Exercise 11 - RAW versus JPEG

Reviewing both images 'as shot' the JPEG has a better overall colour and there is more definition in the shadows - the RHS wall inside the tunnel. By comparison, the RAW images feels a little bit washed out; the colours are not quite there - the green and the reds not quite so vibrant. Plus the RAW images has a reddish colour cast.



As shot JPEG

 

As shot RAW



Processing the images

Activity on JPEG: -

Ø         Levels adjustment

Ø         Curves adjustment - slight contrast

Ø         Cloned out rubbish

Ø         Slight burning of the tunnel walls - not very effective

Ø         Crop.

Activity on RAW: -

Ø         White Balance - increase by 200

Ø         Tint - decreased by 10

Ø         Recovery - increase by 40

Ø         Fill light - increase by 50

Ø         Blacks - decrease by 3

Ø         Brightness - decreased by 50

Ø         Contrast - increase by 5

Ø         Levels adjustment

Ø         Cloned out rubbish

Ø         Crop.

Having completed the processing on both images and listed the activities, it surprising how many elements of the RAW image were tweaked.

Processed JPEG

The JPEG is an acceptable photograph and a good representation of the scene, and the processed version is a significant improvement upon the 'as shot' version.



Processed RAW

However, the RAW image now has a much more autumnal feel; with the reds and browns really 'popping' and the long grasses on the RHS catching the winter sun. The shadows across the walkway are also much better defined.

RAW versus JPEG

It is a significant advantage to be able to alter the white balance of you shot and easily remove any colour cast that might occur.

With regards dynamic range, RAW enables the processing of the same image across a range of exposures. These versions an then be merged together without the any alignment problems. In theory this means that you camera has an infinite dynamic range.