The Great Debate: RAW vs JPEG

"Should I shoot my images in RAW or JPEG?"

This is a very commonly debated question in the digital photography world. Each one is a digital image format; JPEG is the most common image format, and pretty much all cameras save their images in this format. However, on some higher-end cameras (such as ultra-zooms and DSLRs), the photographer can choose to save images in a "RAW" format. Let's discuss what each of these are and see some pros and cons of using one over the other.

Basically, when you snap the shutter, your camera records light into a series of data that is processed inside. (Check Astropix for an in-depth explanation) There is a lot of data captured; depends on the camera, but somewhere around 6-8 megabytes. A JPEG image file is usually about half this size. So where did all the other stuff go?

When your camera records in JPEG, the computer inside puts all the information together for you, compresses the image, then discards the unnecessary extra junk. Wait...junk? When recording in RAW, your camera keeps all of this "junk". It contains the exposure data, color saturation, sharpness, contrast, and more. With this extra information, you have much more control over your final result. This explains why some prefer RAW images - more control over the final product.

Here are some advantages of using RAW:

1. Fuller images
   
2. More control over final image
3. More contrast

And some for using JPEG:

1. Much less time spent processing
2. Requires much less storage space
3. Ready to print (RAW images must be processed before printing)
4. Universal format that can be opened by just about anything

As far as my choice goes, I could go either way. If I don't feel like messing with processing each image, the obvious choice is JPEG. Honestly, that's most of the time. But whenever I want to really impress with an image, I go with RAW. Besides, my camera (Panasonic Lumix FZ8) records a RAW image and a JPEG if I tell it to. Ha!

If you're interested in this subject, check these sites out:

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/raw-vs-jpeg/
http://www.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/pix/rawvsjpg/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_image_format
http://www.popphoto.com/howto/2196/jpeg-vs-raw-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-explained.html

Have a great day!
-zj

A Few Helpful Photography Tips

I just found a nice article with a few helpful tips. Just thought I'd pass it on.

-zj

Picture This: Helpful Photography Hints

(Thanks to Charles Cassotis)

Have you ever gotten back developed photos from the drugstore or film company only to discover that several shots turned out poorly-or not at all? Most camera buffs have experienced this type of disappointment frequently. Over time, though, picture takers become familiar with helpful techniques that can make photos come out much better than the earlier snapshots. Here are a few helpful hints you may want to try:

1. Get to know your camera. Read the instruction guide carefully, and contact the manufacturer with any questions you might have. Practice taking shots at varying angles and distances until you figure out how to get the best results. Work with the lighting options, including flash, for balance of perspective and shading. Keep fresh batteries and check them often to make sure they don't give up just when you're ready for that all-time spectacular, spontaneous shot of a twelve-point buck jumping over your parked truck.

2. Size up your subjects. Learn how to place people and objects in your viewfinder, as well as how to center landscapes. A basic book on photography or even a few suggestions in your camera kit can teach you how to juxtapose people within a pose to get the best results.

3. Practice until you get good at it. Keep a spare roll of film on hand and take pictures of anything cute or challenging. That will help you get used to the camera, and equipment if applicable, so that you will be ready for the big picture when the opportunity comes along. You may want to get a tripod or another piece of stabilizing equipment to hold the camera steady for photographs of yourself or group shots.

4. Ask a pro. It wouldn't hurt to ask a professional photographer for a few hints in exchange for lunch. You may want to keep this in mind for upcoming special events, like weddings, birthdays, or holiday celebrations. You also can call a camera shop or pick up a book at the library if you want to learn more than the basics.

5. Protect your camera. Don't let it get wet, of course. Also avoid leaving it in the car where it can get damaged by heat or cold, as well as get jostled by frisky kids or pets. Keep your camera in a carrying case, and store it safely in a closet or cupboard where it cannot get hurt at home. Don't let anyone else use your camera unless you're willing to take the chance of getting it back damaged, broken, or not at all.

