Discussion
Can anyone help? Am I right that one of the main benefits of shooting in RAW over JPEG is a better quality image as the file is less compressed?
I have a Sony RX100 which I'm very happy with, but wanting to use it on a tripod for night shots. I'm presuming that RAW would give a better quality image with less noise etc? I already set the camera to a low ISO rating and shoot around f8 - f11 for better depth of field and lens definition.
If I shoot in RAW, what do I need to do once the file is off the camera?
Sorry this is a bit basic, I used to take night shots back in the 80s so understand the basics of exposure etc, but am a total novice when it comes to RAW.
I have a Sony RX100 which I'm very happy with, but wanting to use it on a tripod for night shots. I'm presuming that RAW would give a better quality image with less noise etc? I already set the camera to a low ISO rating and shoot around f8 - f11 for better depth of field and lens definition.
If I shoot in RAW, what do I need to do once the file is off the camera?
Sorry this is a bit basic, I used to take night shots back in the 80s so understand the basics of exposure etc, but am a total novice when it comes to RAW.
When a camera processes the image data it will apply the manufacturer-designed algorithm adjusted by you, the user, in a range of settings the manufacturer allows you to tweak. And then this is output in some sort of image format - quite typically a JPEG. You can still adjust the JPEG but you can't go back any further.
Taking the RAW data means outputting that file and then taking it to a computer and program from which you can extract the information and create an image. You have far more options, but always need to apply some effort (even if only a load of presets). You'll have the maximum information that the camera can ever capture and you can post process in a million different ways and many times over just going back to the basic RAW file (and/or backups that you make) as many times as you want.
Just need a half-decent computer (preferably plenty of RAM, good graphics and a good screen(calibrated if poss)) and a standard program (like Adobe Lightroom) to take advantage/control.
We all used to get very precious about RAW v JPEG, but the output matters, not the route to achieving it....
Taking the RAW data means outputting that file and then taking it to a computer and program from which you can extract the information and create an image. You have far more options, but always need to apply some effort (even if only a load of presets). You'll have the maximum information that the camera can ever capture and you can post process in a million different ways and many times over just going back to the basic RAW file (and/or backups that you make) as many times as you want.
Just need a half-decent computer (preferably plenty of RAM, good graphics and a good screen(calibrated if poss)) and a standard program (like Adobe Lightroom) to take advantage/control.
We all used to get very precious about RAW v JPEG, but the output matters, not the route to achieving it....
Don't know if this helps but jpegs are analogous to a polaroid picture. Processing raw files is analogous to developing and printing the film yourself.
As has been said all you need is a computer and some software - import the file into it, adjust the various parameters until you are happy with it. The RAW file gives you more latitude to adjust parameters than a jpeg. Particularly things like the colour balance can be adjusted. One thing to bear in mind is that the RAW image has had very little processing done to it so initially it might look a little soft until you apply some clarity/sharpening to it.
Once you are happy with the image you can then output it as a jpeg.
As has been said all you need is a computer and some software - import the file into it, adjust the various parameters until you are happy with it. The RAW file gives you more latitude to adjust parameters than a jpeg. Particularly things like the colour balance can be adjusted. One thing to bear in mind is that the RAW image has had very little processing done to it so initially it might look a little soft until you apply some clarity/sharpening to it.
Once you are happy with the image you can then output it as a jpeg.
strummerville said:
Thanks for the help. Is Lightroom the best software to use or is there something more simple?
Lightroom is powerful and can be pretty simple to learn/use. worth a go anyhow. Theres a free 30 day trial from adobe.Its very workflow orientated, so you load your images in the library module, then all the processing happens in the developer module, you pretty much only need those 2 parts.
As for raw processing the basics are not that hard.
Set white balance
level/crop
Add sharpening ( if needed, LR adds a default amount)
set contrast (white/black points), colour(vibrancy), adjust shadows and highlites if required.
You can do a lot more but that can wait
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff