Is it possible to take high quality pictures? Explanation of RAW data!
Hello, this is Matsumura, the representative of “PHOTOPRI” who works as a photographer and printer!
In this article, what is "RAW data" that you often hear when you are doing cameras and photography,
“What are the pros and cons of shooting RAW?”
I will answer the voice easily!
At the end, there is also useful information that can be used when printing RAW data, so please read to the end.
What is RAW data?
"RAW data" (raw data) is a recording format for high-quality photo editing that is installed in digital single-lens reflex cameras, mirrorless single-lens reflex cameras, and some compact digital cameras.
In many cameras, you can record in "RAW" mode as well as "JPEG" in the image quality setting of the camera menu.
RAW data is food before cooking
A digital camera is equipped with an image sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD, which converts the light information captured by the lens into digital data. RAW data is the light information captured by the "image sensor" recorded as it is.
It is called "RAW" because it means "unprocessed".
In the case of JPEG data, this RAW data is converted (developed) to JPEG by the computer inside the digital camera, and the information is thinned out and recorded in a compressed state.
Adjust the white balance, sharpen details, reduce noise, etc. Image processing is applied, converted to a JPEG image, and saved to a recording medium.
In fact, this process has a lot to do with the unique characteristics of each camera body.
The RAW data is the food, the camera is the chef, and the JPEG is the food!
What are the advantages of shooting with RAW data?
RAW data records the amount of light captured by the sensor with high precision as it is.
As a result, a lot of information remains and it is possible to create a wider range of expression than JPEG when editing.
For example, you can see the difference in the remaining color information if you apply the same editing to a photo that is underexposed like the image below. 
In this way, it is very useful when you want to change the color tone without destroying the image.
In addition, the advantage of having a lot of color information remaining is especially demonstrated when restoring the color of an image that is overexposed as in the image below.
The original photo has lost a lot of color, but you can restore it so far!
What are the disadvantages of shooting with RAW data?
Anyway, it's hard to handle. Lol The extension is different for each manufacturer, and the file size is large in order to leave most of the information without removing it.
Also, I had to do a lot of things myself, such as sharpness and noise removal, which the camera should automatically handle.
I think that the feeling of "Let's do it" will inevitably come out. smile
Would you like to print photos taken with RAW data?
Our service "PHOTOPRI" supports wide color gamut RGB and Adobe RGB printing, aiming for high-quality printing used by solo exhibition artists and professionals in each industry.
Even if the image is not converted to CMYK, if it is RGB printing, the original RGB image can be printed as it is.
First of all, there is a free trial print, so if you want to try RGB printing but can't do it at home, please try it.
summary
This time, I explained about RAW data.
Did you find the information you were looking for?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
