RAW and JPEG

A perfect setting in a camera is how you get the perfect picture. Almost all DSLRs have a recording mode called RAW.

A RAW file format is the digital negative of a digital photo. It contains unprocessed information that is stored in the digital camera's sensor when the picture is clicked. It stores the file header that contains white-balance information, changes made to contrast, saturation, and color with the Digital Effects Control, any image processing applied in a subject program setting, and changes to sharpness. Hence the name RAW. Different companies use different file extensions: Minolta(.mrw), Canon (.crw), Nikon (.nef), Olympus (.orf), Sony (.arw) and Casio (.bay).

Most DSLRs in the modern times employ better post-processing algorithms to convert RAW to JPEG with lesser losses. So JPEG can be preferred for photographs which are not for exhibit purposes. The writing time is faster, bracketing mode can be employed and memory occupied is lesser. These formats involve no post-processing as it is already done by the camera according to the setting and then stored onto the storage drive.

RAW formats are used for advanced photography and can be edited to any setting like sepia or black & white. Photo editing softwares like Adobe Photoshop with a raw-file plugin is used to get the perfect print for exhibit purposes. In few cameras like the Minolta DiMAGE 7i, delays of thirty seconds can occur as the image is save onto the CompactFlash Card or the Microdrive. It is preferable to use such formats only for still photography. RAW format mode also disables the usage of continous or UHS advance bracketing modes. But in any case, RAW formats are only used for still photographs which have to be post processed using a software.

Professional photographers usually spend a lot of time processing the RAW files using softwares like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Aperture. Amateur photographers can prefer the JPEG format for faster clicks while professional photographers should use the RAW format.