Image Format and Image Size

[Ishyid]

I was just reading about JPEG vs. RAW format for images. I understand that RAW will give you better quality pictures, is that correct? And is "NEF (RAW)" the same as RAW, because on my D60 that's all it says. So basiclly, what does the "NEF" mean? There is also 3 stages of JPEG, JPEG basi,normal, and Fine. Normail is compressed at the ratio 1:8 and Fine is compressed at 1:4. Should I still use the RAW format? Also, do I want to select the higest pixel size for better quality pictures?

Thanks,
Joshua

[Jim Bryant]

Not sure about Nikon format, but I reckon the NEF is RAW format. Here's a thread: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05...nefwindows.asp.
But if you do shoot in the JPEG mode, use your highest setting, which would be the fine setting. And yes...highest pixel setting too.

[dcclark]

Yes, NEF is Nikon's raw format (Nikon Electronic Format, it means).

Whether or not you should use raw is up to you -- if you're just beginning and still working on learning how a camera works, I'd just shoot jpeg for now (because it will distract you less, and let you focus on the important things like composition and lighting).

I actually shoot almost all of my photos as jpegs with normal quality. I have never noticed (nor had anyone else notice) any reduced quality in my images. I do shoot at the largest image size though, to allow a little more latitude for cropping.

I do shoot raw on occasion, when I know my camera is going to have a hard time handling the lighting or colors.

[LoveDSLR]

With a D60*, you have a decision to make. NEF with basic Jpeg or just fine Jpeg.

I'll select fine Jpeg only at the beginning. Once you get over with NEF (raw) then you can use NEF only or NEF with Basic Jpeg setting.

You can get a jpeg from NEF using the D60 Retouch menu too.

* That's what I remembered. You have to double check it.

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by Ishyid

I understand that RAW will give you better quality pictures, is that correct?

Not necessarily. It gives you more freedom in post-processing. A person who is experienced in working with Raw files can often produce an image that is better than what the camera would have produced in its JPEG file. But the in-camera Raw-to-JPEG processing on most cameras is quite good, and you have to be pretty good at working with Raw files to do better.

The main reason that people like to use Raw is that you don't have to worry so much about the JPEG conversion settings on the camera. You can concentrate more on traditional photographic issues such as composition, focus, and exposure and not have to continually fuss over digital issues like white balance, sharpness, etc.

is "NEF (RAW)" the same as RAW

Yes, it's a Raw file. NEF Raw is Nikon's main Raw file format. They also have NRW Raw files, and other manufacturers have other types of Raw files.

[ilookalot]

if you are going to do alot of work to your shots in some thing like photoshop use RAW if not go with jpeg fine ,more shots on your memory card with jpeg fine too