RAW refers to any of several native data formats that contain the full data captured by the sensor. Typically these are proprietary formats, and each company uses its own.
166
votes
11answers
22k views
Good examples of RAW's advantages over JPEG?
I'm curious to see some real examples of where simply capturing the same photo in RAW (and being processed by someone who can do it justice) has significantly improved the photo at the end of the ...
53
votes
5answers
1k views
What is RAW, technically?
From a technical perspective, what exactly is RAW and how does it differ from JPG or bitmap images? I'm not asking about the pros/cons versus another format, but rather what constitutes RAW format, ...
37
votes
11answers
13k views
What tools are available for RAW image processing in Linux?
I have been taking photographs with RAW format.
What tools are available for working with RAW under Linux?
31
votes
7answers
740 views
Is switching to DNG worthwhile?
I'm aware of the difference between RAW and DNG file formats. The RAW format is proprietary to the camera manufacturer while DNG is an open standard. DNG files can be compressed without loss of ...
28
votes
13answers
2k views
What are the pros and cons when shooting in RAW vs JPEG?
In general shooting in RAW format uses a lot more file storage than JPEG. What am I gaining when shooting RAW? Besides file size are there any downsides to shooting RAW?
28
votes
13answers
2k views
Should I be shooting in RAW even though I'm a beginner that doesn't know how to retouch photos yet?
I am a beginner, should I still be shooting RAW?
24
votes
9answers
4k views
How can I get a good HDR image from a single RAW file?
I've heard that it's possible to create an HDR image from a single RAW file. (Obviously, it won't be as good as using multiple bracketed RAW files; I know that much.)
Every time I try — using ...
24
votes
4answers
1k views
Why is there an ISO setting when shooting raw?
Raw files are supposed to contain mostly unprocessed data from the sensor. What's the point of having an ISO setting if it doesn't affect the amount of photons counted, but only provides ...
23
votes
6answers
1k views
Which is a better way to store your photos? RAW or TIFF?
I have read posts that alot of photographers are using RAW to store photos. But the problem I am having is that how do you people view the photos easily when you need them? In the beginning I have ...
21
votes
7answers
1k views
Why can I adjust the white balance of a RAW file but not a JPEG file?
I recently started setting my DSLR to save RAW files, and using Adobe Lightroom to process them. I still, however, use my little point and shoot camera a lot which does not have an option to save RAW ...
21
votes
6answers
1k views
Which cameras support DNG natively?
Not all cameras support DNG natively. That is, if you want to process DNG files they need to be converted from the camera's proprietary RAW format to DNG afterwards. So, which cameras support DNG ...
20
votes
12answers
1k views
How do I make sure my RAW files are readable in the future?
I've recently started to use RAW with Lightroom. I'd like opinions on how I should make sure my images are readable (not necessarily editable) a few years hence. Heck, let's say a decade some decades.
...
20
votes
8answers
36k views
What is the best free RAW editor/converter on Windows?
I'm looking for a free RAW editor/converter on Windows. Can you tell me some strong/weak points of them comparing with Capture NX and/or Adobe Photoshop Elements?
RawTherapee
PhotoFiltre
Able RAWer
...
19
votes
3answers
1k views
Do I lose anything converting to DNG?
I'd like to convert all my ARW (Sony) files to DNG for several reasons, but the only thing keeping me back from doing it is the fear of losing useful metadata during the conversion. I know that the ...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
How do I get started with RAW photography?
Having read about the benefits of shooting in RAW as opposed to JPEG (for example this question), I'd like to have a go with it myself. However, I'm not really sure how to go about it.
I can turn RAW ...
16
votes
2answers
8k views
How does Picasa process RAW photos?
How does Picasa decide how to process RAW photos? When I shoot in RAW+JPEG the two pictures can look dramatically different. Is it just converting the RAW files upon import, or is post-processing ...
15
votes
10answers
23k views
Is there good free software for editing Canon RAW files?
I've lost the install disks that came with my 500D and I was wondering if there was any better software for editing Canon RAW files. I Had a quick skim of the Canon website and couldn't find anything.
...
15
votes
1answer
477 views
Will I lose image quality by adjusting white balance in post processing?
