Ever wondered what the Raw format that your DSLRs can capture is all about? For the uninitiated, some semi pro cameras have the ability to capture Raw files as well, and I believe more and more semi pros are going to start having this option in future models.

The on-going debate is whether we should take Raw or JPGs, seeing that there's a huge difference in file size and you can actually take more JPGs on a similar capacity memory card compared to Raw. So why shoot Raw? What benefits does it have you may ask.

Very simple, Raw files are the equivalent of traditional film negatives, which means you retain all the original data as shot on scene, whereas JPGs are processed and compressed by your digital camera's on board processor, discarding with it a whole lot of data. Still confused? Imagine taking a photo print, scanning it into your computer and reprinting, you will definitely get a degraded output, and your options of 'processing' the scanned image is limited.

However with a Raw image, you have a lot of options for 'processing' your image, this includes the White Balance, Exposure levels, Sharpening, Contrast, Adjustment Curves, you can even add effects such as Black & White, Sepia and more!

What's most significant is White Balance and Exposure, should you shoot in JPG and get the White Balance wrong for a scene, you may very well end up with a photo that's too yellowish (in tungsten lighting), too bluish (in fluorescent lighting), and there's really little you can do about it, besides the fact of getting the White Balance correct while shooting that is.

Shooting in Raw gives you the peace of mind that you can adjust and change the White Balance later on to suit the specific lighting. The same goes for Exposure, with a Raw file, you may adjust the Exposure to make your photo brighter or darker if your initial shot's Exposure was off.

So if you're wondering what the Raw format on your camera is, and how to get the most out of your photos and camera, you should give shooting in Raw a shot! Of course, you need to do some post processing before you can print them out, but the sweet thing is you are in control, just like a Digital Darkroom!! Try Raw, and I'm certain you will not look back, I know I haven't. :)