What is your usual shooting format?

[DoleWhipDVC]

Advice seems quite varied on this one, but I'm wondering what folks usually use for their shooting format. I have shot jpeg only until recently in order to save room on my memory card. However, I really got into making small adjustments to sharpness and saturation, with some noise reduction in post processing. I have the Canon supplied "Digital Photo Professional" which came with the camera. As I research, it seems that since I'm not making major changes (no HDR or other cool stuff) I could probably just shoot jpeg/fine and be happy with the minimal post adjustments offered with the OEM software for post processing. I've also read to NEVER shoot in sRAW (don't really know why), but I've used it to save space and still get the versatility of RAW post processing ability. So, is RAW worth the space on a memory card if you're not making major changes in post? Is there a difference in quality to an enlargement if the photo was taken in RAW or jpeg? Anything else I should consider when making my format choices?

One other question - I was given a gift of software called, "Photo Explosion" but it's never been out of the box due to my limited post processing experience. If anyone is familiar with that software, is it preferable over Canon's "Digital Photo Professional" ? Thanks for any input

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I like shooting raw because it is unprocessed straight from the sensor. You also get the benefit of great highlight recovery using a program like PS LightRoom, which I use and really like.
I do not care how much room it might take up on a memory card. My Nikon D7000 takes 2 sd cards. I use twin 16gb cards so that is good for like 1000 Raw images @ 16mp.

 

[mossyflossyhub]

I always use RAW as it means that the information comes straight off the camera sensor and is not processed by the camera. This always allows much more room to correct highights and shadows in Lightroom without losing image quality and crucially, does not lock the colour balance into the shot. This can be assigned to anything you like in processing.

 

[SrisonS]

I think you should be fine just shooting jpeg if you only do small adjustments. But if you get the occasional shot that needs real saving, having it in RAW will be beneficial. Also, a good reason to keep shooting RAW now is that as your processing skills progress, you can go back to those older pictures to really give them some major life.

And Canon's software isn't all that versatile, so you won't be able to really really play around with your pictures too much. Lightroom is an easy program to get used to though, in case you want to look into something different.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Just started shooting raw, as I explore using photoshop elements. Consider getting it next time it is on sale. You can usually find it under $70 when on sale.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I shoot JPEG + Raw. I use my JPEG for my instant gratification and review and the RAW for PP with PSE. Memory and storage is fairly cheap so I really don't worry about it. I shoot with 8gb class 6/10 cards. I get 370+ images per card with my 10mp camera.

 

[zackiedawg]

I wouldn't let space be a deciding factor - more space for storage can be found at reasonable prices nowadays. It should come down to using the best format that works for your needs, provides the results you want, and pleases you.

I personally prefer to use JPG. I have occasionally used RAW for hired shoots when the extra processing latitude is needed in case of a screw up of a one-chance-only shot. I have fairly extensive processing skill and experience, for almost a decade, good processing software, and lots of experience with cameras and digital photography, so for me it's not a matter of using JPG because I don't know any better or don't have the processing skill. It's just pure preference - I can get what I want out of JPG, with careful attention to all my camera settings and fine-tuning the camera's JPG output, so that I can avoid processing corrections. This allows me to do more of what I enjoy - shooting photographs - and less of what I don't enjoy (sitting in front of a computer doing processing). In the end, it's what works for you and makes you happy...so try out RAW, see if you feel it's worth the time for the results you get, or if you feel you need the extra latitude to correct mistakes...if you like it, then you can start using RAW...otherwise you may find JPG works just fine...or you can shoot RAW + JPG and get both - use the JPG when you get it right and don't need any more processing, or use the RAW when you want to or need to make some alterations.

 

[MOmousefan]

I shot RAW + jpeg on my last trip and am glad I did. I am so frustrated with white balance that the ability to correct it is invaluable. Like a pp, I like the jpeg for instant viewing.

 

[YesDear]

I shoot uncompressed RAW. Memory is so cheap today I want the flexibility.

 

[Buzzguy]

If I shoot with my Pen I usually shoot .jpeg

If I shoot with my E3 I usually shoot .ORF

Most common exception is motorcross, I'll use .jpeg there.

 

[YesDear]

I shoot uncompressed RAW. Memory is so cheap today I want the flexibility.

 

[Evad]

I shoot jpeg 100% of the time. I just don't have the time to sit and process the heck out of my shots. A couple tweaks in pse 7 and perhaps some topaz when needed and I'm done....

 

[ssanders79]

I started out shooting just jpeg then moved to raw+jpeg to just RAW. I wish I could go back to the early days and get those jpegs as RAW files. In my mind I can always batch export RAWs to jpeg if needed, not the other way around.

As others have said memory is cheap so do not let file size be a factor. Even if you do not want to really want to post process your photos now, you may change your mind a year or two down the road. I am one who likes to have options.

 

[DPK400]

I shoot 100% RAW only. I've always likened it to a digital negative. My philosophy in life is "Better to have and not need than to need and not have". I just continue to buy larger and larger disk arrays to store my photos. Some may even call me a digital negative "hoarder".

 

[mom2rtk]

I started out shooting just jpeg then moved to raw+jpeg to just RAW. I wish I could go back to the early days and get those jpegs as RAW files. In my mind I can always batch export RAWs to jpeg if needed, not the other way around.

As others have said memory is cheap so do not let file size be a factor. Even if you do not want to really want to post process your photos now, you may change your mind a year or two down the road. I am one who likes to have options.

I followed the same progression and feel the same way. What I wouldn't give to have my kids baby photos in RAW now! I scrapbook and took some out to work with recently. It's amazing how all the shots I thought were so great don't look nearly as nice now! And not only are they not RAW, they're not even digital! I was really disappointed at how little I could do with the scanned files.......

Absolutely better to have and not need than to need and not have.........

 

[My2Girls66]

I shoot jpeg 100% of the time. I just don't have the time to sit and process the heck out of my shots. A couple tweaks in pse 7 and perhaps some topaz when needed and I'm done....

Same here except the Topaz part