Do all of you shoot RAW?

[Kelly Grannell]

In the end the file needs to be converted to?... JPEG

 

[boBQuincy]

In the end the file needs to be converted to?... JPEG

Not really. They can be, and many are, but they do not have to be.

Most of my RAW files are kept in 16 bit mode throughout the processing, as PSD files. When I am finished I save them as PSD. Most never go to JPG unless I am converting them for web use (actually most never go to JPG at all because I shoot RAW with small JPG so I have a JPG to email).

As I understand it the printer driver may convert the 16 bit files to 8 bit, but it is not jpg. Some printers may use a 16 bit file directly.

Of course my cameras only capture a 12 bit file so the 16 bit file is probably padded with four zeros for the MSBs.


boB

 

[0bli0]

another very crucial element is profiling. calibrating your monitor often and using the profile in your workflow, as well as the appropriate printer profile. TN LCDs aren't as accurate as CRTsor good IPS LCD panels, but that may or may not be a factor in the type of work you're doing.
you do not have to ever convert to .jpg if your media usage doesn't require.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Not really. They can be, and many are, but they do not have to be.

Most of my RAW files are kept in 16 bit mode throughout the processing, as PSD files. When I am finished I save them as PSD. Most never go to JPG unless I am converting them for web use (actually most never go to JPG at all because I shoot RAW with small JPG so I have a JPG to email).

As I understand it the printer driver may convert the 16 bit files to 8 bit, but it is not jpg. Some printers may use a 16 bit file directly.

Of course my cameras only capture a 12 bit file so the 16 bit file is probably padded with four zeros for the MSBs.


boB

To me .psd file is not an option. Imagine that my session equals to at least 100 pics. How much space would I need to save all those shots?

 

[Anewman]

To me .psd file is not an option. Imagine that my session equals to at least 100 pics. How much space would I need to save all those shots?

With RAW I never save to ANY format unless I am going to Print/display/etc... And after that I delete the jpeg(or other format).
With the raw file already saved there is no need to save as tiff/psd/etc, the settings used during conversion will still be there when I re open that RAW file and it should be exactly the same as the one I sent to print(unless I choose to apply different conversion settings).

In the end the file needs to be converted to?... JPEG

Yes but just think of math, do you round off befor you complete the equation or do you round off at the end after all calculations have been performed?

 

[boBQuincy]

Oh yes, the 16 bit PSDs get *huge*, especially with many layers. I use up a lot of hard drive space and it got a lot worse now that my wife Suzie has her Rebel XT.
We take a lot of photos and spend enough time editing them as is, I can't imagine doing it this way as a professional! =:0

I never alter my RAW file but always save to PSD after editing so I don't have to open ACR again, and with layers there is no choice anyway.

Round off before, round off after... it's all the same (if my calculus profs could only hear me now).


boB