surfseal

You have probably gotten this question before but I am new to this forum.
I have been into snap photography on and off for decades, just now getting a bit serious. Recently upgraded to Nikon D7200 and still shooting jpeg. I want to venture into RAW. Where would you suggest I begin... reading, doing, software?
Thank you
Rob

sawdust_128

All of the above.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Shoot, shoot and shoot some more.
Your computer probably has a photo editing program with it. Use that to edit your RAW photos until you are comfortable with all the different aspects of photo editing. Don't jump right in to a complex program until you are ready.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Shoot raw only, not raw + jpeg. You will come to find that an exposure setting that results in a decent jpeg is not the best for raw. As you shoot more you will find what works best for you. The key is that you can underexpose a lot with raw, and still have good shadows. You cannot expose too "hot" where the highlights are blown, because once that happens any chance of recovering detail in those highlights is lost.

Rather than mess around with a gazillion free solutions for processing raw, I suggest, as I do for my students, to get Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC. Lightroom will give you the raw processing you need and a great way to organize your files, and Photoshop will give you a boatload of options when you are ready to explore how to get the most out of your images. It's $10/month with a one year commitment.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

My first recommendation is that you search for and read some of the many Ugly Hedgehog strings on "RAW" files. Everything you need to know is there restated many times over. Although there are many ways to work with raw files, I work with my files in a series of folders that I call Raw, Working and Done which I make in a master folder titled for each each event and in some cases date. I first download the files into the Raw folder and copy each into the Working file. I NEVER alter the files in the Raw folder. I then classify (use/don't use) each picture in the Working file in Lightroom. The "use" photos are then edited in Lightroom. If a photo needs more intense editing after Lightroom editing, I export it to Photoshop and then send it back to Lightroom. Once editing is complete, I copy them into the Done file in jpg, tiff or whatever file type I need for the final product.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Rob, welcome to the forum. As you can see by my tag line, I too shoot a D7200 and while I am damn lazy and hate to spend a lot of time at my computer processing images, I must admit if I want to pull all the detail out of an image that the D7200 is capable of delivering, then I shoot in RAW format. However, for most of my images which are definitely not "art" or "hang on the wall" quality I stick with jpg format and tweak the picture control settings to get the clarity, saturation and sharpness I want out of my images which are usually viewed either on my 27" computer screen or my HD TV.

Definitely do reading, particularly in the context of the subject matter that you wish to take photos of. As for software, you can start off with the processing software that came with the camera is you choose to do post processing of your images. the software that came with the D7200 or what is downloadable from Nikon will get you started at zero cost to you. Now, the "doing" part, IMHO, that is the important part!! Practice shooting anything and everything. Learn by doing, learn every button, knob and menue item of your camera and what it can do in a particular image situation. You did not learn as a kid how to ride a bike by reading a book on the subject, you learned by getting on the bike and trying to ride the bike. It is much the same with the camera. Start with "Auto" mode and as your skills improve and your interest (should I say passion) for photography grows, expand your knowledge and skill level by using the "A", "S", "P" and "M" modes. Practice, practice, practice and then read, read, read, do, do, do and practice some more. Good luck and enjoy.
Regards,
Garth

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Welcome, Rob. As you may know, RAW files are strictly data; they have no value until you process them into a usable image. Most computers come with RAW-to-JPEG codecs, so that when you click on a RAW file, you can see a JPEG rendering of the photo. But to get the full use of your RAW data you will need a post-processing program. The most widely known are Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

These are not trivial programs, so a learning curve is to be expected.

Personally, I'd take the time to read Scott Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" book and keep your D7200 manual close at hand (Nikon used to have a manual viewer for phones and tablets; the D7500 that I own isn't included). Learn how Peterson uses light and the photographic "triangle" to achieve his results, and then try to do the same. As the old saying goes, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!"

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Buy nothing yet.....!
Your camera software disk has a Raw processor. If you haven't used it yet....play!
I would switch to Raw + Jpg in camera - as a novice 'too many misses' is disheartening. You already know how to PP a Jpg (?)....So having an extra Raw file to fool around with is no loss. In fact it will give you some indication of the extra benefits Raw gives you. Learn to see the areas that Raw PP benefits you and what is still to do with your image as a Jpg. (It isn't an either or....its both)
Get used to dealing with Two different file types and any sidecar files. Get comfortable with deleting and moving files around using your own software.

Many people stick with Jpg - it is convenient and fast. Raw expands your PP opportunities and that means time, effort and a discerning eye! I think it is worth it.....see if you do!

Having said that....Raw gets better and more useful as you learn photography and various software options. Having Raw files now ...means that you CAN improve an old image when your skill improves. It is extra data....on your disk (Delete Button should be your your best friend in any case).

Hey it is a Zero cost option - not many of these in Photography.

Have fun

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Raw requires processing, so you really have no choice. You can shoot raw and JPEG together so you can use one copy immediately and process the other at your convenience.

Some ideas.
http://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/how-to-process-raw-images-the-right-way-1320866
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/roundup/accessory-roundup/best-raw-photo-editing-software-11150
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-process-and-edit-raw-files/

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

srt101fan

Gene, can you please explain why "an exposure setting that results in a decent jpeg is not the best for raw"? I thought the camera first converts the sensor data into a raw file and then processes it into a jpeg. So the exposure creates a raw file that's independent of the jpeg. What am I missing?

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

For me it is situational. I shoot RAW only when I am shooting action and need to maximize my FPS and camera buffer. I shoot RAW and JPEG, if I think I might need to provide a quick photo for someone since I NEVER give my RAW files away. If it is a casual family or group gathering, I might shoot JPEG only since the likelihood of my ever getting to around to doing PP is very low and, when I do, working with the JPEG is just fine.

cthahn

Just what is snap photography? Use RAW. No way to go wrong. Read about it and understand it.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd suggest viewing tutorials on youtube that cover RAW. Then, take your camera and work on the technique of processing the RAW image. Don't be impatient. Basically, take one or two photos of something somewhat worth shooting. Pay attention to every detail while you do, even to the point of writing notes about the two or so photos you take. Next, import them to your computer and start processing, Photoshop's ACR is the best for the initial processing. There are quite a few tutorials covering the adjustments you can make. Since any adjustment you make is non-destructive to your original file, you can use that file over and over again.

Now, there will be some on this board that will tell you to go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Take lots of photos. WRONG!!!

The reason I say that is simple. You want to establish good habits. Then, once you've established them continue to use and fine tune them. It's simple to process RAW files. Don't complicate it by establishing bad habits and continuing to practice them. Once you have those practices established, then go out and enjoy making photographs.

And prior to spending any money on software, process your files with the software that came with your camera. It's included in the price. After a while, you'll desire to move up from there.
--Bob