Taking RAW photographs - is it worth it

Red_Rose_Exile

If I shoot in jpeg, which is rare these days, I usually save my jpegs as tiffs onto the HDD. That way if I do do any post processing, I have got a lossless version of the file to work with, rather than opening and closing the jpeg all the time

sharkie

chickmug, for me raw files are too much work and faffing around - generally. I'm not in Marty J's pro league:beer:

However, if the light is not good enough (really cruddy lit pub/room/evenings outside) raw can produce a much better picture and has more data available to manipulate it, and this often saves the day. You may have evening outside shots that will be only visible in raw and can be manipulated to a more acceptable photo, which may only show as a blackish rectangle if shot in jpg.

Film can still perform better in low light ranges and across a larger light range than digital cameras. Each generation of camera does seem to improve though.

ben_at_War_Child

chickmug wrote: »

Are you happy with the FZ18 as I am dithering but aim to get the FZ28. Any negative aspects or would you buy the same again?

Hi chickmug,

I don't have much to compare it with but I did a lot of online research before buying the FZ18 and have never found any frustrations with it. I'd definitely buy another Panasonic camera. I ummed and erred about getting the FZ8 or the FZ18 at the time. No doubt they will release a FZ38 soon too!

I would say this: If you look on ebay you can sell these cameras second hand for more than you buy them new from some retailers. Buy it, try it ... and if you don't like it then sell it on ebay and get your money back.