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Image Processing

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JohnAdmin
(@johnadmin)
Posts: 1302
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Topic starter
 

Just to recap in the raw vs jpg debate.

All digital cameras produce a raw file. It's the data that's captured directly from the sensor. To create an actual image that data has to be processed.

If your camera produces (or you set it to produce) a jpg file then there is a processor in the camera that does the work for you. This can be very convenient if you're sending images off to social media, making a record of something or are in fact very pleased with the type/quality of the image that the camera's produced. The downside is that you are limited to what further processing you can do. And every time you do more processing and resave the file it will degrade a little.

If you opt for saving as a raw file then you have to do all the processing work yourself. Which suits many photographers (but can be a pain if all you want is a quick record image of something).  But, having processed your image and exported a jpg from it, you can go back as many times as you like to reprocess (maybe in a different style) and re-export it as another jpg without any loss of quality.

Both of the above are huge simplifications. Neither way is wrong or right, it all depends on preference and what the image is to be used for. There are pro's and con's on both sides.

If anyone has any questions about either process I'm happy to help.

 
Posted : December 17, 2017 6:21 pm
RodB
 RodB
(@rodb)
Posts: 486
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Some very good points here.

Many cameras give you the option of providing both a Raw fine and a JPEG each time you press the shutter. Then, if you are in a rush to send off a picture and the JPEG looks good, then Bob's your uncle. You have a RAW file which can be kept as a negative used to be, and is there to go back to whenever you wish, and will never degrade regardless of how many times you open it, unlike JPEGS which are already greatly compressed and degrade a little each time they are edited.

Sorry to have veered off a little from the original subject of Photoshop v the rest.

R.B.

 
Posted : December 18, 2017 1:02 am
Misterg
(@misterg)
Posts: 369
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If anyone has any questions about either process I'm happy to help.

And in case you don't know John is a mighty fine photographer!

 
Posted : December 18, 2017 10:54 am
devman613
(@devman)
Posts: 782
Member
 

Some very good points here.

Many cameras give you the option of providing both a Raw fine and a JPEG each time you press the shutter. Then, if you are in a rush to send off a picture and the JPEG looks good, then Bob's your uncle. You have a RAW file which can be kept as a negative used to be, and is there to go back to whenever you wish, and will never degrade regardless of how many times you open it, unlike JPEGS which are already greatly compressed and degrade a little each time they are edited.

Sorry to have veered off a little from the original subject of Photoshop v the rest.

My camera has that facility and that's what I do. I transfer the RAW files to a separate HDD to save space on my aging pc.

"Try to live a good life. Don't be afraid to be what you are'. some bloke in the pub.

 
Posted : December 18, 2017 11:29 am