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If I edit a RAW file, can I save it as a different file, and will it still be a RAW file after it's edited? Or is an edited RAW file automatically converted to a JPEG? Do editors that allow editing of RAW files only allow editing of exposure, white balance and such? I am intimidated by the editing software I have and almost always revert to the JPEG version of the picture (my camera takes RAW and JPEG at the same time when set to RAW). Why is editing in RAW better than editing the same pic in JPEG?
RAW is the biggest file you can have. Its full of data, and the more you have the better. You should be able to choose how you want to save it post-edit, as either a TIFF which is bigger, saves a lot more of the detail you want, without a lot of the loss you get with jpeg compression. Jpeg, saves smaller files, but if you decide to want to re-edit, and don't have the full RAW file anymore, once you re-edit, and re-save, you'll lose a little bit more from the image. At higher resolutions, you would not notice it that much, but if you want to make big prints, TIFF is the way to go.
BUT, a lot of print houses, don't take TIFF, some do, but most of the more common ones don't.
So, here's a suggestion:
Before you edit anything, back up all the original RAW files to a cd, and save them. That way, if you ever need that full RAW image again, you've got it.
Edit to your heart's content, then choose how you wish to save it. Jpeg for easier use, or TIFF for hanging on to more image data.
Either way you'll be fine. But TIFF files, do require a lot more space than Jpeg does.
A raw file is as close to the source as you can get. It captures the camera settings/information used for the picture in its header and retains a much finer level of brightness information per pixel. Something like 4k per pixel, compared to a typical jpg that is like 256. This gives you not only more information in the meta-data (camera used, brightness and other settings, etc) but a much higher quality original to do post processing on.
Typically you open the raw file then after you are done processing it you save it as a jpg leaving you with two files... the original untouched file and the post process jpg.
You just got the skinny here. All good. I shoot RAW for the best possible final image. Whether I save as jpg or tif depends on usage. For emailing or sharing jpg is a must. For anything larger than a 5x7 print I generally use a tif for my own satisfaction that I've done my best. Any print shop that doesn't have the capablility of using tif would not get my business. Professional shops can use tif formats even for large prints. IMO a shop that cuts corners on using jpg only will cut other corners too. Just something to ponder.
Actually there's no difference at all between the quality of prints from high quality JPG or TIFF, regardless of size. The image has the same number of pixels regardless, and the printers don't use more than 8 bits per channel anyway.
Actually there's no difference at all between the quality of prints from high quality JPG or TIFF, regardless of size. The image has the same number of pixels regardless, and the printers don't use more than 8 bits per channel anyway.
Unless you are using on of these 16 bit printers. Yes I know this is an exception but there are those of us who are a little off center.
You just got the skinny here. All good. I shoot RAW for the best possible final image. Whether I save as jpg or tif depends on usage. For emailing or sharing jpg is a must. For anything larger than a 5x7 print I generally use a tif for my own satisfaction that I've done my best. Any print shop that doesn't have the capablility of using tif would not get my business. Professional shops can use tif formats even for large prints. IMO a shop that cuts corners on using jpg only will cut other corners too. Just something to ponder.
Very true on the cutting corners....the big box 1 hour guys, most will only accept jpg files....and their max resolution on film scans is 300 dpi to a 5x7 size only! Accck!
Would you believe, that one of the big box 1 hour retailers is installing these in their 1 hour labs???
I'm not sure the logic behind that one...unless they're going to do one hell of an upgrade!
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