Okay, so I've Googled and I searched on this site the benefits of taking RAW photos and I'm just so confused. I shoot 100% in jpeg and think the pictures come out pretty darn good; however, I would LOVE to delve into trying to shoot in RAW, but I'm not sure what to do with the pictures once they're on my card.
My first question I guess would be: What size/brand memory card works best for these types of files? I know I just have a cheap memory card in my camera.
Secondlly: I'm pretty sure my Canon came with software that I could bring a RAW file into - just not sure what to do from that point. Once it's on your computer, can you edit it from any of your processing software? I have Picasa3 and Gimp downloaded on my computer - Gimp is confusing to me though 'cause I'm a novice at the whole processing thing as well.
Sorry to sound so dumb, but I really like taking photos of birds and have read time and time again that it is best to shoot in RAW, as the details of the bird far exceed those shot in jpeg.
Anyway, any insight any of you RAW shooters can give me would be appreciated!
I have a Canon Rebel T3i if that helps any of you.
I just started shooting in RAW a month ago and I'm loving the additional processing you're able to achieve with RAW files. I won't go back to jpeg. I didn't know much about working with RAW so I just started playing around in the RAW editor just to see what I could do. I think that's the best way to learn. I have a Canon T2i and I use Photoshop CS5. I did have to download the compatible Canon RAW editor for Photoshop. When you shoot in RAW and upload to your computer you will have two files for each photo, one in jpeg and the other RAW. I open up both in Photoshop and the RAW editor opens automatically. I've never used Picasa3 or Gimp so I cannot comment on those programs. I would say just take some test shots and give it a try!
I left jpeg a year ago and haven't gone back. RAW gives you so much more freedom in processing. I also use photoshop and Lightroom for processing. Mostly Lightroom, though, as it's so easy to use.
I just started shooting in RAW too, although my camera does not create a duplicate jpg file.
I'm using a RAW plugin for GIMP which I really like.
Since I've started shooting in RAW I can't tell the difference between JPG.
I've been shooting RAW couple years now, not turning back. Though when using PowerShot RAW isn't possible and I always hate the results. I use photoshop for RAW and jpeg. Not only more options with RAW-edit, but I think it's so much more easier! You know, once you get to know it somehow..
At least for my Canon 500D and 70D I can choose if I shoot only RAW or both RAW and jpeg. I usually use both. When looking the pics in my PC, I first start with the jpeg's and delete the really really bad ones. After that I start opening the RAW-files.
I always shoot in RAW if you want to get the best out of your shots then that is the way to go.
When you bought your camera it should have come with some software called Digital Photo Professional (DPP) it is a high-performance RAW image processing, viewing and editing software for EOS digital cameras, if you can't find it you can download the latest version of DPP or an update of a current version by selecting your product from the EOS camera range page, on the Canon site.
I started off using the DPP software which is pretty basic then I tried Picasa, which is free, and then as I felt more confident I moved on to Lightroom which is what I now do all my editing in, you can try a free trial for a month.
I've been shooting in RAW since when I started. RAW allows you more control during editing without ruining the photo, as the JPEG is already edited by the camera. However, a RAW file is like a negative, it is unedited. I like to use Lightroom for my RAW images. I use Paint Shop Pro for more advanced editing, which also has an editing tool for RAW files. In my opinion, RAW is so much better. Whichever software you choose to process RAW files is completely up to your personal preference.
Defiantly RAW, , you can control so much more, and most of the RAW editing software is very simple to use. I use photoshop, and by the time I have finished with the initial file I usually don't even have to touch it in the main program.
I tried using RAW after reading all the hype about control in processing. To be honest I hated it. It took up loads of memory and I saw little difference in the outcome (which is what it is all about...right). It seemed like another layer of messing about to me. I am probably wrong and need to have another look but it is very low down on my things to try list. I am not a professional so it seems like industry driven hype (as do new lenses that are sharper etc.).
I think it really depends on what your needs and priorities are as to whether to shoot RAW or JPEG. I've played around a bit with RAW (and I recommend you do this to see if it suits you) and now I do a mixture of both. Like @spanner says, it is a lot of messing about and takes so much more memory than JPEGs - for this reason, for my everyday stuff I've gone back to JPEG. You can't really shoot RAW and NOT spend time editing - your pictures will look very flat if you don't. I've also found myself going back to those couple of months of shooting everything RAW, converting them all to JPEG and then deleting the RAW files as I just don't have the space.
