RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Raw + JPEG is a sound strategy.

If there is a particular important or valuable image that would benefit from retouching and or enhancement, then the raw file would be superior than working with a jpeg. While a JPEG can be improved, working with a raw file is essentially like re-exposing the image. Because a raw file is a digital negative with much more image information by a factor in it, pixels that appear the same color, aren't, but the difference may be very subtle… this subtle difference can be accessed by soon who knows what they are doing, to improve an image with detail that a jpeg simply no longer contains. This isn't opinion, this is indisputable mathematical fact. Of course it depends on if it was properly exposed to begin with… a poor image is a poor image, but a poor RAW file is way more fixable that the JPEG version.

As ALL cameras take raw files, then apply automatic, irreversible adjustments and then compress the image using the pixel averaging JPEG algorithm. So include it, stating they are duplicates of the JPEG he can see, and that if any warrant retouching… the digital negatives are available for a professional to work with.

This leaves the option open… perhaps never to be used… but having JPEG & RAW files represent a value added exchange at no extra cost for you, if the need should ever arise.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

When shooting family/grandkids, I shoot raw + jpg . . . That way I can use them on social media immediately and/or give them to my family members. But I still have the raw file in case I want to post process and print or post.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

3dees

I know it's the "right" thing to do, but I have never taken a shot in raw. I use Elements to tweak photo's and I'm not very good at that. I don't pixel peep. I don't sell my photo's. I print up to 13x19 and I'm happy to leave it at that. I'm not very computer savy and at my age I don't want the headache of learning. JPEG only for me.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

RAW is like a religion ......


Most people who follow the RAW religion are computer nerds/geeks ( artists?) or they are trying to sell something related to RAW ( magazines/books, seminars, software/hardware/memory makers, ect, ect) FIRST, - and only incidentally are they photographers - IMO. ..........( remember, I said most - not ALL)

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

Shoot both formats at the same time and like some have said finish the job, put them on a DVD and you will have a friend forever. If you need an extra card to cover the event, get one, as cards are cheap.

whitewolfowner

Why would want to sacrifice quality and give your friend anything but your best. Explain the situation to him and either do it right or don't do it at all. After all it could start a bad rap for you.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Yes, he won't know or appreciate the difference (Unless you never want to be asked again!).

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Shoot both!!! Problem solved

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

Sounds like you missed the answer that's already contained in the question, hmmmmmm???

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There are some cameras that don't shoot RAW, such as the Nikon Bridge camera (P900) and others. And some Sony Pocket cameras, even with 20 megapixels. I own one of them. JPEG only. So, one should have a camera that shoots RAW, or RAW+JPEG. I have one of them too. As this being done as a free favor to a friend, is RAW really mandatory? I have given free, SD cards to friends, shot only in JPEG, and they have been quite happy with the results.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

No, not mandatory at all. Wise perhaps...but some feel it is just not necessary. All we can do is try to lay out the various pros and cons. The ultimate decision is the shooters if shooting for free...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

whitewolfowner

To be honest it all comes down to the level of quality you are doing and what the recipient expects from you. If you want to give them back the best possible job you can do, then you need to shoot in RAW and post process the files in a good software program you know. After that, to improve, you would have to improve your shooting skills. Me, personally, I would never hand over a file to someone else without post processing it first; in my book the photo is still undone.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

If it were me I would say no to using his card. I would use my own card and give him the finished photos. That way you can control the out come of the finished photos. You don't want him to control your work. The out come just might make you look bad.