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ArticleRAW format, or working with basic files in photography
It is the photographer’s job not only to take photos, but also to process them professionally, allowing to refine all the details of the image created. However, it is not possible to carry out multi-step editing of files if they are not saved in a suitable format, such as RAW.
What is the RAW format?
RAW format is a general term for a data storage format without headers, which allows you to accurately represent the object captured by the camera, and further edit it to create a high-quality photo devoid of any imperfections. The difference between RAW and JPEG centers, among other things, on the number of bits per pixel. The former has between 12 and 14 bits, while the latter has 8 bits. RAW Image also has extensive tonality. That is, the files in this recording are the digital equivalent of a traditional negative, and the conversion used – development with the possibility of an infinite number of repetitions. It should be noted that JPEG photos cannot be converted to RAW format, as lossy compression would lead to data loss. The lack of this possibility is due to the raw recording of data from the photosensitive matrix.
What is RAW?
It is worth realizing that RAW is not a universal format. Each company, producing cameras, uses an individual RAW image, but to meet the expectations of photographers, Adobe in 2004 introduced a new notation – Digital Negative.
RAW files, although they offer a huge range of possibilities, have their advantages as well as disadvantages. They are highly detailed, which is useful for multi-step professional processing. They are also characterized by a wide range of color tones, which are less varied in the case of JPEG. Thanks to lossless compression, RAW photos always retain their great quality regardless of the adjustments applied, such as brightness changes, focus corrections, etc.
And what are the disadvantages of RAW Image that every photographer should keep in mind when doing computer processing? First of all, these types of files take up a lot of space, which, in the case of intensive and frequent sessions, can lead to the need to buy an external drive for the computer and a camera with a large memory. The lack of standardization, meanwhile, affects the problems of reading photos in some processing programs and sometimes it is necessary to convert the files. In addition, working on RAW images takes more time than on JPEG images.
Why does a RAW Image need to be processed?
A JPEG file can be easily printed or shared via any data carrier, such as a flash drive. RAW images, on the other hand, need to be run through a suitable program (such as Adobe Lightroom), using the desired parameters. Why is this necessary? Otherwise, saving the files or transferring them will simply not be possible. The RAW format is used not only in cameras, but also in smartphones. In order to activate it, you need to select PRO mode or enter the advanced settings for saving files. This will also allow you to change the detailed parameters of your photos, taking into account ISO, white balance, exposure time, focus, shutter lag, etc. Although the editing will be multi-step, the result will certainly give great satisfaction.
What is RAW video format?
RAW video format is unprocessed video data received directly from the camera’s image sensor. RAW data contains a tremendous amount of information, making it ideal for shooting video, assuming that the captured footage will undergo further processing, such as when noise reduction or lens compensation is required during final editing, or when the camera’s built-in SteadyShot (image stabilizer) function is used.
This allows you to modify post-production, and RAW video remains a flexible source material that can be adjusted to the effect you want to achieve each time. Using the RAW format, filmmakers have full control over color, exposure and other video parameters during the editing process. This rich palette of information allows them to create the specific look and feel of the video, resulting in a high quality final product.
However, it is important to remember that RAW videos generate much larger files than compressed video formats, which requires sufficient processing power and disk space during processing. For film professionals, the benefits of using the RAW format represent a significant step toward producing the highest quality footage and full creative freedom.
The RAW format is not universal, which can cause a lot of problems, but it gives a huge scope for photographers who pay attention to every detail of the picture they take. It is worth remembering that working with this type of files requires the purchase of professional equipment, whose capacity will not be limited.
