So what the advantage converting RAW to a tif?

[SeanH]

Sorry new to RAW.

So why covert a RAW to TIF and make a huge file? Isn't the max res. of a JPG just as good?........I am talking about taking it to a lab to print.

So why convert to TIF?

[elbirth]

Just to be clear, you're actually not converting a RAW file to anything. You're simply saving a "developed" copy of it as another file in a particular file format.

As far as getting them printed, there technically isn't really any advantage to saving as a huge TIF file. JPEG's downfall mainly lies in that everytime you save it, it re-compresses it and loses more data; therefore, if you're working on a file, it is best said to save as a TIF to work on it, and when you get a final product to print, save it to JPEG to save space so you can get more on a disk or upload them faster.

Since you're not resaving it to get it printed, sending them a JPEG really does no harm.

[scottbergerphoto]

Tiff files use a lossless compression. Each time you open and resave it, there is no loss of data. JPEG's are not lossless compression. Each time you open and resave (as opposed to just close) a jpeg, you lose data. Over time that results in degraded images. I typically save (3) files for each keeper:
1. Raw file
2. Converted tiff file.
3. downsized jpeg file made for web display.
I save them all to DVD.

[SeanH]

Hey thanks guys, that sums it very nice. So the photo's I have been "tuning up" 3 or 4 times (jpg's) are now not as good as what I started with. Thanks for the info, I'm very glad I asked.

[scottbergerphoto]

Hey thanks guys, that sums it very nice. So the photo's I have been "tuning up" 3 or 4 times (jpg's) are now not as good as what I started with. Thanks for the info, I'm very glad I asked.
It's very easy to see the degradation. Open up and make minor changes to a jpeg a few times. Then look at the histogram when you bring up Levels. Look at all the gaps and spikes. That's missing and altered data.

[EOSAddict]

It's very easy to see the degradation. Open up and make minor changes to a jpeg a few times. Then look at the histogram when you bring up Levels. Look at all the gaps and spikes. That's missing and altered data.

B**mer! RAWs from now on for the good shots - now wheres my 2GB CF card?? Oh no, I havn;t got one! Credit card watch out!

[aam1234]

I think the loss of quality of repeated open/save a jpeg is a bit exaggerated. Scottes and another member did a test for that. They didn't notice any difference until the 50th open/edit/save. I even discussed that matter in another forum and some people, who appear to know what they are talking about, confirmed Scottes & co.'s conclusion.

Yes there is loss, but it's not as big as some people think.

[PhotosGuy]

When you learn how to edit in PS, a tiff or psd file will keep complex changes on separate layers so that, when you learn more, or have a different use for the pic, you can easily re-edit it without losing any quality. Be aware that a tiff with layers can be 100MB or more in size.
That having been said, for simple pics that are only cropped & sharpened in PS, I usually delete the tiff 'cause RawShooter saves the changes made in conversion & I don't need to keep the 3X size of the tiff.