A lot has changed in the world of instant photography with the transition of professional photographers to digital equipment. Now there is no need to develop the film, creating special conditions for this - just connect the camera via a USB cable to the computer, and you can print. However, real pros never shoot in the Jpeg format that is familiar and understandable for any computer. In the process of shooting, they save frames in a different format - Raw, which carries much more information and opens up wide possibilities for correction.
The difference between Raw and Jpeg
Translated from English raw means "raw", which is very close to the truth. Jpeg contains ready-made information, which is automatically generated by the camera software (it is enough to display the frame on a standard monitor). If the camera is mistaken and made the frame too dark or, conversely, overexposed, soapy or noisy, there is no way to fix it. Raw, on the other hand, "forgives" incorrect settings and allows you to do the initial processing using much more sophisticated programs. That is why the weight of a Raw file is incomparably higher than that of a similar Jpeg frame.
Raw file content
1. Metadata: shooting conditions, set processing parameters, camera identification;
2. Preview, most often in Jpeg format;
3. Data from the matrix.
This file weighs from 15 megabytes. Depending on the model, Raw may have the following extension:.nef,.cr2,.arw.
Raw capabilities
1. Correction of white balance;
2. Correction of exposure;
3. Correction of distortion;
4. Removing the effect of chromatic aberration;
5. Saturation, sharpness and contrast.
However, there is no hope that post-processing will improve everything. The frame should be clear from the start, because no shake or defocus can be corrected by the program.
Raw programs
Each DSLR manufacturer produces its own software that allows you to convert Raw to Jpeg or save it in another format, such as Psd, for further processing in Adobe Photoshop. No self-respecting professional will work with the Jpeg file itself, since the quality of the photo will only deteriorate from time to time.
Many novice photographers prefer to use the free utilities that come with the camera itself. Canon Utilities RAW Image Converter works for Canon with Raw, Nikon - Nikon Imaging and Capture NX, for Sony - Sony RAW Driver.
As for the universal software, the most popular is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, it allows not only adjusting the image itself, but also preparing it for publication on a photo hosting site for sale, adding all the necessary metadata to it. Those who prefer to immediately work in Photoshop should install the Adobe Camera RAW plug-in, which “translates” this format into a language that the editor understands. However, "Lightroom" and "Photoshop" have only one, but a very significant drawback - their cost.
