Unit Two : The Gear
Why choose raw?
For many photographers, raw is the way to go. As we’ve already learned, raw files give us more latitude in our post processing. Let’s look at more key advantages to using raw.
Higher Image Quality: raw files contain more data and information, preserving details and colors that may be lost in JPEG compression. This results in higher overall image quality, especially in situations with challenging lighting conditions.
Greater Dynamic Range: Raw files typically capture a broader dynamic range, allowing for better retention of details in both highlights and shadows. This is beneficial when photographing scenes with high contrast.
Non-Destructive Editing: Raw files allow for non-destructive editing, meaning adjustments can be made without permanently altering the original image data. This provides photographers with the freedom to experiment and refine their edits.
White Balance Adjustments: Raw files enable precise control over white balance during post-processing. Photographers can easily correct or fine-tune white balance settings without compromising image quality.
Adjustable Exposure: Raw files offer more latitude for exposure adjustments, allowing photographers to recover details in overexposed or underexposed areas. This flexibility is especially valuable in challenging lighting situations.
Flexible Color Correction: Raw files provide extensive control over color correction, allowing photographers to adjust hues, saturation, and color balance with greater precision. This is particularly useful for achieving accurate and consistent color representation.
More Editing Options: Photographers have more control over sharpening, noise reduction, tone and contrast, perspective, lens corrections, and much more.
Future-Proofing: Raw files contain all the original sensor data, making them more future-proof. As software and editing tools evolve, photographers can revisit raw files to take advantage of new processing capabilities without loss of image quality.
Customizable Compression: While JPEG files use lossy compression, raw files can be converted to various formats with different compression levels, allowing photographers to choose the most suitable file type for their specific needs.
Let’s see raw in action.
Watch the attached video for examples of just how much control you have with raw files.
Since raw files are not directly viewable, you will need software which can read and manipulate raw file types. We will go into more detail during our processing unit, but some popular options for software include:
Adobe Lightroom (paid)
Capture One (paid)
ON1 Photo Raw (paid)
DxO PhotoLab (paid)
Affinity Photo (paid)
RawTherapee (free)
Filmulator (free)
Darktable (free)
Apple Photos (included in MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS)
Brand Specific Software: your camera may have come with raw processing software specific to your brand such as Canon DPPS.