"I always shoot Raw"

[joewatt]

Thank you.

[FrankMi]

Hi Joe, in reference to post-processing older JPG images, all of my images taken prior to getting my DSLR in February were in-camera processed JPG. In most cases, the post processing has really made a positive impact.

For example, in the publicly posted images link in my signature below, only four of the images from image # 81 to the end of the album were shot in RAW with my DSLR. Can you tell which ones without looking at the EXIF data? I'm sure as your post processing skills improve, you'll do as well and likely much better!

[joewatt]

OK all, I'm chillin'!

[alwaysDSLR]

Now I use only RAW, mid size, after having bad experience with Auto WB while taking indoor shots under JPG previously.

I supposed if we are shooting outdoors most of the time, there isn't much problem as the camera seems able to determine reasonably well, the appropriate WB setting. But when come to indoor shots, the WB setting tends to go haywire with too much red. There are also times when the indoor WB setting was not reset properly for outdoor use and that also messed up the photos.

So shooting with RAW all the time, any WB problem can be easily rectified.

[Letrow]

Now I use only RAW, mid size, after having bad experience with Auto WB while taking indoor shots under JPG previously.

I supposed if we are shooting outdoors most of the time, there isn't much problem as the camera seems able to determine reasonably well, the appropriate WB setting. But when come to indoor shots, the WB setting tends to go haywire with too much red. There are also times when the indoor WB setting was not reset properly for outdoor use and that also messed up the photos.

So shooting with RAW all the time, any WB problem can be easily rectified.

Not sure whether your camera has the option to customize WB, but for me that works fine. I always keep a white piece of paper in my bag and when indoors I shoot it once on the special WB setting to get it customized. I can keep 4 different WBs like this on the D7000. Works like a charm.

[calexe]

For example, in the publicly posted images link in my signature below, only four of the images from image # 81 to the end of the album were shot in RAW with my DSLR. Can you tell which ones without looking at the EXIF data? I'm sure as your post processing skills improve, you'll do as well and likely much better!

No, you coudn´t. Very nice pictures, by the way, I liked particullary #26, #27, #28, #1, to name just a few. You couldn´t make the difference just because image quality may look fine on a 1MP picture. As far as we are posting images on the net / PC, like you and me and all of us, everything is fine.

Problem in RAW vs. JPEG is not necessary about image quality. The embedded JPEG machine of the camera is fine. The real problem is in deciding wether it is comfortable to decide JPEG parameters when shooting or later, on the PC. Most critical would be WB, Sharpness and NR. Camera may do a good job when shooting in daylight, with low ISO. But in difficult lighting / contrast conditions or when you need to make quick decision - then coming home with a JPEG with bad parameters may not make you happy.

When printing - then we ave another story. Here you need large images, 240-300 dpi. On this scale every deffect is emphasized. Thus, a good RAW, processed adequately regarding WB, NR and Sharpness would be nice to have. I would not decide these parameters when shooting if I were to go to print. But of course, everyone may choose the style which fits him better.

Not sure whether your camera has the option to customize WB, but for me that works fine. I always keep a white piece of paper in my bag and when indoors I shoot it once on the special WB setting to get it customized. I can keep 4 different WBs like this on the D7000. Works like a charm.

This may be ok. I am just thinking if it is not easier to shoot AutoWB in RAW, and at home just sample WB via WB-selector tool (available in any photo editor) on any known white / grey surface in the image. I bet the second method would allow one to shoot far quicker (with less preparation) the wanted photo. And one more thing. At least as far as I am concerned, regarding low-light photography, it happens quite often that I am not pleased with the ¨correct¨ WB, determined e.g. via a grey card. I may want to play with WB setting a little bit in the final image. Shooting RAW helps in such a situation, since adjusting WB on a JPEG is quite difficult.