Let's face it, with digital SLRs, you're going to be processing
your images, doing the color and density corrections that your lab
USED to do for you when it made prints from your negatives. The
biggest difference between raw and jpg files are how you produce
your final images.
JPG files from digital cameras are already processed, actually. The
camera takes the raw capture data and puts it in a standard file
format, apply sharpening levels, contrast, color, white balance,
etc. Raw files are a bit different. They are essentially a dump of
all that basic data to the storage card. In fact, except for the
embedded JPG file (yes, some digital SLRs embedd a processed JPG
within the raw file), the data isn't even an actual image file that
you can look at yet!
After the raw file is copied to your computer, special software is
used to then do the work that your camera would have already done
to the JPG file, had you chosen that format instead. Only now, YOU
get to select the parameter, from white balance and exposure, to
color and contrast. The level of control is simply incredible.
Comparatively, when correcting JPG files, you're actually altering
an already processed image, manipulating something that is already
one way and trying to make it something else. Depending upon the
image, this CAN be tedious and time-consuming. And Photoshop isn't
exactly the easiest application to learn that's out there!
Now, it is entirely possible for you and your camera to create a
perfect JPG capture that requires no further manipulations. And if
so, you won't complain about the image quality; Fine JPGs look
terrific. The problem arises when things DIDN'T go perfectly during
the capture state; maybe the white balance was off, or you
underexposed by a stop.
Quite simply, what can happen almost effortlessly during raw
conversion can sometimes be a real bear in PS to change. And
Capture One conversion software also allows you to apply settings
to a series of images, even further reducing the amount of time
required. Sure, the computer will then have to process each one,
but it handles that part on its own after you've told it what
settings you want.
Here's my classic example that I share in this forum. The
following image was one of the first images I ever capture with the
D30, way back in the spring of 2001. Memory cost alot back then,
and a 128MB card (about $350) would hold about 125 JPGs or just a
few dozen raw files. Easy decision, right? Well, a few images had
some real white balance problems. I was able to fix this one, but
it took a LONG time in Photoshop (it would take less now because I
know the software better, but there would still be no "instant"
cure.) By contrast, the same correction would have taken just a few
seconds if I had used a raw file and could simply click-white.
Based on this information, you may very well decided that JPG files
are fine for you. Even many professionals think so! (I shoot
weddings, and do NOT think so, but that's just me!) However, I've
never actually regretted having a raw file to work from after the
fact.
One other quick note:
Capture One in particular also has wonderful built-in sharpening
and noise reduction tools that offer superior quality because they
actually occur during the raw-jpg conversion process. These
features are more difficult to apply as effectively to
already-processed JPGs. I remember how the D30 had a fairly noisy
ISO 1600 until I put my files -- even the old ones! -- into the
Capture One software. The images were beautiful. It was like
upgrading my camera! I went back and used the C1 software on some
of my old images and the results were considerably better.
I am getting my 10D today along with 2 lenses, UV filters, remote
shutter, 1 gig card, Lowepro backpack. I want to be able to get the
most out of my camera. This is my first camera with RAW
capabilities. I have read that RAW is a digital negative and can be
played with in Photoshop. I have PS7. I'd like to know what the
benefits of RAW are and are the results REALLY better than HI-JPEG?
Also, how can I know what settings to adjust and to what levels in
photoshop after shooting raw? And will PS7 convert the file to
JPEG? Thank you for helping me.
