Adobe RGB vs. sRGB

[arjudd]

Well, I guess I hope I'm putting this in the right spot and I apologize if the answer to this question is found somewhere else. I'm new to the site and have not been able to find anything helpful in this respect thus far in my searching. So here goes...

I finally got an DSLR--a Canon 7D. I've done my research about the camera etc. and have been customizing all of the functions how I prefer. There is one setting that I really can't say that I understand and that is the Adobe RGB vs. sRGB. I understand that the Adobe gives a significantly larger gamut of colors, but in all of my web research, I get conflicting info as to which one is "better" or preferable, and a lot of people seem to think that you can't print your photos with Adobe. I'm just after something that will make my colors the best possible in my photos, and am curious about the Adobe RGB.

Any input/insight in this matter would be extremely helpful and welcome.

Ambre

P.S. I have Photoshop CS3 for post-processing and prefer shooting in RAW if that affects which of the RGB settings I should use.

[OcularPerceptions]

I don't believe Adobe RAW in CS3 will support the RAW files from your 7D. You may have to upgrade to CS4 or a less expensive option is to get Adobe Lightroom 2.6, which just added the 7D support. You can use Lightroom to do the conversion and basic tweaks and then jump to CS3 for any other adjustments you may desire.

[dakwegmo]

Where do you get your prints done? If you use an online service, most of them will only accept files in sRGB format. There are some exceptions though. WHCC for example will take files in practically any color space. If you do your own printing, you'll need to check your printer, but most photo printers can print in either AdobeRGB or sRGB.

If you're shooting in RAW though it really doesn't matter what you set the camera to. The color space will be assigned when you open the image in ACR.

[Sime]

Do you have a specific reason for wanting to use Adobe?


....and welcome!

[Jim Bryant]

Here's a url that explains it all The Great sRGB Versus Adobe RGB Debate - Photo Tips @ Earthbound Light

[Jim Bryant]

Here's a great blog on the Adobe RGB vs sRGB. Adobe RGB vs. sRGB – What you need to know « Mark Zanzig’s Photo Blog

[Jim Bryant]

More can be found here Adobe RGB vs. sRGB - Google Search

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by arjudd

prefer shooting in RAW if that affects which of the RGB settings I should use.

Yes, that affects it. For Canon DSLRs, the selection of sRGB vs. Adobe RGB has only one effect on Raw files: it changes the file name. sRGB Raw files will be named IMG_1234.CR2, while Adobe RGB Raw files will be named _MG_1234.CR2.

In other words, the choice of color space has no effect on the captured Raw data, which is just whatever came from the sensor.

[arjudd]

Originally Posted by Sime™

Do you have a specific reason for wanting to use Adobe?


....and welcome!

The reason I have the interest would strictly be the increased color gamut and therefore more accurate colors in my prints. Right now I do use online services (mpix.com) as well as some store based printers (costco or Inkley's/Ritz). I just can't figure out on my own if the Adobe makes a significant and visible difference in the end product.

[arjudd]

Thank you everyone for your input and advice. Many of my questions were answered. To Jim Bryant, thank you for the links you added. They have proven very informative and helpful.

So, if I understand all of this, if I shoot in RAW, it really doesn't matter what the color space is? My computer will simply process the data from the camera sensor, correct? And if I correctly understand the info from one of the links, there really isn't a difference in the colors available by each color space, just the spacing between their colors?

Thank you again for all of your help!!