Session 7 Exercise 2
Use the control panel to adjust the photgraph.
RAW is not really a file format, instead it refers to the file format used by each camera manufacturer where there is minimal in-camera processing of the image data. The camera saves the unaltered, or raw, image data plus camera settings for the image such as white balance, sharpness, contrast and saturation. It isn't a picture until it is processed further. This needs to be done by special software, designed for the particular camera. Most expensive digital cameras allow you to save the raw data instead of the actual JPEG picture. If you do, you still have to do the processing in your computer to make an image (JPEG or otherwise) that you actually can see. Cameras do this processing in hardware much faster than your computer can do it in software.
Some cameras have a like the EOS 30D have a raw + JPEG mode which saves both the raw data and the JPEG picture.
Choose one of your photographs as a jpeg to look at, then get hold of the raw file and process it. Save it in the highest resolution possible.
JPEG
JPEG (or jpg) comes from the Joint Photographers Expert Group and is very common storage option for nearly all digital cameras. The camera’s on-board computer takes the RAW data and applies preset image preferences, such as sharpness, saturation and contrast. Then the processed data is compressed and saved to the memory card as a JPEG file. The photographer can choose to use a range of JPEG sizes, the quality of the stored image getting worse the smaller the file. The advantage of smaller image size is that it allows more images on a memory card. The choice is how much quality is enough?
The smaller JPEG image files make better use of storage space and are quicker to send over the Internet. JPEG is the standard for the display of photographs on web pages, although these are usually smaller more compressed images. The best quality, or least compressed JPEGs are a very usable image. For example, they are used by professional photographers to produce publishable images for newspapers and many magazines. Top quality JPEGs from DSLR’s are suitable for A4 size and larger prints.
Use Raw if:
- you need to post process the image
- the scene contains high contrast
- the image will be enlarged beyond the camera sensor's resolution
- the white balance cannot be properly set with the camera
- you can't decide whether to use Raw or JPEG
Use JPEG if:
- all the Raw files won't fit in your memory card
- you don't want to post process the image
- you want to develop the photos right away before you get to use a computer (some photo finishing labs still do not accept Raw files)
- you are using continuous shooting mode and want to take as many photos as you can before your camera's buffer is full
Process your photograph to get the best image you can.
Clean up the photograph using the patch and the heal tools.
Use other photographs to replace the foreground. (Masking)
Import and place your logo and company name.
Fill the windows with appropriate items. Use the scanner to help you.
