment on this!

But here is a screenshot i found that will just help with my explanation!

Now what i don't understand is why you cant drag the outer two points(the black and white points) inwards on the horizontal plain? Ie black point right and white point left! Normally this is done to set the black and white points? Does anyone know how to do this in filterstorm?

Here is what i mean:

Red indicating movements that cant happen and green being the ones that do work!

EDIT: Im not sure if this is just due my lack of post processing sticks but ya any help will be great!

 

[bwana]

I'm guessing you've read their tutorial on curves? http://filterstorm.com/pro/tutorials/editing-images#what-are-curves

 

[Freaksta]

I'm guessing you've read their tutorial on curves? http://filterstorm.com/pro/tutorials/editing-images#what-are-curves

Yup i did read it, and im still a bit stuck! Is it possible to set the black and white points?

 

[bwana]

Yup i did read it, and im still a bit stuck! Is it possible to set the black and white points?

They mention being able to set white points but damned if I can figure it out so I've emailed the developer.

 

[Freaksta]

Cool i guess i could have done the same but thought you may know as you have a little more time playing with it! Please if you dont mind will you post the reply!

 

[Freaksta]

Finally got a reply!

Hi,

Under the 'white balance' option in the filters tab, you'll get a loupe, that acts as a picker similar to that in some other photo editing programs. Choosing a point that should be a neutral grey will adjust the white point.

-Tai Shimizu

 

[bwana]

Finally got a reply!

Well whadda ya know. It's there!