CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Raw isn't just a file format, it's a way of life. We see the world not through our viewfinder, but in the output of our software. In this sense, the purpose of RAW is an act of the imagination.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I don't know what you mean. What is a cataloger?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

A database type program that displays a catalog, and keeps track of of images. Lightroom has one, Elements has one.
I use Windows Explorer to peruse all my images.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Oh Ok. I used to use Picasa. When I got my new computer I couldn't figure out how to transfer Picasa to it. So I'm using Windows Photo. I prefer Picasa, but what ya gonna do?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Raw exclusively since 2007

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Paul is telling you some of the key things that are available to you when processing raw images - things he does. He answered your question in detail as to why and it should give you thought as to whether you are using all those tools. You’re not being “jumped on”, you are being provided with free information from a pro. An appropriate response might be “thank you for the insights”.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Almost exclusively RAW.

Reasons why, for me personally with my cameras;

a) When shooting pre dawn/post sunset sea/landscapes which I do often, the muted skies can be manipulated, when necessary, to a greater degree than they can with a jpeg.

b) I have absolutely no reason not to other than the very rare occasion when I need a higher burst rate.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

If you're going to post queries on this extremely long winded and done to death topic then you need to develop a very thick skin. Every reply on this topic will be subjective and opinionated including mine. You have to choose which is best for you - it will always be different to someone else's.

PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.

I shoot RAW now, but tried RAW and fine JPEG but just double the images to delete if not suitable. Prefer RAW and shoot from different angles, different focal lengths (using a Zoom lens), F stop etc. I am a Nikon shooter so use NX Studio and Photoshop elements, though I am thinking about Photoshop.
This site has been really helpful for advice esp during lock downs with Covid 19.
Best wishes and keep on with the photography.

Photocraig

Yacky,
You stumbled onto the most hackneyed discussion on this forum. Everyone's read or said just about everything that could be said on the topic. Not your fault, you just got here--and welcome to you.

BTW: Don may be direct, but his commentary is well informed and should be taken as such. His structuring the benefits as questions, I am certain, wasn't to malign you or your question. I think he just took that approach because he's considered these issues so very many times.

The genuine benefits of RAW for serious photographers make the issue seem "moot" to them. If a photographer doesn't edit their photos much, as Don said, then RAW may not be the best approach for everything. BUT, IF, somehow the ISO, White Balance or Exposure is missed, there is a lot of latitude available in a RAW file to get that exposure to a usable level. Example, with an older camera, I couldn't transfer the RAW files to the CF card fast enough when shooting sports in fast multiple exposure situations. So I just used JPEG, because I was only cropping and straightening a few of those rapid fire images. If it was dark, I'd have used a different approach and retained RAW.

Hang around, don't take replies as personal responses, but as general discussion expressions, and have some fun. I've been a photographer for going on 70 years, I've been published and have been to school a little. I still learn a lot here. Including from Don! And I maintain what I think is my unique perspective. You should be able to do so, too.
C

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Exclusively RAW w/ custom settings.
--Bob

sumo Loc: Houston suburb

JPEG only. Have tried RAW many times because of this forum. But the post processing is a PIA for me

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I have the camera set to raw and low JPEG so I can quickly download JPEG for my wife for her social media and the raw I save for review and deleting those unacceptable and them PSE those I want and save at the highest resolution JPEG for showing etc.
No magic reason, just works for me.
I delete the small JPEGS once I send them to my wife.

Decenter

Yes, the "master" appeared to be jumping on the writer. A true master would answer the question and then pose others for constructive learning.