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I really need RAW help - please
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Oct 9, 2019 08:27:00   #
Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
Thank you for your response! I’m glad to hear LRCC and PSCC are the ones I’d need and thankfully I have the subscription to both!

Gspeed wrote:
[This is the best advice.

Just go RAW! You will be fine!

uote=Gene51]There isn't much to shooting raw. Most of the time you can use the same settings you've been using.

What you'll be missing out on might be leveraging the additional dynamic range that raw provides.

I suggest you shoot raw only. This way you won't get tripped up with multiple files with the same filename and managing that mess.

The raw files have no picture controls applied to them, such as sharpening, noise reduction, contrast etc so they will appear flat, soft and noisy compared to the jpeg.

I don't know which software you are using, but I will suggest you consider Lightroom Classic and Photoshop CC - it is a complete editing solution that will grow with you as your skills advance.

You'll take your pictures now then get everything sorted with the software and computer when you get back. Have fun and take a bunch of pictures!
This is the best advice. br br Just go RAW! Yo... (show quote)
[/quote]

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Oct 9, 2019 08:27:42   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
rcarol wrote:
don't forget to take plenty of batteries. You never know when you'll have the opportunity to recharge them in Africa.

Check with the airline on the batteries, some airlines allow TWO Lion spares not in camera.

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Oct 9, 2019 08:33:36   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Sark17 wrote:
... I absolutely DO know how to use my camera, I’ve had a canon since I was 4 years old. I don’t know how to use one element of my camera, raw, ...


Based on that statement you will enjoy your trip more if you shoot jpg, something you are familiar with. No pressure worrying about something you are not very familiar with.

But if you shoot raw at the same time you can ignore them until you get home. At that point, if you want to, you can explore the benefits of raw processing. Chances are, based on your experience, you will most likely have all you need with your JPGs. But when you come across a few images that don't quite make it, see if they can be improved by using the raw files.

Most of all,
Enjoy the trip.

--

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Oct 9, 2019 08:35:26   #
Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
Thank you so much Bill_de. That’s probably what I’ll stick to...

Bill_de wrote:
Based on that statement you will enjoy your trip more if you shoot jpg, something you are familiar with. No pressure worrying about something you are not very familiar with.

But if you shoot raw at the same time you can ignore them until you get home. At that point, if you want to, you can explore the benefits of raw processing. Chances are, based on your experience, you will most likely have all you need with your JPGs. But when you come across a few images that don't quite make it, see if they can be improved by using the raw files.

Most of all,
Enjoy the trip.

--
Based on that statement you will enjoy your trip m... (show quote)

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Oct 9, 2019 08:50:34   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Sark17 wrote:
Thank you, I guess it was just my friend who is such a die hard raw shooter that made me think I needed to learn or my photos would all be junk in jpeg. Thank you!


Oh yes, die hard raw shooters - it is a religious thing to them - and they MUST CONVERT you !

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Oct 9, 2019 08:52:57   #
ELNikkor
 
I shot jpeg exclusively for many years and have no regrets about it. If an exceptional situation came up, I would switch to jpeg+ RAW, but almost never went back to process the RAW. I don't market my images, but if I did, I might look more into RAW processing.

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Oct 9, 2019 08:53:31   #
Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
Right?! I’m so glad I see so many people on here saying JPEG is fine! I’ve gotten beautiful photos shooting that way and never wanted to explore raw. I had someone tell me once about a decade ago to never switch my camera to raw so it’s stuck with me! Thanks for the humor, much appreciated!

imagemeister wrote:
Oh yes, die hard raw shooters - it is a religious thing to them - and they MUST CONVERT you !

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Oct 9, 2019 08:56:29   #
BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY
 
Shooting RAW + jpeg might be a good option. Cards are cheaper that returning to Africa to reshoot a scene. Consider that if you have the RAW files you will be able to revisit them in the future as your processing skills grow. You'll be amazed at how much more you will be able to pull out of a scene.

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Oct 9, 2019 08:58:39   #
Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
That’s what I’m thinking, motivation to learn and certainly (hopefully) beautiful photos to learn with!

BillFeffer wrote:
Shooting RAW + jpeg might be a good option. Cards are cheaper that returning to Africa to reshoot a scene. Consider that if you have the RAW files you will be able to revisit them in the future as your processing skills grow. You'll be amazed at how much more you will be able to pull out of a scene.

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Oct 9, 2019 09:03:07   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
Sark17 wrote:
I did ask my photographer friend, she doesn’t get grain apparently and she uses a Nikon so figures it may be a canon thing 😂


No, grain is not a Canon thing; it’s a setting thing. Happy shooting on your trip.

