S40's RAW file capabilities and what compression to use??

[bongo]

Hi

Im currently am using the S40 at superfine with the lowest compression setting...is it REALLY worth the extra size of file and hassle to use RAW format??

thanks

[Wildman]

I am a real fan of Canon RAW file format. The big advantage is in adjusting parameters (especially white balance) outside the camera.

The files are a little bigger than the JPGs you're taking, but with the newer big compact flash cards, that's not much that much of an issue.

I use BreezeBrowser and usually batch convert the files with "as shot" parameters, then go back and re-convert those that need special attention. The conversion process doesn't harm the RAW files at all.

The down side is a couple of extra minutes of processing time and slightly bigger files. I have saved enough pictures using this procedure that it has proved worthwhile.

[bongo]

so when you batch convert the RAW shots...are they then converted into a jpg format? because isn't that a lossy format to end up with...and if I have to print them at a photo shop they only accept conventional formats...i do not think they take RAW...

[Wildman]

Correct... the conversion process turns the pictures into JPG or TIFF files that can be edited by Photo Shop or other programs. Actually, it writes the converted files to a separate directory.

The advantage to the extra steps is that you can fix sharpness, white balance and saturation on any or all of the pictures before editing them.

[bongo]

oh I see, thanks - do you think tiff is better than jpg for converting to?

[bongo]

hey why can't i shoot RAW mode while in AUTO mode - it only works in manual modes....??

[Wildman]

TIFF is a "non-lossey" file format, meaning all the data is retained. JPG is a compressed file format that sacrifices some of the data each time a file is saved. The difference in quality isn't really great unless you re-save a JPG file a lot of times using the same file name. Some purists always save in TIFF format and it might make a difference when printing very large pictures.

You'll find a lot of additional features available when you use other than the automatic mode... eg. ISO settings, flash levels, etc. I never shoot in automatic, usually "P" mode. Try it and you'll find the camera a lot more flexible.