Unlocking Raw Potential: Unconventional Uses For Your Camera

Shooting in RAW is a topic that comes up a lot in photography, and it's an important one to understand. RAW files are simply digital image files stored on your camera or smartphone's memory card, and they offer a lot of advantages over other formats like JPEG. RAW files are uncompressed and provide much greater control over the final image, but they also have some downsides, such as larger file sizes and the need for additional editing software. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of shooting in RAW and provide some tips on how to get started.

RAW files are uncompressed and take up a lot more space on your memory card

The trade-off between image quality and file size is an important one to consider when choosing your camera settings. If you're shooting in a situation where you need the absolute best image quality, then uncompressed RAW is the way to go. However, if you're concerned about storage space or transfer speeds, then compressed RAW might be a better option. Keep in mind that even with compressed RAW files, you're still getting excellent image quality - it's just a matter of how much data is being preserved.

Another option to consider is lossless compressed RAW, which offers the best of both worlds. This type of compression reduces file size without any loss of data, so you get the same image quality as uncompressed RAW but with smaller file sizes. Not all cameras offer this option, but it's worth checking if yours does.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to shoot uncompressed or compressed RAW depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're a professional photographer who requires the absolute best image quality, then uncompressed RAW is the way to go. However, if you're an amateur photographer or just shooting for fun, compressed RAW might be a more practical option.

Every camera manufacturer has its own RAW file format

The lack of standardisation in the RAW format has concerned photographers who worry that their RAW photos may become inaccessible in the future as software becomes obsolete and RAW formats are dropped. However, the availability of high-quality open-source software that can decode RAW image formats has helped to alleviate these concerns.

Some common camera RAW file extensions include .DNG, .CR2, .NEF, and .ARW.

You need specific software to open a RAW file

RAW files are uncompressed and unprocessed image data captured by a digital camera or scanner's sensors. They are not images themselves and require specific software to be viewed and edited.

To open a RAW file, you need image-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Luminar Neo. The software you use will depend on your camera type, computer operating system, or smartphone.

• Adobe Photoshop: A popular photo-editing software that can open, edit, and convert RAW files.
• Adobe Lightroom: An all-in-one solution for managing and editing RAW files, with a user-friendly interface.
• Luminar Neo: Offers a blend of power and simplicity, with AI-enhanced editing capabilities and seamless compatibility with Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Raw Viewer: A free and user-friendly raw image viewer for Windows and macOS, supporting various camera raw formats.
• WidsMob Viewer Pro: A media viewer and camera companion for Windows and macOS, offering fast browsing of various picture and video formats.
• IrfanView: A free Windows raw photo viewer and editor that supports over 15 raw formats and various other image, video, and audio formats.

RAW files are not universally recognised file types

For example, Canon RAW files are .CR2 or .CR3, whilst Nikon are .NEF.

When it comes to smartphones, most Android smartphones that support RAW primarily shoot in DNG, which is a universal RAW file format. Apple has a new ProRAW format.

The most common RAW image file is the .dng format. Adobe created the .dng in 2003 to create a universal RAW file that everyone in the industry could use. It hasn't solved the problem completely, but it has become the most common RAW file.

• IIQ: Intelligent Image Quality by Phase One. Use Capture One, Adobe Lightroom, or Photoshop.
• 3FR: Hasselblad. Use Adobe Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Photos, or File Magic.
• DCR, K25, KDC: Kodak. Use GIMP or Adobe Photoshop.
• CRW, CR2, CR3: Canon. Use Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
• MEF: Mamiya. Use Adobe Photoshop Elements or DNG Converter.
• MOS: Leaf. Use Capture One or RawTherapee.
• NEF: Nikon. Use Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
• ORF: Olympus. Use Aftershot, Adobe Photoshop CC, or Photoshop Elements.
• PEF: Pentax Electronic File by Pentax. Use Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
• RW2: Panasonic. Use Adobe Photoshop Elements or RawTherapee.
• ARW, SRF, SR2: Sony. Use Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.

RAW files are harder to share with friends and family

To share RAW files, photographers typically rely on specialised file-sharing services or platforms that support larger file transfers, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer. These platforms often provide password-protected folders or links to ensure secure sharing. While effective, this approach may require the recipient to have access to compatible software and a certain level of technical proficiency to download and view the images.

Another option is to provide RAW files on physical storage media, such as DVDs or external hard drives, which can be mailed or delivered directly to the intended recipient. This method bypasses the limitations of digital file-sharing but may be less convenient and timely.

It is worth noting that RAW files are often considered the "digital negatives" of photography, containing the highest level of detail and quality. They serve as the foundation for further editing and manipulation, allowing photographers to fine-tune various aspects of their images. However, due to their uncompressed nature, RAW files can be cumbersome to work with and require additional processing steps before they can be easily shared or displayed.

For casual sharing with friends and family, photographers often opt to convert their RAW files into more widely compatible formats, such as JPEG or PNG. These formats offer smaller file sizes and broader compatibility with various devices and software, making them ideal for sharing through email, social media, or messaging platforms. While this approach may result in a slight loss of image quality, it strikes a balance between convenience and maintaining a high level of visual fidelity.

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