File Format...best way

[Zach]

This is probably a loaded question, however, here it is......Currently I am saving my files as raw and jpeg as I am establishing my workflow, however, eats up my 1G cards fast. Am I safe to assume most of you save as raw to your computer then covert to jpeg when mailing or using on the web or even having photo's made??

Currently using CaptureNX and was thinking about buying Elements to cover both formats...Any thoughts on best format for a Novice lets say?

Thanks

Z

[Mr. Pickles]

I shoot RAW. No JPG with the RAW. Sometimes I shoot JPG (with no RAW). Some like the RAW+JPG dual shot because for a lot of things, the JPG is a good copy. If it is off a bit, they have a RAW to go to.

It is NOT a question on which is better. That is a HUGE argument and we won't go there or let others go there either.

For a lot of people, JPG is fine 95% of the time. Others like the RAW file and do not mind "processing" each one themselves. You have to figure out what works best for you. If you are learning to "shot", then JPG might be the ticket. If you are an accomplished "shooter" and want to explore possibly better images by processing, then RAW is the way. If you want the simplicity of JPG while doing this, then shoot RAW+JPG.

If you are going to "process" your shots, I see no need for you shooting a JPG and loading it on the CF or into your library.

[Zach]

It seems if I save it one way, I wish I had done it the other..

Thanks Mr. P

Z

[BearLeeAlive]

I started shooting with JPG only, did not really know what RAW was.
Once I learned the merits of RAW, I switched to RAW + JPG
I soon realized that quite quickly I could produce the same JPG from the RAW file, I abandoned shooting to JPG at all.
Even when all I need is a small JPG for posting or some other reason, I still convert it from RAW. Otherwise, I forget to change the format back to RAW.

So, it is RAW only for me all the way now, though others will have different reason to do otherwise, I am sure.

[Satanta]

I'm shooting in jpeg then convert to TIFF. My system won't run RAW so there's no point. I have a Mac to set up and might try RAW later.

[fintastic]

I shoot both, depending on my content motor sports, football,family all jpeg . Flowers, wildlife ect ,Raw and then edit and save copy as a jepg while saving the raw also.
I hope this helps.

John

[RickC]

Hi,

I shoot RAW files. I use Capture NX for the RAW files and don't mind the pp since that's part of this hobby I enjoy. Once I pp a RAW file, I save as a TIFF file. I'll use Elements 5.0 to open this TIFF file for any cropping and printing. I do not have the full photshop since I'm a bit cheap. This workflow works for me.

One question I do have though, is the part of my workflow of saving from a RAW file to a TIFF file - is this better than saving from a RAW file to a JPEG file?? My understanding is that the TIFF file retains more information (a larger file vs a small file) compared to a JPEG file. Should result in a more detailed print? Thanks.

[cyclohexane]

My understanding is that the TIFF file retains more information (a larger file vs a small file) compared to a JPEG file. Should result in a more detailed print?

TIFFs have no compression (under default settings) and retain all of your data, while JPEGs are compressed when saved. Every time you open and resave a JPEG, it's recompressed, and you're throwing out data. If you're going to edit the image more, keep it as a TIFF.

If you save the JPEG only once at maximum quality, your small to medium-size prints should be about the same. I've made prints at 8.5x11 inches from one RAW file, first from a conversion saved as a TIFF, then the same conversion also saved as a JPEG. I also resaved the JPEG a few times at lower qualities (more compression), and had a classroom of high school students (I was conveniently a senior in high school at the time), some versed in photography and others not, compare them. In general, the JPEG saved only once and the TIFF looked the same to most eyes, including mine. Then, depending on how discriminating the viewers were, the medium quality JPEG was often deemed acceptable, and only a few thought the lowest quality JPEG was okay.

I haven't compared prints larger than 8.5x11" more than casually though.

[Ken-L]

Originally Posted by Zach

This is probably a loaded question, however, here it is......Currently I am saving my files as raw and jpeg as I am establishing my workflow, however, eats up my 1G cards fast. Am I safe to assume most of you save as raw to your computer then covert to jpeg when mailing or using on the web or even having photo's made??

Currently using CaptureNX and was thinking about buying Elements to cover both formats...Any thoughts on best format for a Novice lets say?

Thanks
Z

I also shoot RAW+JPG (Nikon NEF) and also use Capture NX.

I only use the RAW image for my starting point for processing.

First I load the RAW image into Capture NX and perform as many functions as necessary. Then I save the RAW file. next I convert the RAW image to a TIFF file for futher processing in CS3 (or Elements). Finally, when all is done, I convert the TIFF image to JPG for posting etc.

I also use Genuine Fractals for my downsizing/upsizing but that feature in Elements/CS3 works well too.

"Unfortunately" my workflow creates even larger files for yet more storage headaches........ But, for the VAST majority of my "images" I can delete the RAW and TIFF files after I'm done..... Only those images that I might want to print do I keep the RAW and TIFF files (I print 13"x19" as a standard).

