When I was thinking about this post I was considering making it a RAW or Jpeg post, but after giving it some thought I think to me this question has a definite answer.
Shoot in RAW
Ok so why do I have such a firm opinion on the question?
Well, first of all let me introduce you to the topic.
RAW and Jpeg are 2 different image formats implemented on most modern DSLRs. We can configure our camera to store the images in RAW, Jpeg or both.
Now, what are the advantages and disadvantages of both filesystems? We'll start out analyzing how Jpeg works. When your camera captures an image configured in Jpeg it doesn't save what comes straight out of the sensor, instead it applies a series of automatically adjusted "filters" that adjust contrast, saturation, white balance etc. After that the camera compresses the image almost without losing quality and then saves it to the memory card.
The way the camera handles RAW files though is pretty different. When configured in RAW the camera will save the information coming out of the sensor without applying any further adjustments to the image.
Of course this lack of post processing and compressing has some issues. RAW files need specialized programs to be opened, like lightroom or picasa, but if you're a serious photographer you'll want to use one of those programs anyways so that isn't a problem. If you still consider this an issue you can always shoot in RAW+Jpeg so that you have a Jpeg copy of your RAW just in case you want to open it with other programs or in other devices other than a pc. Also shooting in RAW will occupy more space on the memory card, but with today's memory card storing 8gb at very reasonable prices I don't think this could be an issue.
Now back to the question at the beginning. Why do I encourage you to shoot in RAW?
The answer is simple: You're smarter than you're camera. (Ok most of you)
When you shoot in Jpeg your camera will automatically adjust a lot of settings according to its preferences, if you shoot in RAW instead your camera and developing program will only suggest the settings used but you will be able to adjust every one of these yourself. During this process you will be able to see how any of these changes affect the end result allowing you to adjust the processing to your very own taste.
This may sound like it's a feature only image enthusiasts would like to use but, trust me, it comes in very handy at shots where your camera's metering is fooled by special lighting conditions rendering it unable to create a decent image.
So all in all, shooting in RAW doesn't slow down your workflow in any way and it does give you a lot of options to adjust shots to your exact taste or to fix shots the camera didn't get too well.
Have a different opinion? We all can learn from each other, feel free to post a comment about it!
Shoot in RAW
Ok so why do I have such a firm opinion on the question?
Well, first of all let me introduce you to the topic.
RAW and Jpeg are 2 different image formats implemented on most modern DSLRs. We can configure our camera to store the images in RAW, Jpeg or both.
Now, what are the advantages and disadvantages of both filesystems? We'll start out analyzing how Jpeg works. When your camera captures an image configured in Jpeg it doesn't save what comes straight out of the sensor, instead it applies a series of automatically adjusted "filters" that adjust contrast, saturation, white balance etc. After that the camera compresses the image almost without losing quality and then saves it to the memory card.
The way the camera handles RAW files though is pretty different. When configured in RAW the camera will save the information coming out of the sensor without applying any further adjustments to the image.
Of course this lack of post processing and compressing has some issues. RAW files need specialized programs to be opened, like lightroom or picasa, but if you're a serious photographer you'll want to use one of those programs anyways so that isn't a problem. If you still consider this an issue you can always shoot in RAW+Jpeg so that you have a Jpeg copy of your RAW just in case you want to open it with other programs or in other devices other than a pc. Also shooting in RAW will occupy more space on the memory card, but with today's memory card storing 8gb at very reasonable prices I don't think this could be an issue.
Now back to the question at the beginning. Why do I encourage you to shoot in RAW?
The answer is simple: You're smarter than you're camera. (Ok most of you)
When you shoot in Jpeg your camera will automatically adjust a lot of settings according to its preferences, if you shoot in RAW instead your camera and developing program will only suggest the settings used but you will be able to adjust every one of these yourself. During this process you will be able to see how any of these changes affect the end result allowing you to adjust the processing to your very own taste.
This may sound like it's a feature only image enthusiasts would like to use but, trust me, it comes in very handy at shots where your camera's metering is fooled by special lighting conditions rendering it unable to create a decent image.
So all in all, shooting in RAW doesn't slow down your workflow in any way and it does give you a lot of options to adjust shots to your exact taste or to fix shots the camera didn't get too well.
Have a different opinion? We all can learn from each other, feel free to post a comment about it!
2 comments:
I agree that shooting in raw has massive potential for post-processing. My issue is that one MUST post-process to get the most out of raw.
I'd rather spend the extra time with my camera, getting the JPG "just right" than in front of my computer.
That's why I shoot JPG + raw! Best of both worlds :)
You're right crunch, shooting RAW+Jpeg gives you best of both worlds. However with some programs you don't really need to post process at all. Lightroom for example lets you directly view RAW applying defualt adjustments, so you don't really notice the difference between viewing RAW or Jpeg.
But then again everyone has his own preferences. If RAW+Jpeg works for you, go for it :)
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