I understand that if I shoot in RAW, post processing software like Lightroom is capable of adjusting colour temperature and tint to my desire.
Will I lose any image quality in process? Or is it as ...
14
votes
6answers
580 views
What are the advantages of shooting in a proprietary RAW format over DNG?
Personally, I shoot in DNG and avoid the proprietary RAW format for my camera (PEF on a Pentax K200D). I like DNG because it's open and supports embedded metadata, both of which is not true with ...
14
votes
3answers
3k views
Why does my Lightroom preview change after loading?
Everybody who is using Lightroom probably has seen this:
You have imported RAW files. Lightroom shows a preview, but contrast and color of the preview change after a few short seconds to a slightly ...
13
votes
6answers
7k views
Where can I get free RAW files online for practicing with Lightroom?
I've downloaded Adobe Lightroom in order to learn RAW image processing. I want to practise on some photos that covers basic subjects (Histograms, HDR etc).
Is there a good, free source of RAW images ...
13
votes
6answers
1k views
Why store both JPEG and raw?
DSLRs often have the ability to store both a JPEG and a raw file.
Given that the primary benefit of in-camera JPEG over raw is the smaller filesize, and that JPEG+raw is going to store even more data ...
13
votes
5answers
846 views
If shooting RAW, is the white balance selected in camera irrelevant for exposure?
I have read the existing question - Does the camera white balance setting affect the raw image at all?
After reading the above post, I am still not clear on the part around exposure. Is it possible ...
13
votes
5answers
3k views
Nikon RAW image processing in non-Nikon software
I love Adobe Lightroom, the workflow, the interface, the whole package. However, as a Nikon owner never did I manage to get the colors to look as good as after processing with Capture NX. No doubt ...
12
votes
3answers
3k views
Is 14-bit RAW better than 12-bit RAW?
A regular JPEG image has only 8 bits to store information about the tone of each pixel. When storing the image in RAW format (for example, DNG), we can store tone using more bits per pixel, which ...
12
votes
4answers
1k views
What, if anything, does “RAW” stand for?
I understand that RAW files contain data straight from the sensor, that they're used as input to the production process that results in a final image, and that RAW isn't really one format but a ...
12
votes
8answers
1k views
Best way to import and save when shooting in both RAW and JPEG?
I currently use Picasa to manage my photos and when I import my photos I see "doubles" because I'm shooting in both RAW and JPEG.
I'm currently moving my raw photos manually to a folder outside of ...
11
votes
10answers
17k views
Cheap/free tool to view/convert Canon CR2 RAW format photo files on Windows?
Recently, my family had some professional photos taken while vacationing at a resort. The photos were given to us on CD in both .CR2 and .jpg formats.
While we can view the JPEG-format versions of ...
11
votes
7answers
795 views
Which software can batch-process RAW photos on Linux?
I'm interested in efficient processing of RAW photos on Linux. I've played with RAW a little, but so far I've always reverted back to JPG as I can't be bothered to spend hours doing post-processing. ...
11
votes
6answers
658 views
How can different RAW converter programs give different results?
I've read in several places (photo mags, websites, etc.) that there are third party RAW converters around (i.e. not big name programs like PhotoShop, Lightroom, Picasa, PaintShopPro,...).
So my ...
11
votes
4answers
772 views
How DSLRs calculate the number of remaining photos?
My Nikon D7000 has a 16 GB SDHC card. The DSLR is configured to shoot in RAW only. When the card is empty, the camera displays that I can shoot 449 photos.
The size of RAW files vary from 17 to 22 ...
11
votes
2answers
3k views
Which Lightroom import presets should I use to get output like that from Capture NX?
When I import NEF photos into Lightroom, they do not look as good as they appear when importing into Capture NX. The colours look a little more muddy and there is a lack of contrast.
This means that ...
10
votes
8answers
21k views
Is there an easy way to convert all my photos from .NEF to .JPG for upload to Facebook?
I'm using the Adobe CS5 suite and trying to upload all of my pictures to Facebook... and .NEF files are too large to upload, any suggestions?
10
votes
6answers
729 views
Can in-camera JPEG have image quality advantages over (third party software) converted RAW?
Question about RAW advantages over JPG made me curious if somebody has examples where in-camera JPEG is actually image quality-wise better than RAW image converted in computer (possibly by third party ...
