First time DSLR'in - RAW or JPEG?

So I just got my 20D today and I'm using a 28-135mm. I've read the manual and a few 'cheat sheets' online to learn how to do the settings on the camera, but as far as how to tell if I'm using the best settings would it be best to shoot in RAW or JPEG. I understand the difference of when/why you want to use each, but from a learn standpoint, which is better?

THANKS!

I shoot RAW but there is nothing wrong with JPEG while you're just out experimenting and learning!

Some professionals only ever shoot JPEG when they have to turn over huge volumes of images in very short time frames.

Once you've mastered exposure and metering and turn your attention to a bit of post processing, I highly recommend trying RAW shooting to see what the difference is.

RAW. Get a decent editor that can edit RAW and it will be the best move you ever make. I would recommend lightroom through. With RAW you can change white balance, do noise reduction, exposure.

Thanks guys/girls! I see that post-processing is a whole other monster and I just want to focus on the camera now and fiddle with that later. Not to mention I just spent quite a bit on the camera and even though I shouldn't cause I'm getting married in May! (Shhhh don't tell the fiance :P) I was looking around online and found that GIMP is free and thought maybe I'll just use that for the time being and then down the road get Lightroom.

Also you can use the soft that comes with the camera but it just isn't the same as lightroom or anything else.

I bought a gently used one online for $200, and all it came with was a CF card, charger, battery, and strap. So it didn't come with the software. :S

I often recommend people start out with DPP + Gimp until they work out what suits their work flow where they want to take their post production.

OP; go nuts with your new toy. JPEG or RAW doesn't matter for now. You correctly state that PP is a whole other 'monster'...you don't need to worry about tackling it today!

BobDawg wrote in post #11875635
I bought a gently used one online...So it didn't come with the software. :S

Skygod answered this same problem in a parallel thread...check out his solution here

SOK wrote in post #11875658
Skygod answered this same problem in a parallel thread...check out his solution here

Awesome! Thank you. Even though it's not the greatest as you guys say, it will still be worth it to see what you guys are talking about.

If you just want to learn how to use the camera, learn exposure, photography basics, just shoot jpeg for now. Since you mentioned you're not going into PP yet, jpeg is better.

Jardiniboy wrote in post #11876068
If you just want to learn how to use the camera, learn exposure, photography basics, just shoot jpeg for now. Since you mentioned you're not going into PP yet, jpeg is better.

I agree, untill you get a raw editor there is no point

Actually, DPP is a very good raw editor and in many cases it does a lot better then Adobe's raw editor. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it's raw conversion quality is very high.

Honestly,, if you are first starting out with a DSLR shoot jpegs.. Learn how to get it right in the camera and minimise your post processing.

When you are comfortable with jpegs, move up to raw.

Go for RAW IMO from the start or JPG/RAW.

I'd say go jpeg until you get into PP. Using RAW is just using lots of memory on your card if you're not going to be too critical with your post-processing. But when you do decide to get into PP more, then definitely go for RAW or RAW/Jpeg.