Changing from JPEG to RAW Photography: Hi, I've been enjoying my DSLR Canon 80D for over 3 years. I'm currently using a Tamron 18-400mm lens. I mostly take photos of Birds and Nature...

Novice62

Hi, I've been enjoying my DSLR Canon 80D for over 3 years. I'm currently using a Tamron 18-400mm lens. I mostly take photos of Birds and Nature, some Landscape as well. I'm still shooting in JPEG and so far it is fine. I'm also only using the photo processing program that comes with my Apple Mac operating system. We recently moved to NC and I have joined a local photo club (Carolina Nature Photographers). I've been encouraged to make to switch to RAW. I realize that you have to have a photo processing program/app to work with the RAW, and clearly should have it before you start shooting in RAW. I've received some great advice for the folks here on my questions previously. So all that said, I would welcome any advice on how to start shooting in RAW and what processing programs should I consider. I am aware and have received numerous recommendations for Lightroom. Although I have met a few folks who prefer Photoshop. Thanks for any advice you care to provide.
Jim

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Novice62 wrote:

Hi, I've been enjoying my DSLR Canon 80D for over ... (show quote)

I would personally recommend to start with the free software that is available from Canon (DPP) for your camera. It's relatively user-friendly, and gives you enough flexibility to be creative without having a massive learning curve to deal with.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Hi, you asked this question in October and received six pages of advice. Click the link below:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-614931-1.html

.

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

I shoot RAW only. I don't usually go for quantity, so working a photo for a few minutes is part of the continued journey for me. I have done batch edits when necessary. I think with RAW it has helped me understand the process better. For example, I learn by mistakes. Why is this image dark? The processing in your camera may cover your error up while processing for JPG. I'd rather know that my setting were incorrect. And I learn.

Also, I have taken photo in the past and re-edited it with more current software. Can help save a long lost goodie.

Also with RAW, your photo is corrected to your liking. If you go so far as a getting a color card to help set real colors, you can. Your camera can't with JPG. Your letting Canon or Nikon, or others, take the best average settings for your image. It may work, but if you are really to get your personality in an image you should look to RAW.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When you become a RAW photographer, you become the decision maker for these considerations in post processing, where many had been decided by the camera for the JPEG:

1. Sharpening
2. Noise Reduction
3. Color Saturation
4. Exposure adjustments, general
5. Contrast, general
6. Highlights and shadows
7. White Balance
8. Lens corrections
9. Color space
10. Pixel resolution for target image share platforms
11. Disk storage (for the larger files)
12. Image file back-up strategy (for those larger files)

You don't have to understand all these issues, but when you do, you'll be much more successful as a RAW photographer.

You might resist the peer pressure of the photography club; and instead, consider whether a higher quality lens coupled with expert-level shooting technique yields more tangible results as compared to more computer time after shooting.

rck281 Loc: Overland Park, KS

Linda From Maine wrote:

Hi, you asked this question in October and received six pages of advice. Click the link below:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-614931-1.html

.

Good catch Linda!

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

johngault007 wrote:

I would personally recommend to start with the free software that is available from Canon (DPP) for your camera. It's relatively user-friendly, and gives you enough flexibility to be creative without having a massive learning curve to deal with.

FWIW:

I have been using Lightroom & Photoshop for my raw processing, beginning with Nikon NEF's and moving onto Canon CR2 and now Canon CR3 files.... I have tried using DPP over the years, many versions including the current version and it always leave me thinking its a bit clunky and lags when making adjustments. I much prefer to see changes happen instantly when I move the sliders, not wait to be sure something happened. I also use DXO Photolab, which operates like the Adobe products in that you change a slider and watch as the image changes as you manipulate the slider, not wait for the results like in DPP.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Novice62 wrote:

Hi, I've been enjoying my DSLR Canon 80D for over ... (show quote)

You don't have to wait until you get a processing program to start shooting RAW. You could start shooting RAW + JPEG and keep using the JPEGs until you are ready to take the plunge. Then when you learn RAW processing, you will have RAW files to work with of stuff you have already shot.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

johngault007 wrote:

I would personally recommend to start with the free software that is available from Canon (DPP) for your camera. It's relatively user-friendly, and gives you enough flexibility to be creative without having a massive learning curve to deal with.

I second the motion. Digital Photo Professional 4 (DPP4) should have come with the camera. If not, you can download it from the Canon web site. You will need the camera's serial number.

Novice62

Linda/all, I apologize for my duplication. I forgot to check that I had asked the same question awhile back. Thank you for the reminder and the advice.
Jim

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Dngallagher wrote:

FWIW: br br I have been using Lightroom & Pho... (show quote)

I agree 100% that DPP is not for someone needing more out of their post processing software. For someone who asks this question over 6 months (thanks Linda), and obviously seems to have very little knowledge of RAW development and software, I went with the safe option that is FREE and requires little in the way of knowledge to just get in there and bump sliders around while they learn.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

I have started shooting RAW & JPEG. I use PS.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Novice62 wrote:

Linda/all, I apologize for my duplication. I forgot to check that I had asked the same question awhile back. Thank you for the reminder and the advice.
Jim

The raw+jpg is a handy way to compare your editing efforts to those of the camera. Best wishes on your journey!

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Linda From Maine wrote:

The raw+jpg is a handy way to compare your editing efforts to those of the camera. Best wishes on your journey!

Or - You may want to do camera settings in JPEG and see if you do a lot better in RAW. Some folks like to do it in the camera and forget about playing at the computer. Just my not so humble opinion. Dave

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

wilsondl2 wrote:

...Some folks like to do it in the camera and forget about playing at the computer...

Of course! I have suggested many times that a person should consider whether learning software will be as enjoyable an activity for them as being out and about with their camera. It's all about the joy of the hobby for most of us here.