Remember to take care of your photos after they have been developed. Store them in photo albums with acid-free paper backing, and arrange them in an order that will help you locate specific prints when desired. Keep the negatives on hand for a year or two in case someone wants a duplicate picture.

Author Resource:- For more information on photography equipment and supplies and making the most of your photo shots, visit The Camera Cart at
http://www.cameracart.com

Composing Your Photographs: Using Lines

Now, let's look at how to use lines in your photographs. Proper use of lines will help to draw viewers into your photos and make them more dynamic. Observe the following picture.



What is it about the photo that draws you in? Without the brick here, what would this photo be? For most, this is very appealing because of the way the lines naturally draw your eye's attention to the door. The red color only highlights it more.

Check this one out. It's the side of a building with a rusty window. Most of us wouldn't even notice the potential for a photograph here. However, it is a perfect example of the use of lines. The window is obviously the subject, but it is emphasized by the lines of the tin siding that surrounds it. The lines help with creating the right amount of contrast, too. In the subject itself, we see both horizontal and vertical lines. About that...

Horizontal lines convey a feeling of permanency. Think about someone sleeping, or even the horizon. Horizontal lines are usually used in calming photographs, such as the default Windows XP background. It's no mistake that Microsoft used it!

When we see a photograph with strong vertical lines, we think power. Take, for example, skyscrapers and trees. To emphasize these lines, turn your camera and shoot in portrait mode. Think about it: if I photograph a skyscraper in landscape mode, we'll say that I can get about 15 floors in the frame. However, when I turn my camera for portrait mode, I can get about twice that.

Diagonal lines are also great to use in photography. A great example of this is sunlight.

Diagonal lines are unique, and studies have actually been done that show that these lines naturally draw the our eyes toward the subject, in this case, the clouds.

Another type of line to use in your photographs is the S-line. It brings about a feeling of grace and peace.This one just naturally draws you in. It is a comforting image; thanks to the perspective, we can see ourselves travelling down this road at a leisurely pace. S-lines (or curves) can also be used in abstract images, such as this one.

There are a lot of factors involved in composing your photographs, and proper use of lines is just one of them. Practice practice practice! Look back at some of your photos. See what "just works" and what doesn't, and try to figure out why. Happy photographing!

Composing Your Photographs: Rule of Thirds

Over the next few days, I'd like to go over a few techniques that will help make your photos more professional. A photo has a lot more potential when properly composed.

Today, I'd like to go over the basics of the Rule of Thirds. According to Renaissance painters, in most cases, the eye does not rest on the center of the photo; because of this, we basically "off-center" the subject, which also adds a bit of extra background. Understanding this will go a long way in making your photos look much better. In this rule, the frame is divided into nine parts. It looks like this:

Some cameras can actually display this on the viewfinder or LCD screen; others you must imagine it. The basic idea here is to place your subject on one of the four green dots.

One mistake many people make when composing their pictures is placing the horizon dead center. Ever wonder why all of your beach photos look the same? Try moving the horizon to the upper or the lower third of the screen. When you move the horizon to the bottom third of the frame, you have composed a sky shot. When the horizon is in the top third of the frame, you have composed a land shot. Try both and see what you like.

Examples:

Washington, D.C.

The Washington Monument is placed in the left third, and the horizon is on the lower third. This puts a lot of emphasis on the Monument.

In this photo, the emphasis is in the upper third region.

By using the Rule of Thirds, you can go a long way towards making your photographs look much more professional. However, you shouldn't use this rule on every photo. Think of portraits, for example. Each photograph is unique, and it is up to you, the photographer, to compose each and every one of them!

*Note: I will add more examples as soon as possible!

Two of my favorite pics

Canon Exilim EX-FH20 Announced

Canon has announced the Exilim EX-FH20, a high speed camera that will debut in October for around $700.  It is capable of recording video at up to 1000 frames per second, and will shoot photos at 1fps or up to a burst of 40fps.  It will feature a 26mm wide-angle lens and 20x optical zoom.  It has a 9.1 megapixel sensor...more info here:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08091601casio_fh20.asp#specs