10
votes
3answers
506 views
Should I convert RAW to jpeg before making an HDR?
I've been going back and forth with this. I've been looking more into working with some HDR to just get a feel for the process. I have a 500D and I'm using exposure bracketing to take 3 shots. 0, -2, ...
10
votes
4answers
2k views
When shooting in mRAW or sRAW, how does the camera generate smaller files?
Most mid- and high-end DLSRs offer two or three sizes for RAW capture. When the camera is generating the medium or small sized RAW files, how does it make them smaller? Does it capture less ...
10
votes
1answer
2k views
Does the selection of sRGB or Adobe RGB in camera when shooting RAW ever matter?
In talking to a colleague of mine yesterday, we got onto the subject of color spaces in digital photography. He's a Nikon buff, I use Canon (specifically, an EOS 50D); I don't know if that is relevant ...
9
votes
3answers
4k views
Why does Picasa open RAW images correctly then desaturate them?
I have an Olympus E-PL2 and am taking photos in raw. I have the codec downloaded from Olympus, so I can view the photo with Picasa in Windows, and it looks fine but a few seconds after loading the ...
9
votes
3answers
425 views
Are RAW files safe from changes?
While I'm shooting my pictures as RAWs (or actually JPEG+RAW) for a while, I haven't really have ever worked with the RAW files so far.
When opening the RAW files, and playing with the options, I'm ...
9
votes
7answers
3k views
Which small point-and-shoot cameras support RAW images?
What small point-and-shoot cameras are available that support RAW images? I'm looking for something to use when I don't want to lug my SLR around, so I want something that is small and convenient. In ...
9
votes
4answers
2k views
Recommended start point for sharpening RAW Images
I'm just beginning to get back into serious photography after a very long time away. I've toyed with digital, but this is my first foray into trying to do controlled creative work in the digital ...
9
votes
2answers
319 views
Is it possible to upgrade the RAW plugin in Photoshop without having to upgrade Photoshop?
I've been happy with Photoshop CS2 for a long while now, but I've recently upgraded my camera, and I've found that the RAW plugin I've got doesn't support the updated version of the RAW files. Is it ...
9
votes
3answers
269 views
Is the image processor relevant in a camera when shooting RAW?
When cameras come out the company often states that the image processor is upgraded.
Does such an upgrade matter when one only shoots in RAW?
When shooting RAW the image is taken directly from the ...
9
votes
2answers
621 views
Raw development in Lightroom 4.1 and Digital Photo Professional 3.9.x – bad vs. good?
I have opened the same raw image from my Canon EOS 550D (CR2) in Lightroom and Digital Photo Professional. This are the default raw development results:
Lightroom:
Digital Photo Professional:
Why ...
8
votes
5answers
2k views
Please suggest a workflow on Mac using only free/open source software
I own a D90 with a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. However ever since buying my camera I am struggling to find a proper workflow to process RAW images on my Mac which does at least the following
Adjust ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
How do I fix RAW images that appear washed out in Lightroom3?
When I open raw/NEF images in Lightroom, they appear washed out as compared to viewing them in Picasa (same computer monitor). If I open JPEGs, they're fine in Lightroom.
Anyone know how to fix ...
8
votes
7answers
419 views
Is there a reason for raw over jpeg if you have your lighting figured out?
I hired a photographer for an event, and he says he doesn't shoot raw because he has his lighting (white balance and exposure) all figured out. Are there any other reasons why a pro should shoot in ...
8
votes
3answers
3k views
Do different “Picture styles” affect RAW output?
I was reading again the manual of my camera (Canon 50D, but I am sure that each DSLR offer the same kind of functionality, albeit I don't know the exact names adopted) and noticed the issue of Picture ...
8
votes
5answers
2k views
Can I use a flatbed scanner to scan a photo into RAW format?
I have a photograph (on paper) that needs retouching. I have an HP Officejet 5610 flatbed scanner.
Is there any software that will allow me to scan said photograph and capture it as RAW so I can use ...
8
votes
8answers
4k views
Is there any Flickr/Picasa Web service to store and share RAW files?
I have RAW files I would like to store in the cloud. Which are my options?
