7d Raw Quality minus resolution question

On a 7d there are options to have small and medium size raw files. While I normally try to always use the largest possible resolution in case I get a shot that somehow requires this. I also regularly shoot with a 10d and usually 6mp is enough. My question is if the smaller raw files types are selected do you lose image quality, or just resolution? Thanks

Much like resizing down a JPG, you will end up with the same basic result but with a raw file.

This post is very similar and the responses should be about the same: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=775425

It depends on how large you wish to print and/or how much you wish to crop.

The usual recommended PPI (pixels per inch) for printing is 300. So if your camera produces images 6000 pixels wide by 3000 pixels high, you can comfortably print at 20 inches by 10 inches. However if you wish to crop your image, then you lose a number of pixels so cannot print quite a large.

On the other hand, if the image is destined for viewing on the web or in an e-mail, then 72 PPI is ample. In that case, taking shots at a lower than maximun resolution makes sense as it reduces the files sizes massively.

Lincolnshire Poacher wrote in post #14758045
It depends on how large you wish to print and/or how much you wish to crop.

The usual recommended PPI (pixels per inch) for printing is 300. So if your camera produces images 6000 pixels wide by 3000 pixels high, you can comfortably print at 20 inches by 10 inches. However if you wish to crop your image, then you lose a number of pixels so cannot print quite a large.

On the other hand, if the image is destined for viewing on the web or in an e-mail, then 72 PPI is ample. In that case, taking shots at a lower than maximun resolution makes sense as it reduces the files sizes massively.

For web use ppi is absolutely meaningless - all that matters is the number of pixels, so yes, if you are purely shooting for web use the smaller files.

The larger the print, the lesser need for high DPI when printing. You can print poster-sized 20x30 photos at 200-240 DPI and they will look great, provided the original source material looks good and you upsize using good tools.

Thanks all. I gather if I do not need the res in certain cases I wont lose quality by selecting smaller raw files.

NinetyEight wrote in post #14758058
For web use ppi is absolutely meaningless - all that matters is the number of pixels, so yes, if you are purely shooting for web use the smaller files.

You are of course correct. It's been a long, long day!