Brucew

Been shooting with a Sony a65 in jpeg, but am about to purchase Lightroom and am interested to know if Lightroom accomodates Raw and allows to convert to jpeg? I don't understand the difference between them, can you refer me to something on line that will clarify in simple layman's language?

EstherP

Although I have not uses it, yes, LR does accommodate RAW, and it is for that reason that I am considering it (and fattening up my piggybank) to use side-by-side with Photoshop Elements.
As to the difference between jpeg and raw:
A RAW image is what the camera sees and you have to do the processing yourself. This can be a major advantage, as it also is very easy to change for example the white balance or exposure in RAW.
A jpeg image is that same image the camera saw, but now processed in the way the camera "thinks" it should be processed. If you had a wrong white balance, it can be a major headache to correct that in jpg.
Of course there are many more differences between the two formats but that's it in a nutshell.
I suggest you Google for "jpg versus RAW" - the results will keep you out of mischief for a few days ;-))
EstherP

LuckyshotCT

Here are a few links, of many available, that explain the differences between RAW and JPEG files:

http://www.streetarticles.com/photography/understanding-raw-picture-format

http://cameras.about.com/od/advanceddigitalcameras/a/Raw-Vs-Jpeg.htm

http://wwwimages.adobe.com/www.adobe.com/content/dam/Adobe/en/products/photoshop/pdfs/understanding_digitalrawcapture.pdf

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

Please, check GIMP 2.8. It's free and as powerful as Photoshop.
http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

This eBook was recommended by wlgoode. It also gives you a subscription to video tutorials, articles, goodies and library for $12.00

http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/

Other video tutorials:
http://www.littlewebhut.com/gimp/

In youtube there many video tutorials.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I use lightroom for all my P/P. The program has a bit of a learning curve but once you catch on it is great. I've been using it for 6 months now and have started making my own presets. I also have CS6 and now only use it for Content-aware.

I give Lightroom :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Pappy

Granddad Loc: UK

Good info, thanks very much for this.

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

I give GIMP 2.8

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :mrgreen: :roll: :oops: :arrow: :idea: :thumbup:

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

But it's way too expensive!!!

:lol:

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

GIMP 2.8 is a free application!!!
Get GIMP 2.8, it is as powerful as Photoshop and it's FREE!!!

http://www.gimp.org/

Katherine Landreth eBook for $12 includes an exclusive 1 year membership which provides access to Video Tutorials, Goodies and Public Library.

Click on the Right Upper Corner, "GIMP Book!"

http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

GIMP 2.8 is a free application!!!
Get GIMP 2.8, it is as powerful as Photoshop and it's FREE!!!

http://www.gimp.org/

Katherine Landreth eBook for $12 includes an exclusive 1 year membership which provides access to Video Tutorials, Goodies and Public Library.

Click on the Right Upper Corner, "GIMP Book!"

http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/
[/quote]

----------------
I was just kidding with you!
I know a lot of people here use Gimp.
I probably would too if I had to pay for Photoshop.
Glad you included a website address.
I need to pass this along to some friends.


:thumbup:

MtnMan Loc: ID

Lightroom 4.1 makes shooting in RAW the best option. One issue with other programs is that you have to process your RAW images to not see a washed-out image. Lightroom can apply a preset as you upload your RAW images so you start out seeing what you would have seen on your camera's LCD jpeg image. You can undo any of it if you want.

So there is no need to shoot RAW plus jpeg. Note that RAW images contain a little jpeg anyway which is what you see on your LCD.

I see some Gimp advocates. Like PSE it only works on jpegs. You need a RAW converter to get stuff into it. It is also much more difficult to learn. I gave up on it. It is more comparable to Photoshop in complexity and functionality than it is to Lightroom. Lightroom is a much better choice for most photographers.

Kelby recommends converting your RAW images to DNG as you import. So far I am doing that. It takes a little time but not an uncomfortable amount.

You can export files from Lightroom in any format you want...also using Presets you can create.

I had been using PSE (Elements) for about a year. I found Lightroom VERY simple to learn compared to PSE. I understand that is partly because I have learned some photography stuff and some of Adobe's quirks so I don't promise simple for first users. Lightroom is smart enough to know that you have PSE or Photoshop available and you can flip back and forth between them and Lightroom. Most people with both find they do most of their stuff with Lightroom.