RGB adjustments for Raw files

[gerolamo]

Hi guys,

Two question, abour RAW processing.
I noticed that the "Digital Photo Professional" that comes with my 20D can do some RGB adjustments in RAW files, it can change the white balance and stuff, and can save these changes in the raw file.

Question 1: are these changes lossy? Or I can get back to my original settings without losing any of the image info?

Question2: I can change the white balance in that program. Is is the same thing with changing the white balance in camera?

Thanks fou your help

[tofuboy]

I think the answers to your questions are...

1. Any changes done to the RAW file are loss-less.

2. Setting the Kelvin temperature (white balance) in the RAW processing is the same as if you did it in camera.

Please correct me if I am wrong...

[gerolamo]

Thanks Matt,

I think it's true, I just needed confirmation.

As I get it, the senzor captures the info, according to speed, aperture and ISO, everything else is in camera software processing and should have the same result as software processing outside the camera.

[maderito]

Question2: I can change the white balance in that program. Is is the same thing with changing the white balance in camera?

During RAW processing, you can accept the WB determined by the camera ("shot settings") or you can change the white balance with the RAW processing controls. The changes are reflected in the JPEG or TIFF file that is written from the RAW data. The original RAW data is unchanged. So you can reprocess the same RAW file and create another version with a different color corrections.

The RAW processing WB controls roughly but not exactly correspond to in camera WB controls. In both cases, the methods are proprietary - i.e. you don't get to know the details, just the results. :?