In this 3 minute RAW VS JPEG demonstration I show exactly why it's important to consider using Raw files instead of Jpeg files. The truth is that you don't NEED Raw files. But you're limiting your ability to learn about photography without them. I always tell my photography students that if you want to take your work to the next level then you will have to start shooting in Raw and learning about post production. If you're happy to spend less time on your computer and work with what you have in Jpeg mode that's also completely up to you! I understand that some of us just want to be able to take nice photographs of our friends, family and travels. And not everyone is interested in investing their time into learning about Raw files and post production.
In this video you'll see that I have two files. One is the original Raw file and the other is a high quality Jpeg version of the same file that I've already exported then re-imported into Lightroom. Remember, the reason we shoot in Raw is for post production, that's it. So if you're really not interested in sitting in front of your computer and learning about Lightroom then you dont need to be shooting in Raw.
I have developed these two images in the exact same way - I've simply increased the exposure by 2.75. You'll notice that with the Jpeg file the image becomes quite faded, the brighter areas become too bright and we loose detail there. When we do this to the Raw file you'll notice the results are completely different! We're able to maintain detail in the sky, contrast and depth on of blacks in the image overall.
So the lesson here is that if you don't get everything spot on at shoot time you will be extremely limited with how you can correct your photograph in Lightroom. With a Raw file on the other hand you have a huge amount of room to move, especially if you underexpose your image while shooting. You can always bring back more detail in the darker areas (shadows, blacks) compared to the highlights (brighter areas, whites.)
I'd advise you to start shooting in Raw if you happy to spend a little more time learning about photography and post production. Raw files also take up more storage so be prepared to buy a new hard drive. Having said this, don't let this put you off!! Your photography education is worth more than the price of a new hard drive!
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