Seems the best way to go if one is consistently happy with the hi-res jpeg product.

I’m finding jpeg image quality when maxed with Sony’s 42MP A7R3 at 3/2 or 16/9 aspect ratio to seldom require PP. But that camera allows RAW images to be simultaneously shot and stored if the PP need arises. Usually jpeg PP is limited to slight light/contrast adjustments.

Remarkable difference. The intension of my original post starting this discussion was my notion that shooting jpeg with a 42MP procam like an A7R3 in its highest setting may, in many cases, negate the need for post processing simply based on the inherit capabilities of this and similar pro grade cameras. This simply proffers the notion that consumer grade cameras may demand PP for jpeg which may otherwise not be required with much more advanced cameras. From these helpful discussions, I’ve come to realize that despite the quality level of a camera, there can always be desired PP enhancements shooting RAW no matter what camera one uses.

Thanks for response. Is FOTOR more capable than the Microsoft packaged edit s/w found in windows 10?

Thanks to all posts. There’s no ? that max flexibility and enhancement potential is via RAW approach. The trade off for those of us a bit more technically challenged is that jpeg format may be more often acceptable in quality when shot at max res/fine settings with pro grade cameras and lenses.

When using RAW editing s/w (haven’t yet), should I expect to see the dramatic decrease in file size that I find when editing a, say, 32 MB jpeg image when using Windows 10 “Photo” editing s/w? I find that minor tweaks like clarity and contrast to a sizable jpeg results in a saved file size at about half the original. Am I to assume that lots of this is sacrificed resolution.

With hi-cap as cards being so cheap these days storage is not an issue for many—at least for single shot scenarios. 4K is another matter.

Thanks for the response. What’s your choice in a basic user friendly s/w you’d recommend?

Just wish I would’ve done all this traveling well before hitting 65! 😎

Thanks for the reply. Ultimately, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. But I’ve learned from the several posts that even a very high fidelity jpeg straight from a high end camera can still benefit from the myriad nuances that the RAW editing process can bring. But, then again, that will be a modification altered to suit one’s visual “ideal” that may have lost appeal to another. Thanks again for all the thoughtful replies.

What editing s/w do you use?

That’s been my conclusion as well.

No editing s/w with cam but it can shoot and save RAW and jpeg simultaneously.

Thanks so much for the reply. Several respondents on this subject concur with the flexibility and enhancement potential of RAW file editing. Appreciate your input. Regards // Chuck

I appreciate all the input and perspective. My thought/desire in spending all that $$ for the 42MP Sony A7R3 was getting a “max” jpeg quality image in the camera’s highest resolution setting (30-40 MB file size) and thus, as a photo neophyte, avoid all the editing learning complications thereafter. Maybe I wasted lots of money on this venture but I have to admit that the pics are quite remarkable displayed on a 4K 65 inch OLED TV screen. I’m very grateful for all of your perspectives and realize how complicated all of this can be. // Chuck