General software/format question

[Douglas]

Hey folks. Just a general question. Im getting a d70 within the next couple days (being shipped now), and I was just had some general questions.

This is my first digital camera (besides nikon P&S types) and im just wondering about what format would be the best for me to use. I hear people talk about RAW all the time, but I dont know if I need to do that or if the high quality jpg is good enough for me. Which requires more post processing?

Also, not sure which editing software. Currently, I have photoshop 7.0. Im not well versed in it, but I know enough for what I do now. I mostly use the auto correctors on my shots, except when the final product doesnt look right. Usually its when I do auto color. Auto levels and contrast seem to work and when they are a bit dark (usually shooting sports inside) Im comfortable using the contrast/brightness.

Is there a better program I should be using? It seems to do the job I want, but there are times I just dont trust it. But then again, as I said, I know im not using the program to its full potential.

Background, I mostly shoot scenics and sports pics. Nothing pro, its just a hobby for me. This is why I am not sure on the raw vs hq-jpg. Ive always shot film, so im just a newb in the digital realm.

Also, as I think about it, I like to use filters. Is there anything I really need to know about a digital SLR's processing of colors and such. If I have a colored filter on, will the camera's computer try and correct it? Or am I just over thinking/worrying about this?

[Mr. Pickles]

Lots of similar discussion in our Image Editing board about software and the dreaded jpg vs raw question.

Based on what you wrote, I'd stick to high quality g's for the time being and concentrate on the different controls and usability of the camera. RAW processing is a WHOLE nother animal and if you combine with a move to digital and/or DSLR's, you are asking for a bucket full of learning and possible disappointment.

[Douglas]

Thats kind of what I was wondering. If RAW was if I really wanted to dive into the image.

[Mr. Pickles]

When you aren't getting what you want from the JPG out of camera, and then when you don't get the tweaks to the JPG using PS, then explore RAW.

Some will disagree, and they can, but I like my suggestion as a helpful and educational experience.

[Jeff Perry]

Douglas, I for one agree completely with Mr. Pickles. The D70 is a fine camera and produces very nice images in JPGs. It does shoot RAW files (called NEF by Nikon) but there is certainly no rush to shoot in RAW format when you should be focusing on learning the ins and outs of the camera.

I don't recall you mentioning what lens you were going to use. So much of the quality of the photographs is shared by both the camera and the lens. Get a nice lens that suits your most important purpose.

As for post processing, you will find that most (all?) images will need some amount of tweaking, even as little as cropping and sharpening for output to a printer. Photoshop 7 (although not the latest release/version) is a workhorse, and will do everything you will likely ever need. Try to take some time and learn its basic functions. You may find, in the long run that a program like Lightroom or a "friendlier" version of Photoshop called Elements will suit you better.

But most of all, enjoy the D70, and welcome to the world of DSLRs. I think you will be pleased.

Jeff

[Not4wood]

Just starting out, then JPG is all the way. The D70 is a great camera and can handle all you throw at it. The more you learn, the more the camera can do.

A lot of people start out in JPG and in Full Auto. Its the way you go till you want more out of Photography. If your satisfied with your results then stick to it and I think Mr Pickles is right Spot on with his advice. I know somebody that also uses the D70 and everything he shoots is on full Auto and JPG and his shots are very good and he says he has no need for anything else.

As far as Photoshop 7.0 is concerned, its a great program and there are a lot of Tutorials on the net. All you have to do is Google for them. Under Adobe Photoshop User I think there are a lot of stuff from Corey Barker. Its a great program and you can do a lot with it.

Almost forgot about your question about filters. From what I've seen and heard, the UV filter, Gradient Nutral Density and the Polarizar are the only ones you will need and all others can be done in Photoshop.

Just remember, when you work on your files do not work on the originals. Open your original and then save as with another name so in case you mess up you still have your original files to go back to.

Good luck, and I'm looking forward to seeing your work.

[Douglas]

Lenses I will use are the 18-70 and the 70-300.

