What Is A RAW File?
Someone just asked me that, so I thought it would be a good idea to post the explaination here…
A RAW image file is basically the digital equivalent of a film negative. I open each image file in Photoshop, which has a conversion plugin, and then I can make a series of choices about how the image is “developed.” I can choose the exposure range, the sharpness levels, the white balance, the color saturation, etc. Of course, I typically shoot hundreds of pictures at a show, so it can be very time consuming to open and manipulate each file.
The RAW file format option is available in professional quality cameras. A standard point ‘n’ shoot camera is already programmed to immediately convert its image files to jpgs. That means that the camera merely applies standardized settings to the files and discards all the other image info, which keeps the file size smaller. In contrast, a RAW file is much bigger and you need to have more memory cards available for use. If I shoot a whole show, I typically use two, 2 gig cards and a 1 gig card, 5 gigs total!
Of course, the advantage is that, just as in film development, I have the ability to decide for myself how I want my images to look.
Anyway, if you’re interested in more info on this topic, here’s some educational links:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/RAW-file-format.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/u-raw-files.shtml
Love the images. I’ve included your blog in a recent posting “20 Awesome Photoblogs – Chicago”. Check it out when you have a moment. Best of luck and
keep up the great work!