File Formats

What are three advantages of a RAW file: Shooting in RAW will give you more control and allow you to fix things like the exposure, the white balance is easier to fix, and the ability to correct the richness, sharpness, and color range is greater in RAW than JPEG.

What is one disadvantage of a RAW file: RAW file is less sharp.

What are three advantages of a JPEG file: Shooting in JPEG will allow you to capture 2 or 3 more times the number that you could shoot in RAW, shooting in JPEG is easier to share your photos quick and easily, and if your camera has continuous shooting you will be able to take more shots using JPEG than RAW.

What is one disadvantage of a JPEG file: Some color can be lost, as well as the resolution.

1. Under the first heading "Capturing the Images," how much of the data does a RAW file retain after it is captured by the camera? It captures all the data and retains all the information without compressing it.

2. Under the second heading "Processing the Files," what are some of the things that a RAW file enables a photographer to edit after the image is taken? Some things that RAW files enable a photographer to edit after the image is taken is the white balance, contrast, highlights, shadows, and colors and saturation.

3. Under the third heading "Practicalities," what are some of the factors that photographers must consider when deciding to shoot in RAW? One factor to consider before shooting in RAW is that the files are significantly larger, and it's important know that RAW images can be converted to JPEG files, but not the other way around. Also some cameras do not have the option to shoot in RAW.

4. Under the fourth heading "Which one is for you?" why would an aspiring professional photographer need to know how to work with RAW files? They would need to know how to work with RAW files because you need to invest time in learning editing skills and developing the techniques that enhance your photos because the editing process is very important for professional photographers.

Pros of RAW:  RAW allows you to quickly shoot while having enough information to fix possible exposure issues.

Cons of RAW: They come out looking flat and dark because RAW files are unprocessed.

Pros of JPEG: The camera will process the image to add blacks, contrast, brightness, noise reduction, and sharpening.

Cons of JPEG: Range detail in JPEG files is significantly reduced as compared to RAW. 

1. Which file formats discussed have you used in the past? I have used only RAW and JPEG in the past. I have used RAW mainly only for this class but I've used JPEG files for when I'm taking pictures of myself and others so that it's easier to share it.

2. What is the difference between a Raster and a Vector file? Vector files can be any dimension independent of file size, and Raster image files become a grid of pixels.


.jpeg
1. lossy compression
2. most common are journalist and students
3. yes

.tiff
1. lossy or lossless compression
2. most commonly used in the printing business
3. only in certain cameras

.psd
1. lossy
2. most commonly used by professional photographers and artists
3. no. this file type is only for photoshop

.dng
1. lossless
2. most common are professional photographers
3. on canons

.nef
1. lossless
2. used by professional photographera
3. on nikons