RAW versus JPEG

In my last posting, Sheree asked what RAW is and how you can get your camera to use RAW instead of JPEG. Instead of answering in the comment section, I decided to make a new post on the matter.

RAW is the true image data captured by your camera's image ship. If you shoot in JPEG mode (which most camera's do automatically), you are compressing the image data down into the JPEG format.

A lot of point-and-shoot cameras don't give you the option to shoot RAW, and if you have a camera that does then you need software on your computer that can read the RAW data.

Fortunately, Photoshop Elements has a very good RAW editor. It's what I use most of the time. If you don't have Photoshop, then your camera may have come with RAW editing software.

RAW takes a little getting used to because the files are larger and they take your computer a few seconds longer to upload and process. But you have more options and get better results when working with a RAW file.

For a better explanation of what RAW is, how it can make your photos better, and some of the drawbacks of shooting RAW, see this article that I wrote about the subject.

As for how to get your camera to shoot RAW, you will have to refer to that dreaded manual that came with your camera. You know, that little booklet you have never really looked at, even though you probably have a little voice in the back of your head that keeps saying you should.