What is RAW?

[Donald Harvey]

Ok I think I have an idea on what people keep saying about RAW.

RAW is the raw photos that come from Still film cameras, but it can also be raw digital pictures...or am I just thinking to much and its overall un-edited pictures that come from any camera?

 

[dEARlEADER]

RAW is digital and exclusive of film. Some people call RAW the digital version of a negative.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_image_format

 

[philaphotog]

OK, let me ask a dumb question to this thread. Why is it that the images we load from the camera to the computer don't always come in RAW format? What is the benefit to having them stored in the computer as RAW?

 

[dEARlEADER]

OK, let me ask a dumb question to this thread. Why is it that the images we load from the camera to the computer don't always come in RAW format? What is the benefit to having them stored in the computer as RAW?

RAW files are lossless.... you can manipulate RAW files without impeding image quality...

edit: You have the option for the camera to process your RAW files (sharpness, contrast, colour format, saturation, white balance etc.) for you and save the in the more recognized format JPG. The JPG format is compressed, lossy, and smaller in file size. The smaller size and universal acceptance makes the format more palatable among a broad dynamic user base. When your camera processes the RAW and ouputs to JPG, you will have a lessened ability to make comprehensive adjustments to the file due to it's compression. There is varying opinion on what format to use.

 

[Big Mike]

Why is it that the images we load from the camera to the computer don't always come in RAW format?

It depends on the camera and it's settings. Most 'digi-cams' don't offer a RAW option...the camera records the image, processes it then compresses it and saves it at a JPEG.
On a camera with a RAW option (in RAW mode), the camera does not compress and save the image but rather gives us the information right from the sensor. This gives us the option to tweak things like white balance, hue, saturation, contrast etc....without hurting the image. We use software to set those options, then 'convert' the RAW file into a standard image file type like TIFF or JPEG.

So shooting in RAW is about having more control of the process of our images.

 

[Donald Harvey]

So in a sense, RAW is probably the way to go, better editing and final product?

 

[dEARlEADER]

So in a sense, RAW is probably the way to go, better editing and final product?

If you have the time to use multiple software programs. Store and convert files using multiple formats (NEF to TIFF to JPG or equiv), and MOST importantly, have a REASONABLE foundation of post processing, then yes, RAW is the way to go. You must also bear an interest in comprehensive post processing.

 

[Big Mike]

This is an older article, but worth reading

WHY RAW