Raw questions
Sep 3, 2014 10:37:48 #
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneously so I can compare. Then in LR I notice the raw image is flat compared to JPEG. I understand that is expected since raw doesn't recognize my camera settings such as increased contrast, saturation etc.....now the extra work begins with post processing raw images, because originals are flat. I assume I will end up with better image at the end over JPEG, but have not seen that yet.
My question is:
Why use raw for "routine" photography when you know you won't be post processing now or anytime in the future?
Louis from Canada
My question is:
Why use raw for "routine" photography when you know you won't be post processing now or anytime in the future?
Louis from Canada
Sep 3, 2014 10:44:25 #
Dds82 wrote:
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneo... (show quote)
If you have no plans or interest in Post Processing, JPEG is fine, and probably preferable. If you think you might become interested in the future, it won't hurt to keep those RAW files against that possibility. Most cameras have good JPEG engines and do a great job rendering nice images for us, but some of us like the tinkering involved in processing.
I am a tinkerer and shoot RAW only, but I don't like slaving over every file individually, so I have an import preset in Lightroom that makes my RAW files look pretty much like I like them (preset is based on my cameras jpeg rendering), so they all look OK when I first see them, but I can still tinker to my heart's content and have all the RAW data to maneuver with.
Sep 3, 2014 10:48:21 #
Sep 3, 2014 10:51:44 #
philz
Loc: Rockaway Township NJ
Certainly if you are happy with the JPEGs produced by the camera then there is no need to shoot RAW. If so and you shoot both, just delete the RAW files in LR and proceed. But so many times there are things that need adjusting as lighting for example does not always cooperate so the RAW file will look better after adjustments.
An option I use is to apply a preset on import to eliminate the flat look by decreasing blacks and highlights, -20%, increasing shadows say +20%, whites +10%, clarity +15% and vibrance +15%. If you do not like the result just change the settings but at least you are off to an easier start.
An option I use is to apply a preset on import to eliminate the flat look by decreasing blacks and highlights, -20%, increasing shadows say +20%, whites +10%, clarity +15% and vibrance +15%. If you do not like the result just change the settings but at least you are off to an easier start.
Sep 3, 2014 10:57:53 #
charleo53
Loc: Ocala,fl
I have over the past few years read a few books by noted photo people and of course they are all going to help and improve your abilities. What I did notice was just how little info pertained to what I need,I'm not complaining just making a comment.
Sep 3, 2014 10:59:11 #
Dds82 wrote:
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneo... (show quote)
Each one of us is different so expect a plethora of answers.
The reason why your RAW file is flat is because as you said the camera has not applied any of the settings made to color, sharpness and contrast. Nikon Capture NX2 is the only software I know that honors for RAW files the settings made to camera.
Modern JPEG images are excellent and this is something that has changed considerably from JPEGs of 5 years ago. RAW holds a great advantage when it comes to dynamic range but digital allows to open the shadows like we never thought could be done before.
RAW used to be king when it came to noise but that is also something that is disappearing as modern sensors continue to improve.
I am in agreement with you, why use all that energy in post processing with routine shots. I use both files.
By the way, some of my best enlargements have come from original JPEG files.
Sep 3, 2014 11:01:30 #
Dds82 wrote:
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneo... (show quote)
Because one of these days, you'll get a truly great shot, one you want to print really large and put on the wall. One that is worth putting in some time to post process to bring out the best in the image. You can always use the JPEGs for everyday use. How do you know you will never at anytime in the future, want to post process an image?
Sep 3, 2014 11:05:02 #
I would not shoot raw if you are not going to post process. That said, why not post process? I have presets so that when I import raw photos, they almost all look better than JPGs right off the bat. And if you screw up the exposure or the temp, you can still fix it in raw.
If you want the best photos, you post process.
Bill
If you want the best photos, you post process.
Bill
Sep 3, 2014 11:12:06 #
Dds82 wrote:
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneo... (show quote)
Its fine to shoot JPEG's. Lots of the folks do shoot both RAW&JPEG. I shoot RAW only I prefer the digital negative which I file on a USB HD.for later use. Sometimes I use a program I downloaded that converts RAW to Jpeg quickly. I do like the PP method best there's so more I can do to enhance a photograph with working from a RAW file (Digital Negative). Just my two cents worth?
Sep 3, 2014 11:13:35 #
Dds82 wrote:
My question is:
Why use raw for "routine" photography when you know you won't be post processing now or anytime in the future?
Louis from Canada
My question is:
Why use raw for "routine" photography when you know you won't be post processing now or anytime in the future?
Louis from Canada
You don't. If you don't want to do any post processing, the don't shoot raw. Shooting raw if for those people that always want to be in control of how much saturation, sharpness, tone, contrast etc., is added to the images in post. If you "know you won't be post processing now or anytime in the future", the shoot jpg. Shooting raw isn't for everybody and it is extra work. Nobody is going to put you down for not shooting raw.
Sep 3, 2014 11:20:06 #
So how do I do this " preset" in LR so my RAW are mildly proceeded automatically to appear as good as JPEG upon download?
Sep 3, 2014 11:22:35 #
Try shooting a high light range image with RAW+JPG. (There is probably a better word for "high light range image".) Try one where you know the highlights are very bright and shadows are very dark. While you're at it, bracket the shot up and down a few stops.
Put them in Lightroom. Pick the shot with the best jpg and matching raw. Do your best to adjust the contrast and saturation of the RAW to match your jpg.
When they look about the same, concentrate on the Highlights and Shadows sliders. Move them full right and left in opposite direction.
If you don't see the potential, shoot jpeg. Or, shoot something with a higher contrast range, like sunset and try again.
Put them in Lightroom. Pick the shot with the best jpg and matching raw. Do your best to adjust the contrast and saturation of the RAW to match your jpg.
When they look about the same, concentrate on the Highlights and Shadows sliders. Move them full right and left in opposite direction.
If you don't see the potential, shoot jpeg. Or, shoot something with a higher contrast range, like sunset and try again.
Sep 3, 2014 11:27:13 #
Dds82 wrote:
Took some photos with both raw and JPEG simultaneo... (show quote)
Oh boy... here we go again. Not your fault. This question comes up time and time again. My short answer is if you have to ask why use raw, then just stick with JPEG for now. Others will tell you that if you want to be a pro someday, you'll need to use raw, but all that is BS. You'll know when to use raw over time.
Sep 3, 2014 11:30:54 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
Nobody is going to put you down for not shooting raw.
LOL. No... they will only make you feel like a snap-shooter who will never amount to much. :-)
Sep 3, 2014 11:34:03 #
Dds82 wrote:
So how do I do this " preset" in LR so my RAW are mildly proceeded automatically to appear as good as JPEG upon download?
http://tv.adobe.com/watch/the-complete-picture-with-julieanne-kost/batch-processing-develop-module-styles-on-import/
Check out Julianne's other videos on Adobe.tv also. A wealth of easy to follow instructions.
Edit**** sometimes I shoot jpg only or raw only. I do not use the preset I have established for basic developing when I import jpgs as they are processed by the camera. I may tweak them individually in LR but never apply blanket batch presets to them. Raw is a different matter. I have a preset I apply to most, not all, raw images I import that basically bumps contrast, clarity, vibrancy etc on the raw images. These are settings that get the raw somewhere close without having to edit each one individually. I sort them with this preset applied and tossing the junk.
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