I have had my camera for about 3 months and am really liking it. I am just getting around to experimenting with RAW files and and confused. I set the camera to RAW + Jpeg and when I view the images in Irfanview, Capture NX2, or most any other software, the JPEG and RAW files look exactly the same (contrast, color saturation, white balance, etc). I know I am getting the RAW files by looking at the file properties. When I look at the same files in Picasa 3, the RAW files look like RAW files (flatter contrast, lower color sat, etc). What the heck is going on here????
Viewing RAW Files
- Thread starter Borghi
- Start date
Welcome to the dslr arena 
You can simply google the difference between jpeg and raw. Raw is best when it comes to post processing an image, while jpeg loses its potential. Sometimes a little bit of post processing gives more life to your picture. When I joined this forum, my first sentence was 'I hate post processing'. But, I bit my tongue soon thereafter
From my Galaxy S2 (Tapatalk 2)
You can simply google the difference between jpeg and raw. Raw is best when it comes to post processing an image, while jpeg loses its potential. Sometimes a little bit of post processing gives more life to your picture. When I joined this forum, my first sentence was 'I hate post processing'. But, I bit my tongue soon thereafter
From my Galaxy S2 (Tapatalk 2)
A RAW file is simply that, a complete raw file that has had nothing done to it. A JPEG file is a formerly RAW file that has been processed and approximately 3/4 of the information has been thrown away. If you are going to use your image files "as is" then there's essentially no difference between the two. The reason is that before you can share the RAW file you have to convert it to a JPEG so that others can see it and so that its size is small enough to be emailed (or uploaded).
If, however, if you plan on fine tuning it so as to maximize the aesthetic appeal or to adjust the image to be closer to your original concept when you took the image, then you would want to keep the RAW file. It has all the information that will allow you to adjust and tweak it to more suit your artistic vision.
If, however, if you plan on fine tuning it so as to maximize the aesthetic appeal or to adjust the image to be closer to your original concept when you took the image, then you would want to keep the RAW file. It has all the information that will allow you to adjust and tweak it to more suit your artistic vision.
Photowyzard
Senior Member
Borghi,
I sometimes shoot jpg and raw images at the same time as well and I compared the two on my system in Capture NX2.
I opened a jpeg and a raw file of the same image, side by side, they both pretty much look the same.
So, you have my curiosity as well. I have never worried about it but if there is a reason, I am keen to know as well.
I sometimes shoot jpg and raw images at the same time as well and I compared the two on my system in Capture NX2.
I opened a jpeg and a raw file of the same image, side by side, they both pretty much look the same.
So, you have my curiosity as well. I have never worried about it but if there is a reason, I am keen to know as well.
Disorderly
Senior Member
You may not be aware that each RAW file includes a JPEG preview. Some applications are just showing you that preview, which was processed with all the enhancement settings you have enabled in your camera. Others work with the RAW data and current settings. That's the difference.
If you use Adobe Camera Raw & Photoshop, you may notice that it shows as exclamation point in the image viewer for a few seconds. It's telling you that it's still loading and processing the RAW data, and what you're seeing is the JPEG preview. So until that ! disappears, you aren't necessarily seeing an accurate representation of the image data and settings.
If you use Adobe Camera Raw & Photoshop, you may notice that it shows as exclamation point in the image viewer for a few seconds. It's telling you that it's still loading and processing the RAW data, and what you're seeing is the JPEG preview. So until that ! disappears, you aren't necessarily seeing an accurate representation of the image data and settings.
Photowyzard
Senior Member
Excellent! Thank you. I figured there might be a logical explanation.
I love this site, that explanation was just what I needed. I could never get my head round the 'RAW is like a negative' description. I found that very confusing. Just a few lines here from some informed individuals and it all falls in to place. Up till now I have been nervous of shooting RAW but I feel now I can give it a try.
Thanks guys and thanks Borghi for starting the thread.
Thanks guys and thanks Borghi for starting the thread.