Raw+Jpeg might not be your default setting, but there are situations when you want to capture in both formats every time you click the shutter. One of my favorite Raw+Jpeg scenarios is when I want to use a compact printer sans computer, such as direct printing from the new HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer. You simply insert your camera's memory card into the printer, then choose the images you want to output on its LCD monitor. But this works only if you have Jpegs on the card. The printer, and other similar devices, can't read Raw files.
That doesn't meant that you should give up the advantages of Raw either. Later, when you're done printing snapshots, you may want to dig deeper into an image for large format printing and other uses. In this podcast, I discuss the times Raw+Jpeg make sense, and the times it doesn't.
Photo Caption: Do you capture moments like this in Raw, Jpeg, or both? Listen to the podcast to find out.
Monthly Photo Assignment
I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Duotone. This will be a fun gallery that lets us explore fun ways to tone B&W images. I'll be posting more about how to make duotones soon. So keep your eyes peeled. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Sept. 31.
Listen to the Podcast
Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Raw+Jpeg." You can download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes
The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.
Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!
Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.
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Derrick,
As always, thanks for the podcast. When I was just gettting my feet wet with RAW, it was comforting to use the RAW + JPG setting so I would have a safety net. I soon moved on to RAW only and probably fit the "hard core" RAW group that you mentioned. I use Aperture and don't do any "on-site" printing that would necessitate JPG files. Even as a RAW addict, I did find a use for JPGs (not RAW + JPG) this summer in one other setting. We were at Lake Powell and I was taking images of water skiiers and tube riders. I wanted to capture the details of the riders as they eventually lost balance and fell. I switched to JPGs so I could get more photos in a given burst before maxing out the buffer. This gave me a better chance of catching the best moment of the fall. Thanks again for your teaching and help.
Yes, that is a situation when I will switch to Jpeg capture too, when I need a faster burst mode than what Raw affords. Good tip!
Here is another reason to have RAW+JPG.
When you process RAW files outside your camera companies software, the in-camera settings are not retained. So having the JPG as a reference is very handy to determine what you shot and what you got with the RAW base processes.
My DSLR buffer is so good, it does not bother me to shoot both at the same time. Plus, JPG files are great for instant client viewing, as the JPG in the RAW file is nuked when shown in a program like Lightroom. The JPG has all the in-camera settings baked right in, so the client sees what the photographer wants right away without having to pull up a RAW editor and make any adjustments.
JPG files are also handy for quick contact sheets and such.
Today, as you say, not always needed, but handy to have for some workflows. Plus, JPG files are easily deleted if you no longer want them, but making them from RAW files does take a few more steps, and time, if you don't have them and need them.
The reason that I found shotting Raw+JPG useful is my wife still likes to take the CF out of the camera and take it down to the local Target store and go through and print almost all the photos we take. She will do a little editing but not like I can do with the computer. I will print out the edited ones at home that I want to put up. My wife will then put all the photos in a photo album. I am hoping that once I get my wife her own PC that she knows where all the programs are. She might then try one of the many online stores for print out the pictures.
Cool website. I'm so happy I stumbled onto it through yahoo. going to definitely have to add this one to the old bookmark list...
Interesting article :) I'm definitely looking forward to reading more