You will hear of people talk about RAW files. What are they and what use are they to you?
With film, when you take the photo, the basic image detail is contained on the negative. It is in its original format but can be manipulated afterwards.
With digital imaging, the camera itself can manipulate and change the file so that the image data is different to that which entered the camera. The changes the camera makes includes changing white balance, changing ISO and compressing the file into a specific format.
Many cameras can discard all of these manipulations and shoot RAW files that is, a file that has not been changed in any way and is in its basic, virgin, format.
The RAW file can be uploaded onto the computer for further processing and adjustments.
The advantages of RAW files are:
-no data is lost
-the original image is preserved
-further manipulations can be made
-improved images
The disadvantages are:
-RAW files are bigger and take longer to upload
-more work is needed
-greater storage space is needed
The main problem with RAW files is that they are large. This means they will take longer to write to your card and computer and fill your memory card more quickly. Having the basic image data available, however, means that data is not lost and, if saved as a master copy, will always be there for future use and manipulation.
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com
