steve49 Loc: massachusetts

this is the holy grail of arguments here.
it depends on what you are looking to do w the photos as well as how much
time you wish to spend in the "darkroom" that is your computer..

ctsteps5

I have read all the posts, yep snowing out bad, so I have the time. Not newbie. but willing to learn. So based on all the reply's, shooting raw/jpeg is the best option. But, I need to use a specific software program too edit raw. Its a too bit too complicated for my simple mind. What online program do u suggest to edit raw pictures that can make is almost as easy as editing a Jpeg.

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

ATMO: fine large jpeg, then when you find your photos constrained by the format proceed to Raw.
Now what else can we discuss today?
Vinyl vs digital?
Tubes vs solid state?
Do cables matter?
Oops wrong forum...
Nikon or Canon?
Filters or no?
Tripod or VR?
Trump or Hillary?
Ahhhhhhh🤡

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

No such a thing as FINE. It should be JPEG, fine quality.
Raw is data from the sensor not modified by the firmware of the camera. Requires not only expertise to edit those files but also a especial editor to open and edit the files. If you are just starting I am sure you do not have the skills to work with RAW files.
My advise, keep on using JPEG fine quality till you develop more skills editing digital files.

JMCPHD Loc: Maine

As one beginner to another let me offer my thoughts. It is my understanding that most digital cameras will allow you to keep both raw and JPEG files. Raw files are larger and this impacts storage use and time to get the info to the card which may impact rapid shooting but otherwise not be of much consequence.

The fine description for JPEG refers to how much compression occurs. Since compression is associated with some loss of information it would seem reasonable to always opt for the fine setting on the JPEG side. I also think it makes sense to keep both types of file. Raw files will need to be converted, usually into JPEG to share, post or other wise use in most circumstances.

If you want to get the most out of what ever you capture you will at some point want to work with raw files. This will require software that specifically handles raw files and allows you to make adjustments in the image that are only possible using the raw file.

Working with raw files will require learning what is probably a whole new set of skills. It requires use of specialized software some of which may be costly and some of which is free.

If you take both, you can share and enjoy your JPEG images immediately. You can store the raw files and as time and interest permit learn what you can do with them and potentially produce some especially good images. It may also involve considerable time and energy to learn post processing skills.

Since raw files tend to take up much more memory, I suggest a couple of things. One get larger memory cards for your camera. On my camera I find I can record both fine JPEG and raw and take well over 1000, images. I have some extra memory cards so I could swap them if it is a while before I can download them. Additional storage in the form of an extra hard drive or cloud storage is inexpensive these days so there should be no reasonable limit to what you can hold onto for later processing.

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

There are many, suggest you check if your camera brand has one Canon's is DPP.

Check out:
Photoshop
Lightroom
Luminar
On1 Raw
Affinity
GIMP
plus some others.
All have trial periods to test and see what you like best.

Most have same goal of enhancing image by adjusting light, contract and color.

Check out the YouTube how to video and the reviews. If you are just starting with PP easy of use is important.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

What camera is that? "Fine" and "normal" are terms used for different sized Jpegs in most cameras. Raw must be processed in order to be viewed.

gwilliams6

I also suggest shooting raw+jpeg if your cards have the room. I show and share the jpegs, and then post-process the raw of my selected best images for myself and for my professional clients.

The jpeg is compressed and processed in the camera for size, exposure, contrast, sharpness ,color, etc. according to preset algorithms. Most folks will be fine with the processed jpeg, it is what we are used to seeing online and in print.

Raw is ALL the unprocessed image data you camera can capture. It requires post-processing to reveal its full potential. Actually if you never shoot raw, you will never realize all the image quality that your camera and lens can capture , never. Raw files whether uncompressed or compressed are larger than jpegs and have to be processed by specific imaging software like PS, Lightroom, Affinity, Capture One and your camera maker's own raw imaging software.

Jpegs are easily opened,viewed and adjusted by standard computer imaging software.

https://www.adorama.com/alc/0012781/article/RAW-vs-JPEG-AdoramaTV
Adorama TV, Raw vs Jpeg explained by Mark Wallace. I use this video with my university photography students. Cheers.

Just Shoot Me Loc: Ithaca, NY

I concur. Shoot RAW+JPEG fine. You can always delete what you don't want to save.

Just Shoot Me Loc: Ithaca, NY

7-UP

National Park

I suggest you set the camera to shoot both RAW and fine. As a beginner, you may not yet have sufficient skill to edit RAW files. But, as your editing skill progresses, you may someday wish you had those RAW files to go back to and edit. During my first year of shooting digital photos I only shot fine and now I’m sorry because some of those shots were good but I can’t go back and edit them in RAW (e.g., can’t easily fix white balance problems). The only downside with rAW files is that they are relatively large files and will eat up memory on your computer.

2CWorld

Yes, guys I've been a member since 2012, I knew someone would notice and remark on this. ha ha! I am ashamed to say that I signed up for this sight thinking I would move forward with my photography but instead, used my camera for the most part set on Intelligent Auto to take pics on trips and of my 13 grandchildren, so basically taking these photos, downloading them and printing them out on my computer and putting them up on my wall. I am an artist so most of my time I've gotten into my artwork all these years, and my camera sat neglected, waiting for me to begin a new artistic path. Well now I am ready to do just that! So guys this is my story. But now to prove my dedication, I have bought a second battery! I think that is a beginning. I should have shared this before asking so many silly questions, but am so appreciative and greatful for all the support I have received. As to my question today I think I will stick to fine till I know where I'm going with all this new information. You are all great and thank you. I am beginning to love this sight, its a lot of fun reading some of your funny responses to one another!

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

Dr Pepper

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

2CWorld

And by the way with all your help and reading Digital Photo Secrets, I have a great understanding of the ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. Its the beginning of a new journey!