Lossy versus Lossless

Characteristics of RAW files:

- At least 8 bits per color- red green and blue

- Uncompressed

- Complete data from camera’s sensor

- Higher dynamic range

- Lower in contrast

- Not as sharp

- Read only

- Waiting to be processed by your computer

- Not suitable for printing directly from the camera

Characteristics of JPEG files:

- Standard format readable by any image program

- Exactly 8 bits per color

- Fairly small in file size

- Lower in dynamic range

- Higher in contrast

- Sharper

- Suitable for printing and sharing on web IMMEDIATELY

- Processed by camera

What are three advantages of a RAW file?

1.     More control over how your image looks

2.     Chance to change white balance, exposure, contrast, and calibration or the red, green and blue guns

3.     Correct mistakes you made when you took the photo

What is one disadvantage of a RAW file?

1.     Unprocessed RAW file is less sharp

What are three advantages of a JPEG file:

1.     Quickly processed

2.     Be able to shoot more shots using JPEG than RAW

3.     Suitable for sharing immediately

What is one disadvantage of a JPEG file:

1.     Some color is lost, as is some of the resolution

1.    Under the first heading "Capturing the Images," how much of the data does a RAW file retain after it is captured by the camera?

All of the data

2.    Under the second heading "Processing the Files," what are some of the things that a RAW file enables a photographer to edit after the image is taken?

White balance, contrast, highlights, shadows, colors and saturation

3.    Under the third heading "Practicalities," what are some of the factors that photographers must consider when deciding to shoot in RAW?

If your camera has RAW option, space in memory card, converting RAW to JPEG

4.    Under the fourth heading "Which one is for you?" why would an aspiring professional photographer need to know how to work with RAW files?

Invest in time and money in learning skills and software