 |
| JPEG export after post-processing |
Notes On Photography: Understanding RAW, a file format that captures all image data recorded by the sensor when you take a photo.
On the digital photography front, RAW is the file format that is recommended the most for saving your image data. RAW is a file format that captures all image data recorded by the sensor when you take a photo.
 |
| Image as captured in RAW |
RAW files are saved in uncompressed mode, with no loss of information through the saved file that is larger than most. The two images of each scene here show one as seen in RAW mode and the other after post-processing.
 |
| JPEG export after post-processing |
 |
| Image as captured in RAW |
Advanced RAW photo editors include integrated masking tools, layers, brushes, and other effects where adjustments are applied in a non-destructive manner.
Edits are normally recorded in a separate database, which can be saved on separate files for different copies of your edited image.
When processed, RAW images enable the production of the highest quality image, as well as the ability to correct problem images that would otherwise be unrecoverable.
 |
| JPEG export after post-processing |
 |
| Image as captured in RAW |
RAW images can easily be exported to JPEG or TIFF, as well as published in various sizes at the same time.
Against the common argument that RAW images need to be processed, you might be doing the same with your JPEG images, even though it might be done mainly in-camera.
With more editing options available in RAW development mode, processing in RAW will probably end up being much faster than doing so in JPEG.
 |
| JPEG export after post-processing |
 |
| Image as captured in RAW |
RAW files contain more uncompressed information they can be 2-3 times larger than JPEG files. This data will fill up the buffer of your camera faster.
Your camera will still shoot the same frames per second, both in RAW or JPEG, but it may take a wee bit longer for the camera to write to the memory card if the buffer fills up.
Upload the files to your image editor for post-processing. The best is to make a working copy of each image you want to edit.
 |
| JPEG export after post-processing |
 |
| Image as captured in RAW |
I work with RAW Development (on the cheap) using OLYMPUS Viewer 3 (OV3) image management and editing software.
The image editor is complemented with tools for Exposure compensation, White Balance, WB Fine Adjustment, Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Space, Noise Cancellation, and False Color Suppression plus the added bonus of having Art Filter effects I can apply to images during post-processing.
I am recommending the same to you, start shooting with RAW or in both RAW and JPG. The latter eats up memory on your cards but it is good to try it a few times. I am quite happy working with RAW now that I know what can be done with it. My post-processing techniques have improved as well, I’ve even gone back and reprocessed some of my early images. With RAW, post-processing is nondestructive.
