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

Not really, because all images shot with a digital camera start out as a raw capture. It's up to the photographer to decide if he/she is satisfied with the "canned" settings the cameras offer to convert those raw images to jpegs, discarding all the image data not used in the conversion, or if the shooter feels there is less to be lost/more to be gained by visiting those decisions later.

The nature of camera settings is that they are coarse, unforgiving, and in typical use, only the ISO, shutter speed and aperture ever really get changed, and sometimes white balance. Photographers seldom change sharpening, contrast, saturation, color space, etc during shooting - the more typical approach is to set it and forget it, often opting for exposure automation. I for one recognize the benefit of the range and types of adjustments possible in post processing, just like I did when I shot and developed my own black and white sheet film. Except it is easier, faster, and doesn't smell of a chemistry experiment.

I do not allow the camera to apply any settings other than exposure settings, and I take the extra few seconds/minutes to enhance the image in software on my computer. Frankly, many of my images are not possible without the range of options made possible with software processing.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/

BlackRipleyDog

No, you are not wrong. Congratulations on seeing the light (literally).

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Not exactly. I shoot mainly jpg and post process that. It is far from getting what the camera gives me. I understand that with RAW I can get greater dynamic range, but not enough for my purposes.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

JPEG images are images that are created from RAW data. The algorithm used to create a JPEG image from RAW data takes 12bit, 14bit, or 16bit per channel RAW data (# of bits depends on the camera and the camera settings) and compresses it to 8bit per channel in the JPEG format. Every time you open and then save a JPEG file, further JPEG compression (and loss of data) occurs. JPEG images out of camera look ok on the internet or in small prints, but in large prints you often see banding or other defects as a result of data loss. Processing a JPEG image makes the problem worse, because further data losses occur when you save the image in JPEG format. If you intend to process an image or make a large print, use RAW.

timcc Loc: Virginia

The only caveats are a commitment of time and possible expense. You have to post-process RAW, so you will need to take the time and effort necessary to learn how to use a PP software program, and then plan to spend a lot more time on your computer creating the images you want. The dollar expense will depend on which PP program you decide to use -- they range from free to several hundred dollars and vary in their capabilities.

That said, RAW is the only way to go if you want to get the most out of your photography, for the reasons stated in previous responses. Some people hate sitting in front of a computer, and for them JPEG is probably more appropriate since the camera does most or all of the processing. But I think most of us on this forum get considerable pleasure from applying our creative juices on the RAW images in post.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

The only problem with RAW files being "really big" is that they will fill up your memory card and computer hard drive much faster (because both will hold fewer files). I use 8 gig cards (I bought a bunch of them on sale at WalMart on a cross country trip) and have yet to fill a card up with a full day of shooting. I used to buy 2 gig cards and I have filled them up (without really trying).

I shoot RAW and will continue to do so (despite the file size) because I like the leeway it gives me in postprocessing.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

<< Some people hate sitting in front of a computer>>

Amen!! Describes me perfectly. But as much as I despise sitting in front of a computer it's worth it to be able to shoot RAW, the advantages are that great as I see it.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

Others may have mentioned this, but you will need some photo post-processing software. Otherwise you will probably be disappointed in the appearance of straight out of camera raw images.

You have a great camera, but to get the best out of it (IMHO) you should shoot raw.

weasle Loc: Colorado

I shoot in raw now because it makes your edited photos more exciting and can do a lot more with your edits than shooting with jpeg. This is just a sample of my editing in RAW.

GalaxyCat Loc: Boston, MA

That's impressive! What a difference! What exactly did you do in post processing? Increase contrast? What camera do you use?

weasle Loc: Colorado

I use a canon t3i and 75 - 300mm lenses, that camera because of the weight and I just really like this camera, I don't like using tripods so that's another reason. I use LR basically exposure temp and some clarity and white balance.

royb_36-cox.net Loc: Phoenix

If you are going to shoot RAW, which I do to allow more PP if necessary, then from a size consideration, JPG + RAW only requires about 25% more storage space then RAW only. You then have the JPG version immediately available without any PP. For example you just shot photos at a family affair. You can then download the photos from the camera to a PC, MAC or Windows, using the memory card or a USB cable, and show them to the family on a large screen TV using a HDMI cable. And of course view-able files are immediately available. Some cameras are be capable of connecting to a TV to show the photos using HDMI when shooting RAW only. I know the processing from RAW to JPG is simple to do with many programs but I wanted to state that the storage impact is small.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

If it was, everybody would be doing it.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

Once you go RAW - You'll never return to simple jpg.

Hands Down > the one that will give you a file that has ALL your camera can do.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Good for you. The only way to go.