RAW/JPEG Question?

[Johnnynf]

I posted this question at the end of another thread, and didn't get any bites, so I thought I would start a new thread. I am interested to know what the quality of the JPEG image imbedded in a RAW file is like. I think this way of shooting sounds very intriguing...you can use the JPEG's for easy transfer and printing, and if there are any images you are unhappy with, you have the RAW image available to play with. However, I remember reading somewhere that the imbedded JPEG is only medium/fine quality (only 2.8 MP), as opposed to large/fine quality (6.3 MP). Is this information correct. I would prefer to have the higher quality JPEG to print, so this RAW + JPEG thing may not be the "holy grail" that I was looking for. Any thoughts on this? Any way to change the setting?

[dn7elson]

I would prefer to have the higher quality JPEG to print, so this RAW + JPEG thing may not be the "holy grail" that I was looking for. Any thoughts on this? Any way to change the setting?

Shoot RAW, post process the image as necessary/desired, then save as a JPG if you like to print, store, email, etc. The reason for shooting RAW and using that image is the amount of additional information that is in that image vs. the in-camera processed JPG.

Think of the embedded JPG as a "preview" or thumbnail image. It is there to allow you to view the image on a non-RAW capable device or application. On the Digital Rebel, it is set at the M setting (+-1.8MB). I believe that the upper end Canons can change this to a couple of options.

If you want only a high resolution JPG and won't be using the RAW image, by all means just shoot high resolution JPG and be done with it.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Johnnynf,
With the 10D you can adjust the size of the jpeg imbedded with the raw image from the very best quality to the lowest quality,..

I am unsure what camera you have?

I think the Drebel has 'some" option on this but I may be wrong. It may fore a specific jpeg type on you :(

Last;ly,. it's been so long since Iv'e even looked at the embedded jpeg from a 10D,. I can not remember if it has the in camera processing applied to it the same way as if you shot just jpeg?

I "think" it does,... but not sure

oes anyone remeber of the embedded jpeg has incamera processing applied?

[ilya]

I posted this question at the end of another thread, and didn't get any bites, so I thought I would start a new thread. I am interested to know what the quality of the JPEG image imbedded in a RAW file is like. I think this way of shooting sounds very intriguing...you can use the JPEG's for easy transfer and printing, and if there are any images you are unhappy with, you have the RAW image available to play with. However, I remember reading somewhere that the imbedded JPEG is only medium/fine quality (only 2.8 MP), as opposed to large/fine quality (6.3 MP). Is this information correct. I would prefer to have the higher quality JPEG to print, so this RAW + JPEG thing may not be the "holy grail" that I was looking for. Any thoughts on this? Any way to change the setting?

Unfortunately the Rebel does not allow you to choose the size the embedded Jpeg file, it is permanently at Medium/Fine. Its still a very good quality format to learn on, especially considering that you'd be saving Raw.

[dn7elson]

(D)oes anyone remeber of the embedded jpeg has incamera processing applied?

It would have to since it could not be stored as a JPG otherwise. On the DRebel, it is stored as a Medium/Fine JPG. To have JPG compression, albeit low compression at fine, it must be in camera processed.

For that matter, the RAW image is in-camera processed, but in a lossless form and with greater data content. The JPG will be lossy compression.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Sorry ,. by processing I meant does it have the Saturation, Contrast and sharpening settings that are customizeable applied to them, or are they direct jpeg compressions of the RAW files which DO NOT have any of the above settings applied to them.

Again,. I think they do,. but I am at work and no where near my camera or manual.. so I can't say for sure,. (I am getting used to be wrong on these things when I go from failing memory... check my sig :) )

[dn7elson]

Sorry ,. by processing I meant does it have the Saturation, Contrast and sharpening settings that are customizeable applied to them, or are they direct jpeg compressions of the RAW files which DO NOT have any of the above settings applied to them.

DRebel manual is a bit light on this and other topics, but it says that a Medium JPEG image is taken at the same time as the RAW and embedded in the RAW image. Taking this at face value (a risky thing with manuals :D ) it would appear that the JPG is taken with whatever settings are in place for Saturation, Contrast and Sharpening as this is how a normal JPEG is taken. This would seem to make the most sense as well in relating the camera settings to the JPEG image so that there did not have to be an "ignore the settings" code added for the RAW embedded JPEG.