RAW mode

[crpaulk]

I am still getting use to my new 20D and just havn't had time to learn all the ends and outs. One thing I noticed was to to record in RAW I must choose one ot the creative modes or only have option of JPEG. When I choose the P mode the flash doesn't pop up in low light and the focus is bad. Is it just manual if you want RAW?

Ron

[antigravity]

I've had my 20D for about 2 months now, and I have to say that there's still a lot I have to learn about it. I only started shooting RAW only very recently, owing to my problem of not getting the quality that I wanted from the camera. The advantage of shotting in RAW is that you can "develop" the images when you upload them onto the computer, using the software that came with the camera. As someone had told me before, post processing is very important in digital photography. If you want flash in P mode, you'll have to press the button, the creative modes give you greater control of the camera so that you can get the shots that you want (sometimes you might want to shoot without the flash..)

[robertwgross]

The creative modes work fine. The flash works fine. RAW works fine.

If you want the flash to pop up, then use the flash button to pop it up. Page 92.

---Bob Gross---

[crpaulk]

OK, Read page 92 and finally found the flash button. The camera has a button on top with the flash symbol which did not work. I kept lookiing and found it on front left. Another question when reading the book it references the on switch as either off/on or the bent line shape? What is that about?

[tim]

Your power button has three positions, off, on but thumbwheel locked, and fully on and thumbwheel working.

I think you should read the manual again, from start to finish. I had to read it a few times and play around a bit until I worked out what everything did. Actually now, a few months after I bought the 20D, i'm still not sure i'm 100% up to speed, because I haven't got (or really tried to get) the AEB working. I rekon from when you first buy an SLR to when you're really compentant with it can take a year or so, depending on time, effort, and ability.

[robertwgross]

I see the problem here.

It is not sufficient to simply read through or browse through the user manual.

I recommend to have the actual camera sitting right there on the table with you as you go, page by page, and paragraph by paragraph. If the manual has a diagram, then match each of the features of the diagram with what you see on your own camera. If the diagram shows a mode dial turned to "P", then you turn your mode dial the same way.

Sort of "learn by doing".

---Bob Gross---

[crpaulk]

Good idea about the manual. I am trying to get a jump start by pumping you experts for free advice. Right now I am in the midst of learning a heavy duty software package for the building industry, learning the Garmin 430 for IFR flight, Jeppview/Flight deck charting software, building 13 new homes, and 1 remodel all at the same time. So the 20D, tho getting used a lot, has been relagated to point and shoot. Thanks for the help.

[robertwgross]

If you don't have time to fool with it right now, then turn the main power switch to ON, leave everything on full auto (Green Box mode), and shoot away. That will get good enough results to start with. Later, when you have the time to learn it, it will make better sense.

---Bob Gross---

[condyk]

Bob's right ... the full auto mode is fine. That's what I use, as a newbie. Also, if you use the UnDutchables firmware then RAW appears in the full auto mode too ... cool!

[Jon]

Also, if you use the UnDutchables firmware then RAW appears in the full auto mode too ... cool!

. . . on a 20D? That's only for the DR/300D.

[condyk]

. . . on a 20D? That's only for the DR/300D.

Apologies, I went from thread to thread and though he was talking about 300D. Teach me for speed reading :o :o