Frankly, just a Fine-JPEG image will do for that vast majority also! But every time I only shoot JPEG I end up kicking myself for not having a RAW image!

You can use NX for both RAW and JPG. For those functions/features not in NX, Elements is a good choice.

I "upgraded" only recently from Elements to Photoshop CS3. After using elements, going to CS3 was incredibly easy since they are so alike. Elements does a fine job!

[cyclohexane]

Currently using CaptureNX and was thinking about buying Elements to cover both formats...Any thoughts on best format for a Novice lets say?

Well, I think you should have Elements anyways, but that's because I started up on the Adobe product workflow, and habits die hard. I find Photoshop (including Elements) friendlier for final edits, such as cropping, output sharpening, etc. but that's because it's what I'm used to.

You should find the format that works for you. I use RAW for my personal work during the summer, but at work we use JPEG (daily paper at public university = no budget for more server space), and that takes up most of my shooting time during the school year.

[BearLeeAlive]

Originally Posted by Ken-L

I But, for the VAST majority of my "images" I can delete the RAW and TIFF files after I'm done..... Only those images that I might want to print do I keep the RAW and TIFF files (I print 13"x19" as a standard).

I delete any RAW files that I know I would never use, I actually get real brutal once I have gone through and processed what I like. Any with the slightest hope of being used I keep. Storing on an External HD is quite cheap. I treat them as I would a negative with film.

I used to go from RAW to TIFF to JPG but tried going straight to JPG and saw no difference, even in print so I quite using TIFF for editing. Not sure this is the right thing to do though.

Originally Posted by Ken-L

But every time I only shoot JPEG I end up kicking myself for not having a RAW image!

I want a buck for every time I have heard someone say this, man I would be rich.

[W.Smith]

You can zip TIFF files to a fraction of their original file size without image quality loss. Very convenient for efficient long time storage.

[Ken-L]

Originally Posted by BearLeeAlive

I used to go from RAW to TIFF to JPG but tried going straight to JPG and saw no difference, even in print so I quite using TIFF for editing. Not sure this is the right thing to do though.

I use some plug-ins/external programs that require the image be in TIFF to avoid losing detail during processing. There are also features in Capture and NX that are only useable with NEF/RAW. And, I usually process with lot's of layers, which I can save in TIFF so when/if I go back to the photo I can change a single layer and not have to start from scratch.

Some time ago I shot a scene in NEF+JPG and I only processed it as a JPG and it was fine for posting.....but then someone commented about some detail in the shot that wasn't easily identified. So I did a 100% crop of that detail from the JPG and the detail was pretty poor. Then I finally went to the RAW version and processed it in Capture and converted that to JPG for posting and the difference was astounding!

[BearLeeAlive]

I never relized that TIFF was required in some processing plug-ins. I will definitely watch for that then. I am just beginning to do processing beyond the basic WB, Exposure, curves and levels thing. There is so much to learn, and it is great to see what others do.

[Ken-L]

Originally Posted by BearLeeAlive

I never relized that TIFF was required in some processing plug-ins. I will definitely watch for that then. I am just beginning to do processing beyond the basic WB, Exposure, curves and levels thing. There is so much to learn, and it is great to see what others do.

The single most important thing I learned (from Randy Forshey) was how to use/create layers! For some reason, I had the damnest time getting a handle on that, but once I did it made me happy, happy..... Creating layer masks makes processing a breeze!

[generic]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I shoot RAW. No JPG with the RAW. Sometimes I shoot JPG (with no RAW). Some like the RAW+JPG dual shot because for a lot of things, the JPG is a good copy. If it is off a bit, they have a RAW to go to.

It is NOT a question on which is better. That is a HUGE argument and we won't go there or let others go there either.

For a lot of people, JPG is fine 95% of the time. Others like the RAW file and do not mind "processing" each one themselves. You have to figure out what works best for you. If you are learning to "shot", then JPG might be the ticket. If you are an accomplished "shooter" and want to explore possibly better images by processing, then RAW is the way. If you want the simplicity of JPG while doing this, then shoot RAW+JPG.

If you are going to "process" your shots, I see no need for you shooting a JPG and loading it on the CF or into your library.

Mr. pickles;
'previewextractor' will extract a couple hundred embedded jpg's from existing raw files in seconds allowing exactly what it's name implies. Very convient previews.
Actually I often find them fine for processing too. What it 'does' do is allow me to shoot raw without the inconvenience of '+jpg' taking up space.
It's also claimed that it can be on your card and ran to extract 'pg's on whatever computer your on. I've not tried that as I havent felt the need but it sounds handy.
It's a freebie and I believe specifically for nikon raw. I do use it often. It is easy to use.
Check it out here. Really Useful Software for Nikon DSLRs

gene