How do I shoot in Raw(Noob) <---

[Kaeman]

So i just got my first DSLR camera a Cannon Rebel XSi. And I always hear shoot in raw. So What does that mean? Is there a setting in my Camera that allows me to do this? I searched all over the internet and can't find it.
And I didn't know where to put this thread so I put it here.

[DogHeadGod]

Shooting RAW means the camera stores the data exactly as it sees it without converting it into another file format such as jpeg. RAW gives you the best options for post processing,

A quick google shows your camera has a RAW setting, your manual will tell you how to change to it. (Most likely an option called picture/image quality).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAW_image_format

[Kaeman]

What if I am not going to use something like Photoshop? Just use Jpeg?

[DogHeadGod]

There is a free app called gimp and there is a plug in called UFRaw which will allow you to edit raw files without have to pay out £800 for photoshop. I would recommend RAW as jpegs lose quality every time you edit them.

http://www.gimp.org/
http://ufraw.sourceforge.net/

[DogHeadGod]

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/03000009...EOS450D_EN.pdf

Page 64 of your manual tells you how to choose RAW as the picture format.

[SusanH1970]

You can use the software that came with your camera (Digital Photo Professional) to convert the RAW images to JPG. You can also do a minor bit of editing with it. I love it for white balance issues.

[alex3410]

In my opinion lightroom is a must when working with RAW files, before lightroom i shoot in JPG just because it was easier when i got the photos back onto the computer but with lightroom i can use RAW files in the same way

[AtlantaTerry]

Kaeman:

If you use a PC there is a free software called "Irfan View". Google it.

Also get the free Plug-Ins for Irfan View.

Once it's up and running you can view your RAW, JPG, TIF, etc. files as well as convert them from one file format to another, do a moderate amount of color corrections and bulk rename your files from the goofy name the camera gives them to something logical.

Check it out.

If you have a Mac most likely there is something similar available.

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA