Help.... RAW files.... Pros & Cons?

[migsba]

Hi, I would like to solicit some thoughts on RAW files... I'm quite new to photography and i'm exploring / experimenting on RAW files... from my understanding, RAW files are unprocessed pictures. Processing is done by the computer... my questions are, do RAW files potentially produce better image quality? What are the Pros & Cons in taking RAW files? Is it a vital aspect in photography even if I'm quite adept in Photoshop?

Well, i hope some of you can shed some light to this...


Thanks

[Lisa Marie]

A fellow member here recommended this website to me as it contains loads of information and now... I am passing it along to you. Specifically an article about RAW format. The entire website in general is a very valuable source of information.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tu...aw-files.shtml

Good luck and have fun!

Lisa

[another view]

Check the Digital Imaging forum here as well, it's been discussed before.

Basically, RAW files are essentially unprocessed in the sense that they need to be converted from a RAW file to a TIFF, jpeg, etc. The conversion sets some parameters that basically process the image (white balance among others).

The resulting work can be of a higher quality than jpeg but it takes more time. Some shots I doubt it will make a difference comparing final prints of each type. If you get into RAW processing, it really should be a requirement to have a calibrated monitor. A basic set-up isn't really expensive and it will make sure that what you're seeing is accurate.

[mjs1973]

I have recently converted from shooting jpegs, to shooting RAW files. For me, the biggest gain is in the flexibility with the exposure, and the white balance. The RAw files are pretty large, and take up a lot of space vs the jpegs, but the exposure flexibility is worth it to me. If RAW files fit into your workflow, and you have the storage space for them, I think they are the way to go. I use PS CS2 to convert my files and for me, it has drastically cut my post processing times vs jpegs. If you can take advantage of the benifits the RAW files offer, then do it. If you can't, you may just be wasting storage space.

[masdog]

It all depends on your circumstances and equipment, migsba. If you're working under a tight deadline, have equipment with a small buffer while shooting large sequences of continuous images, or have small memory cards, then you might be better off with JPEGs. If you have time to post-process your images, are taking single images, or have equipment with a large buffer or high capacity memory cards, you might be better off shooting RAW.

For me, it doesn't make sense to shoot a lot of RAW. I mostly shoot sports with a Rebel XT. When shooting RAW, I am limited to 5 consecutive shots. My largest memory card is 1 gb. Shooting RAW doesn't give me as many shoots as shooting JPEG, so I for most of my work, that is a better option.

[Lionheart]

Hi, I would like to solicit some thoughts on RAW files... I'm quite new to photography and i'm exploring / experimenting on RAW files... from my understanding, RAW files are unprocessed pictures. Processing is done by the computer... my questions are, do RAW files potentially produce better image quality? What are the Pros & Cons in taking RAW files? Is it a vital aspect in photography even if I'm quite adept in Photoshop?

Well, i hope some of you can shed some light to this...


Thanks

Think of RAW as the digital equivalent of a negative. The final picture is how you want to interpret it. The big plus is RAW gives you the most control over the final output image, but the downside is you need more space on your CF/SD card and time to process your images. Then there's the software you need to process and convert your RAW images. Your camera usually ships with conversion software, and photoshop has RAW capability for most cameras, but if you want something more, then something like C1Pro can set you back a few bucks. If you're happy with your camera's interpretation of the shots, then JPG is much more convenient and time efficient. If you want absolute control for finishing your images, then RAW is the ONLY way to go.

[mikster121]

Thanks guys for all the input.... have a better view on where i can use RAW images...