JPG vs. RAW

good tips on file types from G. Eric Matthews
Professor and chair of Physics

People are always asking what should I shoot JPG or RAW? maybe this link will help.

Here’s the first paragraph

JPG is optimized for photographs and similar continuous tone images that contain many, many colors. It can achieve astounding compression ratios even while maintaining very high image quality. GIF compression is unkind to such images. JPG works by analyzing images and discarding kinds of information that the eye is least likely to notice. It stores information as 24 bit color. Important: the degree of compression of JPG is adjustable. At moderate compression levels of photographic images, it is very difficult for the eye to discern any difference from the original, even at extreme magnification. Compression factors of more than 20 are often quite acceptable. Better graphics programs, such as Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop, allow you to view the image quality and file size as a function of compression level, so that you can conveniently choose the balance between quality and file size.

RAW is an image output option available on some digital cameras. Though lossless, it is a factor of three of four smaller than TIFF files of the same image. The disadvantage is that there is a different RAW format for each manufacturer, and so you may have to use the manufacturer’s software to view the images. (Some graphics applications can read some manufacturer’s RAW formats.)

ISO help

(Taken from digicamhelp)

Auto ISO mode

All consumer digital cameras have an Auto ISO mode. The camera automatically selects the sensitivity, known as ISO, according to the level of light in a scene. The user has no control over which ISO number is used.

In bright light a lower ISO will be selected. In low light an higher ISO number will be selected.

Auto High ISO Mode

Some digital cameras have an Auto High ISO mode, which is primarily used in very low and difficult lighting. The camera selects ISO number higher than Auto ISO mode, usually ISO 400 and above.

Higher ISO means faster shutter speeds

When a higher ISO is selected, shutter speeds are faster. Use of faster shutter speeds helps prevent blurred images due to camera shake. Using high ISO numbers also allows you to turn off the flash when shooting in dark areas.

Higher ISO means more image “noise”

Keep in mind that the higher ISO, the more noise will appear in images. That’s why many photographers, in order to prevent noise, prefer to set ISO manually and select low ISO numbers even if they must use a tripod to prevent camera shake. Still, an photo with noise is better than no photo at all.

Image noise will be higher when using Auto High ISO mode than using Auto ISO mode.

tips for photographers

1) When you shoot photos, shoot lots and lots

2) Move around the subject

3) Get close (detail) wide (show the surrounding)

4) Shoot the photos like you would write your story

5) Always bring your camera with you.

The number one reason why people miss good pictures is because they don’t have a camera. Make it a habit to always carry your camera with you

6)Try to make the photo more interesting. If the story is about a painter, find out when he/she is painting and get a photo of him/her in action.

7) Fill out a assignment sheet/ If we cant do it, I’ll let you know

8) If the subject is too far away, walk closer to the subject.

9) Always make sure you have sharp clear images before leaving your assignment, check out the playback mode. You can zoom in on your image to see if it’s sharp.

10) Always read rule 1, its digital, so your not wasting money on film