Lossy versus Lossless

Characteristics of a RAW file:

·       At least 8 bits per color- red, green, blue

·       Uncompressed

·       The complete data from the camera’s sensor

·       Higher in dynamic range

·       Not as sharp

·       Not suitable for printing directly from the camera or without post processing

·       Read only

·       Waiting to be processed by your computer

Characteristics of a JPEG file:

·       Readable

·       EXACTLY 8 bits per color

·       Compressed

·       Fairly small in file size

·       Lower in Dynamic Range

·       Higher in contrast

·       Sharper

·       Immediately suitable for printing or posting on the web

·       Not in need of correction

·       Able to be manipulated

·       Processed by your camera

What are three advantages of a RAW file:

1.    Chance to change white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation, and calibration of colors.

2.    More control over how your image looks.

3.    You can correct mistakes you made when you took the photograph.

What is one disadvantage of a RAW file: 

1.    Unprocessed RAW file is less sharp.

What are three advantages of a JPEG file:

1.    You’ll be able to shoot more shots using JPEG than RAW because the slowest part of the whole process is actually saving the file to your memory card.

2.    Suitable for printing immediately.

3.    Not in need of correction.

        

What is one disadvantage of a JPEG file:

1.    Some color is lost, as is some of the revolution.

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1. Under the first heading "Capturing the Images," how much of the data does a RAW file retain after it is captured by the camera?

·       It retains all of the information.

2. Under the second heading "Processing the Files," what are some of the things that a RAW file enables a photographer to edit after the image is taken?

·       White balance, contrast, highlights, shadows, colors, and saturation.

3. Under the third heading "Practicalities," what are some of the factors that photographers must consider when deciding to shoot in RAW?

·       Not all DSLR cameras have the option of shooting in raw.

·       RAW files take up more space than JPEG

·       You can convert RAW to JPEG but not the other way around.

4. Under the fourth heading "Which one is for you?" why would an aspiring professional photographer need to know how to work with RAW files?

·       Invest in time and money in learning skills and software.