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Oct 9, 2019 09:07:02   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
Shoot in JPEG until you learn how to use LR.

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Oct 9, 2019 09:16:07   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
gvarner wrote:
Shoot in JPEG until you learn how to use LR.

That would eliminate the ability to go back and work with the RAW files later.
Not something I would want to do on a "once in a lifetime" trip.

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Oct 9, 2019 09:18:31   #
martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida
 
Sark17 wrote:
No offense - but I absolutely DO know how to use my camera, I’ve had a canon since I was 4 years old. I don’t know how to use one element of my camera, raw, that I’ve never wanted to learn before. I’ve never wanted to shoot raw. I’ve had 0 desire to. What the hell is the fun of paying someone to take photos? Taking photos IS the fun. And I don’t have “all of this money”. I have a trial of luminar and the other two combined are $10/month. Where did I ever say I don’t know how to use my camera? You’re “no offense” is pretty damn rude.
No offense - but I absolutely DO know how to use m... (show quote)


According to your back post you have been shooting since age 4. That said you seem to struggle with common issues when using a camera. I'm guessing your in your mid 20's so twenty years experience. As mentioned before, I suggest getting the book, Understanding Exposure 3rd edition by Bryan Peterson. $5 used off eBay. The book explains the Exposure Triangle, basically how your camera reads light and produces an exposure. Once Learned this knowledge will answer about 90% of your questions. Not only will it answer your questions but when you need help and are given advice you will be able to sort thru all of the Bad Advice and apply the good advice. I understand this forum is Used mostly by beginners, but some folks on here are going on 30 yrs plus of using a camera and they still struggle. The reason is not Understanding the Exposure Triangle. I personally went thru 3 cameras and three expensive trips to Costa Rica back when I first picked up a camera. I could use the camera, but the photographs were snap shots at the best. Frustrated I finally got the advice I needed from a website I visited, which is the same I offer to you. My photography instantly improved with my understanding of the exposure triangle. I can also shoot all types of photography with success. I'm not the best by any means, but their's no guess work in how to capture Any Type of image. Shoot in Raw is a fine thing to accomplish, but it Will Not Improve your photography skills at alllllllllllllllllll. I won't offend you again by giving my type of advice. Wish you well on your photography journey..

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Oct 9, 2019 09:19:09   #
toxdoc42
 
dsmeltz wrote:
RAW files tend to look flat since they contain much more data and the file viewer you use will not display the image well. RAW come into its own when you go to post process and attempt to make more adjustments. The JPEG issue will show all of the adjustments that are made based on the settings you used in taking the shot. These settings are sort of like pre-selected post processing. So (assuming the settings well well chosen) the JPEG should look better. But you will not have as much leeway in post processing a JPEG since much of the data has already been discarded.
The suggestion that you shoot in RAW + JPEG is a good one. Even if you do not do a lot of post right now, with a trip like you are taking, it is nice to have the option in the future to come back and get more form the file.
RAW files tend to look flat since they contain muc... (show quote)


This last point extremely important. On a European cruise, I inadvertently changed from manual to effect. The effects were interesting, but not what I wanted. Since the RAW file was not effected by the setting I was able to recover the "original shot." There are relatively inexpensive 128 GB cards, I think I bought 2 at Costco for under $100, you shouldn't have a problem.

What African trip are you going on? We are looking into one and am a bit turned off by restrictions on baggage, camera equipment and use of small aircraft.

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Oct 9, 2019 09:20:01   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
RAW data from your camera has little processing. A JPEG file as you should know by now has been processed in camera and little to no editing is needed in post. RAW DATA IS NOT A FILE.
I am sure you also know by now that special software is needed to process RAW data. Skills processing that data is necessary since the data from the sensor tends to be flat. Parameters like contrast, colors, brightness or shadow adjustments among others have to be done with an editor.

Your JPEG image is not perfect, it also has noise but I agree that the RAW data has more. Do not let the "professional photographer" confuse you, a JPEG is a great file and it will save you lots of time with minimal manipulation. At times JPEG files can introduce artifacts but that could happen and you will not be able to see them. In post keep the file with a minimum of manipulations for best result and if the file is important to you work on a duplicate of the image and leave the original alone. Save the original as a TIFF.

Your trip to Africa is too close and you do not have the time to learn editing RAW data by then. Keep on shooting JPEG. I would say that if you at present are not familiar with basic photography on your way back it would be a must to learn those basics and then you can begin under guidance to edit RAW data.

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