Raw or jpeg

[mikew]

Ok that old chestnut, i do wonder though if we should rethink it in certain areas, i shoot raw and jpeg and would never say don't shoot raw, i do wonder though if we as photographers can put newcomers off with our pushing of raw.

We get a new potential camera owner or one that has already made the purchase joining a forum, they explain its their first proper camera after using a phone camera, they want to take family snaps, holiday snaps, and general pictures, much of the advice they get will be centered around shooting raw.

If we look at the advances made on the sensor front with exposure and focus, the AI the manufacturers have built into the camera jpeg engine would they be better just taking pictures and enjoying it,i don't use a phone but am i right in thinking most phones use AI in conjunction with jpeg.If these newcomers at the moment only want pictures to keep and post online and will never print or buy prints bigger than 6x4 why confuse the issue with raw.
Never used it but i have read P mode on a modern camera works very well.

[mikew]

A couple of examples, both jpeg the Duck just resized for posting the gull had the shadows lifted slightly, while raw may have been better jpeg has come a long way.

[Thai-Mike]

At my beginning I shot RAW, even everybody on Forums told me shoot RAW . I remember I was brave to shoot in P mode, when it was a difficult light situation I shot in Auto mode. But it was JPEG all the time. Then I got my LR3 an dI shat a few pics in RAW. I tried to pp it and messed up. So I kept shooting JPEG but also RAW, cos wouldn't give up. Than about 2 years later I was brave enough to shoot only RAW on a family vacation. That time I learned how much I was able to get out from my camera.

Here in Thailand when people ask me: "Should I shoot RAW or JPEG" my answer is every time the same. " Shoot as long JPEG as you need to get comfortable with PP. It will take time. But if you never shoot RAW it doesn't matter ether cos you must be satisfied with your pics".

For me now, on Tripod I try using M mode cos that is the time where I got time to set up. On Street I shoot S mode, on not so good light I shoot A mode, P mode when I don't know what should I use. Yes, sometimes I am confused with the photo review on the LCD screen, so I let the camera decide.

Since I got the z50 I shoot RAW and JPEG but pp the RAW files cos I like to do it. JPEG on the z50 are beautiful, so I set my U1 Mode to sport and JPEG, US Mode for people JPEG and RAW, just in case my wife want something stylish. *

[Rodbender]

Well it's like this, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". At the ripe old age of 81 (almost 82) I'm an ex professional from the days of film. Photographic shop and studio owner covering anything from passports, weddings and commercial work for companies like Fords, WW, (Motor show stuff) and many others. Came out of the trade just before digital cameras hit the market. Not wanting to learn a new technology I have stayed with shooting JPEGS. Ok I guess I'm missing out on some quality by considering I only use a relatively cheap camera, am I missing that much. Most of my images are for web display and I'm quite happy with the results. I too think RAW is for those who have the time and expertise while producing their images. I personally feel that camera manufactures have just about nailed the JPEG image quality and there is not much one can do to produce anything markedly better unless you are looking for special effects. I generally also shoot in auto mode. Gone now are the days when I used to look at a subject and know instantly what setting to use on my camera, or use a light meter. My advice to all new comers is forget about the camera settings, use auto, concentrate on the viewfinder and compose your image correctly. Scan all corners of the viewfinder display for unwanted objects and distractions. Don't just take pictures, make them. Above all enjoy your hobby.

[Thai-Mike]

. Don't just take pictures, make them.

Wisely spoken

[Thai-Mike]

Because mikew mentioned it I did a test with jpeg sooc and also jpeg sooc and a pp twist. I was wondering jpeg's can be twisted

[Thai-Mike]

[mikew]

Good examples of how jpeg has come on over the years

[mikew]

Good examples of how jpeg has moved on.

For a year i had a Nikon P900 not only a very small sensor but jpeg only, i was looking for an avatar and came across my P900 folder, i dont think this is bad for a jpeg from such a small sensor.

[Thai-Mike]

That is an amazing example and btw a great capture as well