Having said this, I do love having that bit extra control over the files when it counts, so any "work" I do for anyone else, or in situations where I really want to ensure the best result, I will shoot RAW and spend the many hours editing. Particularly so in difficult lighting situations - if I know I will be needing to bring shadows up or there will be some noise reduction needed etc.
I realise this doesn't specifically answer the questions you are asking but I hope it's slightly helpful anyway ? :)
I saved the RAW leap until my second year. I shoot exclusively in RAW now, and most cameras will let you do a RAW+jpeg option. Gives more flexibility with images in processing. They do not come out "flat" in my experience, especially when I really take the time to work with everything manually.
It takes up lots of space, so my habit is to pick what I want to play with and dump the rest. I hate holding on to shots I really have no interest in. Last, I would argue my processing time is cut in half with RAW because I know what I want to do with the photo I'm seeking to modify (in other words, I cut out lots of jpegs I would have hemmed and hawed over).
If you are new to learning things, I would delay the RAW step to be honest. I'm really glad I didn't just do it to do it, but I won't go back now. There is a difference--but that difference means you have to put time in to figure out what it means. My first year, I only wanted to learn how to take better pictures in manual. This year, I'm using RAW and learning how to process well. Good luck. Either choice is just fine!
@phil_howcroft
The UFRAW I downloaded (I have VISTA) is a stand-alone program, I can edit in RAW, but it won't like to GIMP, but I can save the image then open it in GIMP.
I can't believe this is still a discussion :-) Holiday snaps JPEG and serious work RAW! @not_left_handed
In answer to your questions get the biggest fastest SD card you can budget Sandisk Extreme works for me a 16 gb card will hold 400 odd shots on my D7000.
The software that came with your camera will be fine as a starting point and should allow you to get the feel of converting your RAW files to something you like the look of. Your next step would be to invest in more advanced software?
My advice would be to jump in at the deep end and look at either Lightroom or Photoshop, I would say start with Lightroom though as it will probably do everything you would need to do for quite a while.
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I'm using a RAW plugin for GIMP which I really like.
Since I've started shooting in RAW I can't tell the difference between JPG.
At least for my Canon 500D and 70D I can choose if I shoot only RAW or both RAW and jpeg. I usually use both. When looking the pics in my PC, I first start with the jpeg's and delete the really really bad ones. After that I start opening the RAW-files.
When you bought your camera it should have come with some software called Digital Photo Professional (DPP) it is a high-performance RAW image processing, viewing and editing software for EOS digital cameras, if you can't find it you can download the latest version of DPP or an update of a current version by selecting your product from the EOS camera range page, on the Canon site.
I started off using the DPP software which is pretty basic then I tried Picasa, which is free, and then as I felt more confident I moved on to Lightroom which is what I now do all my editing in, you can try a free trial for a month.
Having said this, I do love having that bit extra control over the files when it counts, so any "work" I do for anyone else, or in situations where I really want to ensure the best result, I will shoot RAW and spend the many hours editing. Particularly so in difficult lighting situations - if I know I will be needing to bring shadows up or there will be some noise reduction needed etc.
I realise this doesn't specifically answer the questions you are asking but I hope it's slightly helpful anyway ? :)
It takes up lots of space, so my habit is to pick what I want to play with and dump the rest. I hate holding on to shots I really have no interest in. Last, I would argue my processing time is cut in half with RAW because I know what I want to do with the photo I'm seeking to modify (in other words, I cut out lots of jpegs I would have hemmed and hawed over).
If you are new to learning things, I would delay the RAW step to be honest. I'm really glad I didn't just do it to do it, but I won't go back now. There is a difference--but that difference means you have to put time in to figure out what it means. My first year, I only wanted to learn how to take better pictures in manual. This year, I'm using RAW and learning how to process well. Good luck. Either choice is just fine!
Here's the link, you have to pick one for your OS, not exactly user friendly though.
http://ufraw.sourceforge.net/Install.html
The UFRAW I downloaded (I have VISTA) is a stand-alone program, I can edit in RAW, but it won't like to GIMP, but I can save the image then open it in GIMP.
@not_left_handed
In answer to your questions get the biggest fastest SD card you can budget Sandisk Extreme works for me a 16 gb card will hold 400 odd shots on my D7000.
The software that came with your camera will be fine as a starting point and should allow you to get the feel of converting your RAW files to something you like the look of. Your next step would be to invest in more advanced software?
My advice would be to jump in at the deep end and look at either Lightroom or Photoshop, I would say start with Lightroom though as it will probably do everything you would need to do for quite a while.