NVIDIA vibrance vs. DCS gamma

Now that 2.5 has release, and given the amount of comments and questins regarding gamma and how it handles dark shades (i.e. cockpit panels and shadows), here is a quick comparison between using low gamma only, and higher gamma with NVIDIA's vibrance:

- gamma 2.2 (default), vibrance 50% (default):

- gamma 1.6, vibrance 50% (default):

- gamma 2.0, vibrance 70%:

- settings (mostly irrelevant):

As you can see, the first shot has an unpleasently bright scenario, whilst the second one has a pitch black cockpit. The third one has the best of both worlds. Note that 70%/2.0 is a bit conservative, you may want to try 80%/1.9.

- 1.6 50% (left) vs. 2.0 70% (right): https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/juxtapose/latest/embed/index.html?uid=e211bfe2-0773-11e8-b263-0edaf8f81e27

- 2.2 50% (left) vs 2.0 70% (rght): https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/juxtapose/latest/embed/index.html?uid=0a34f674-0774-11e8-b263-0edaf8f81e27

One caveat is that the default slider in NVIDIA's control panel applies the vibrance system-wide, meaning it will alter the desktop and any other application you may want to run. You can use this small tool to automate the setting: simply select DCS.exe, set your preferred vibrance, and leave the tool running in the background. When DCS is in fullscreen or the focused window, it will apply the vibrance (using NVIDIA's internal APIs); as soon as you tab out or close it, it will revert to the system-wide default.

Also, added note, make sure "Dynamic Range" is set to "Full": you'll get a lesser quality image otherwise.

thank you for the tip