Many high-end and most digital SLRs have the capability to capture images in the RAW format. A RAW image is pure digital data, exactly what the image sensor recorded; the image is not processed. Therefore, no compression is applied to the image and you have more data with which to work. Many beginning photographers shy away from capturing in RAW format because it takes up a lot of room on the memory card, and most camera manuals don't give clear-cut instructions on how to work with RAW images after capturing the picture. After you download the image to your computer, you can view it using the viewer supplied by the camera manufacturer. You can then correct for any deficiencies in exposure, correct white balance, sharpen the image, and so on. After processing the image, save the image as a JPEG or TIFF file.
Capture Images Using the RAW Format
When you capture images in RAW mode, you'll have to switch to one of the creative modes: aperture mode, shutter mode, or manual mode. Some cameras offer a program mode as well. When you capture an image in RAW mode, your camera creates two files: the image and a thumbnail of the image.
- Turn the camera mode dial to select the desired creative shooting mode.
- From the camera menu image size section, choose the RAW format.
- Capture the image.
- Download the image to your computer.
- View the image on the associated viewer.
- Export the image in the desired file format for further processing.
