Why I love raw format, and you should too
Ask any professional photographer and they will probably tell you they always shoot in raw format. But, is it right for you and the level of photography you strive for?
When I say format, I mean the way in which your camera records information when light from your lens hits your camera’s sensor. Many digital cameras are automatically set to convert this information to JPEG format – your camera’s way of compressing all of that information and putting it into one file for you to view. On the other hand, there is raw format, and it’s just what it sounds like. It’s literally the fresh, natural, untouched information. I like to think of it as being all of the “good stuff.”
Pros of shooting in raw format:
Quality: The quality of raw format photos is vastly better than JPEGs. Some cameras have automatic compression, but I like the idea of having access to as much data as possible. I lose that freedom with automatic compression.
Editing Control: I consider editing to be an art in itself. Raw format makes editing easier and more effective. It gives you more freedom to do what you want with your photos with fewer restrictions. With the right computer software, editing elements such as white balance and exposure are easier to do, with more options available.
Cons of shooting in raw format:
Size: Raw files are massive. I’m not kidding. File sizes vary with cameras, but to paint you a picture, one raw file on my current DSLR is equal to approximately 13-14 large, basic quality JPEG files. Yowza.
Compatibility: Raw format isn’t recognized by all computer software. If you don’t have a program with the ability to read and edit it (e.g. Photoshop), you will run into a problem with viewing and using your files. Luckily, Adobe created converters to change your raw files to DNG (Digital Negative) files; a format that holds a lot of the same information a raw file does, but also allows for compatibility with a wider variety of programs – and it’s free.
Next time you pick up your camera, consider what it is you want to do with your photos. If you have little interest in editing them, JPEG might be the right format for you. For me, I’ll just say: once you go raw, you never go back.