R is for Raw format

All DSLRs and CSCs offer a raw file format. This is a file straight from the camera’s sensor that hasn’t been touched by in-camera processing, and allows you to adjust important parameters like colour, contrast, sharpening and even exposure to produce the best possible result from the picture. This processing occurs in raw conversion software such as Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw (built into Photoshop and Photoshop Elements). With care and a little practice, the pictures you produce will be considerably better than the compressed JPEG files created in-camera.

If you’re not familiar with raw conversion techniques and feel more secure with JPEGs, then it’s worth shooting in RAW + JPEG mode. This will use up even more space on your memory cards, but will give you an immediate JPEG as normal, plus the raw file to work on as your skills improve.

Other than memory card capacity, the only downside to shooting raw is the extra time it takes to process the files. While it may seem a pain for quick snaps and record shots, it’s worth embracing the minutes spent converting raw files, as it really can transform an image.

Raw conversion isn’t just about getting the best quality from a shot: it also allows you to recreate the ‘look’ you desired when capturing the picture. From vividly saturated colours to moody, high-contrast black-and-white, raw processing provides the highestquality route to get what you want from your shots.

Using a raw format lets you process your shot to recreate the look you want, rather than accept the one your camera produced.