Only filters I have and planned on using are a split ND and a polarizer. But ive also used others like a sunset filter, star and fog filter(rarely) for the extra color)

[YoungOne]

I would also look into Nikon's own Capture NX. They just put out version 2.
It does not replace Photoshop, but it does have a lot of features and is actually fun to use! As well as being a lot cheaper to own. The biggest draw is Nik's U-point technology to select and edit portions of the picture. Look on Nikon's site for tutorials.

[Loa]

Hello,

I agree with most of what's been posted so far: stick with jpegs for the first few weeks/months, until you're familiarized with the camera.

I'd ditch the split ND: learn to do the equivalent in PS. Polarizer are always useful if you're used to using them.

A comment on Capture NX: YoungOne is the first person I've ever heard (read) saying that NX is "fun". I'm sure it is for him, but for 100% of the others I've talked with, and judging from personal experience, it's really really bad. The user interface is alien compared to anything else on a PC or Mac. (Read here for a longer discussion: Old debate updated: Capture NX for D300)

Have fun with your D70; it's the camera I've been using for the past 2 years and I love it. First tip: it tends to underexpose a bit, so keep an eye out for that.

Lao

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by Loa

Hello,

I agree with most of what's been posted so far: stick with jpegs for the first few weeks/months, until you're familiarized with the camera.

I'd ditch the split ND: learn to do the equivalent in PS. Polarizer are always useful if you're used to using them.

A comment on Capture NX: YoungOne is the first person I've ever heard (read) saying that NX is "fun". I'm sure it is for him, but for 100% of the others I've talked with, and judging from personal experience, it's really really bad. The user interface is alien compared to anything else on a PC or Mac. (Read here for a longer discussion: Old debate updated: Capture NX for D300)

Have fun with your D70; it's the camera I've been using for the past 2 years and I love it. First tip: it tends to underexpose a bit, so keep an eye out for that.

Lao

Thanks for the exposure tip. Good to find that out ahead of time.

Until I get more proficient with PS, ill probably keep the split ND. Ive always been pleased with the results I got with it. I really just use the basic settings with the program. I really need to take some time and learn a bit more about what it can do.

[Bunny N]

when I started shooting raw and figured out just how much more I could do with it I dropped jpg like a hot potatoe. my suggestion would be to do a couple side by side comparisons right off the bat. shoot the same image in jpg and raw then check out how they post process. if you're handy with figuring things out I think you'll like raw. for me, once I figured it out I was disappointed that I hadn't started using it sooner.

[Douglas]

Yeah. Thats one reason I wanted to make sure I got this camera a few months before a trip im going on to Sedona/Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. I want to learn the camera a bit. Then I can start playing around with the images.

[Eero Makela]

For me I shoot both at the same time JPG basic (smallest size) and RAW NEF on both my D50 and D300. I usually only edit and use the JPG file however I save the RAW for future in case I want to do more with the photos later (ie better resolution/quality or raw edits ie white balance adjustments). I have a few times taken pics with the white balance at the wrong setting and with RAW it was simple to fix. I find that NX Capture does the best job on converting NEF RAW to a usable format it TIFF. As Lightroom messes up the color balance for some reason hence I use the JPG more often. Mind you at 25mb per uncompressed RAW they take up a lot of disk space. (can always use compression on NEF as well and it will be around 5mb for 6mb pixel camera (d50) and 10-11mb on my D300 at 12mb pixel.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Bunny N

for me, once I figured it out I was disappointed that I hadn't started using it sooner.

But if you are new to a DSLR, and you have to learn it and all the camera controls (including manual ones) AND learn a RAW Editor, it WILL be a steeper uphill road. There are quite a few who didn't make it up the road before the cart petered out.

By sticking to JPG for a bit and changing the settings for aperture, shutter speed, bracketing, exposure compensation, white balance, etc., you will get a better and instant look into what the controls do and how the camera thinks in processing them.

Once you know a lot, then he jump to RAW isn't so bad. And you will be a much smarter photographer after the lessons.