RAW questions: I recently posted this in the 'Advice from the Pros' section and decided to post in the Main section for additional comments. I have a fairly good understanding of...

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

I recently posted this in the 'Advice from the Pros' section and decided to post in the Main section for additional comments.

I have a fairly good understanding of shooting in RAW and the difference and benefits over shooting in JPEG mode. There are a few areas that I'm still not clear on:
1. When you shoot RAW should you always ETTR.
2. If you shoot RAW and don't ETTR will the images be any better than JPEGs. I know there's more data but will the exposure be any different than a JPEG.
3. Since the histogram on the camera (Canon T6i with 18-135mm lens) is from a JPEG how do you determine how far to expose to the right.
4. If you are exposing to the right I'm assuming you should not shoot RAW+JPEG since the JPEG would be over exposed beyond repair. Is this correct.
Happy Trails...

chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

The camera you have shoots RAW then converts to JPEG and saves it to the SD card. This method requires no processing, if you wish because the camera has already processed the picture according to your settings. When you shoot RAW, you will need to process the RAW file in a post processing program that came with your camera, or lightroom, some other photo editor that can handle RAW. Generally speaking when shooting RAW you will have more latitude and options in how your picture will turn out as a finished product. Generally speaking you will have about 16 bits color space in a RAW photo file as compaired to 8 bits in a JPEG. Much less information to work with.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

ETTR works best on high dynamic scenes but may also be used for mid to low DR. For those mid to low scenes using JPG without ETTR will most likely give you very similar results to a RAW process unless you want to go in for some extra oomph.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Reading all the responses to your earlier post of the same questions, what new are you looking to hear?

srt101fan

emmons267 wrote:

I recently posted this in the 'Advice from the Pro... (show quote)

Saw your topic in the Advice from the Pros section. I thought your questions were excellent and the pros gave you very good, helpful answers.

I would encourage readers of this topic to visit the other site as well.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I think you are over analyzing your image taking. Use the Histogram as a reference to get the best exposure at the time of shutter release. It is just another thing you HAVE TO REMEMBER when you take the picture, and may ruin your capture because you are overly concerned with ETTR. Keep the curve balanced without spikes on either side and you will get an image you can work with.

Once you get your image into a capable editing program like Lightroom, assuming that the image is not completely dark or blown out, you can open shadows and use the Develop tools to manipulate your image until you get the exact look you want.

IMHO, and I have been very vocal about this here, shooting RAW + JPEG is a waste of time since unless you need to immediately send off pictures the minute you finish shooting, you'd be better served using the second memory card as a RAW backup in case the primary card fails.

chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

emmons267 wrote:

I recently posted this in the 'Advice from the Pro... (show quote)

If you expose to the right it will effect the JPEG and RAW the same, but with a JPEG you will have much less latitude in which to adjust the overall exposure because there is much less information to work with. But if you are perfectly satisfied with your Jpeg image then you may not need to do any adjustment at all. May I suggest that you check the histogram in the camera as soon as you have taken your shot inorder to ascertain whether or not you need to readjust the EV settings.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

chevman wrote:

The camera you have shoots RAW then converts to JP... (show quote)

That's why it's called Photography. Why settle for Canon's, Nikon's or Sony's interpretation of what a perfect image is? Taking the shot, IMHO, is only 25% of the creative process.

chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

That's why it's called Photography. Why settle for Canon's, Nikon's or Sony's interpretation of what a perfect image is? Taking the shot, IMHO, is only 25% of the creative process.

I agree! That’s why I shoot RAW.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Answers
1. When you shoot RAW should you always ETTR. No.*
2. If you shoot RAW and don't ETTR will the images be any better than JPEGs. I know there's more data but will the exposure be any different than a JPEG(?) Yes. Exposure to the right IS different.
3. Since the histogram on the camera (Canon T6i with 18-135mm lens) is from a JPEG how do you determine how far to expose to the right(?) Learn your camera, each brand/model has a different latitude.
4. If you are exposing to the right I'm assuming you should not shoot RAW+JPEG since the JPEG would be over exposed beyond repair. Is this correct(?) Yes.

--------
* ETTR is something else. It works best when the histogram shows that the camera DR is not fully exploited. Exposing for raw is not systemic use of ETTR.

The graphic below is worth more than any explanation...

http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2017/10/14/t1-596148-image1.jpg

Rongnongno Loc: FL

chevman wrote:

If you expose to the right it will effect the JPEG and RAW the same, but with a JPEG you will have much less latitude in which to adjust the overall exposure because there is much less information to work with. But if you are perfectly satisfied with your Jpeg image then you may not need to do any adjustment at all. May I suggest that you check the histogram in the camera as soon as you have taken your shot inorder to ascertain whether or not you need to readjust the EV settings.

Actually if you use ETTR vs exposing for raw you utterly destroy the JPG.

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Thank you to everyone who responded. I have a good consensus of opinions and I'll be digesting, practicing and testing using all the info in the future.

Happy trails

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

It would be nice if you could see something like the graph in camera before you take the photo instead of taking the photo and chimping.

Rongnongno wrote:

b Answers /b br 1. When you shoot RAW should you... (show quote)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Bruce, if you scientifically test your camera and determine where its upper limits are you can then use that knowledge to determine your exposure. 98% of my photographs are done in manual mode. I know my camera and its limits. I place the bright values appropriately and never chimp. I know what adjustments I'll make in PS prior to even pressing the shutter release. I'd suggest working with your camera so you know its limits and how minor adjustments affect the captured image file. Once you are conversant with your camera's capabilities, you'll see an improvement in your photographs.

The situation is that it takes a bit of effort and work. Don't take shortcuts.
--Bob

Brucej67 wrote:

It would be nice if you could see something like the graph in camera before you take the photo instead of taking the photo and chimping.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Brucej67 wrote:

It would be nice if you could see something like the graph in camera before you take the photo instead of taking the photo and chimping.

Some cameras (like my A7 II) provide a live histogram but it is relatively useless.