Olympus Tough TG-610

[who_are_you]

Hello!

I'm heading down to South America in March. I am new to photography and had tentatively decided to drop some $$ and get a camera that shoots RAW. That way I can head out on my trip, capture some great shots, and then learn how to photoshop them when I get back and polish them up. It would allow me to control certain parameters later on, which I wanted because I don't really know what I'm doing at this point.

For Christmas, someone gave me an Olympus Tough TG-610. It can't shoot RAW, but its 14 megapixel and bomb-proof. I can't return it because there's no receipt.

I am wondering if I am making too big a deal about RAW format, if I could probably take great photos on this trip in JPEG and still manipulate them later after learning the software.

Do you think it would be worth it for a beginner photographer to invest in RAW, or should I just use the camera I got?

advice is appreciated, thanks!

 

[MLeeK]

A beginner and raw is not a good mix. You have to have the software to process raw images first of all, then a pretty good knowledge of developing in order to get a good image out of a raw file. It's a BIG learning curve. It's not as easy as the easy button. It's also very worthwhile to learn if you don't particularly like the jpegs that come out of your camera. Or you could just learn how to control what comes out of the camera in those jpegs...
It's all a bit of learning no matter which way you go. So, raw isn't so important in the big scheme of things. AND it will require a LOT of memory to store those raw images while you are on your trip. A LOT more than jpegs.

It's really up to you. If you REALLY want the raw capability? You want it and that's just fine! If you are dead serious and want raw why not sell the one you have and purchase what you want?

 

[MLeeK]

I'd take the camera you have... it's an underwater camera!