Have you checked if the prints come out better with files which are taken with raw than with jpeg. I know that raw gives better tonal range of grey, 65.000 steps, jpeg 256 steps, but does it show on the prints if the files comes correctly exposed from the camera so it is no need of editing.

The power of RAW files is the additional flexibility you have when processing them. RAW files are 12-bit images while jpegs are 8-bit images so you have more exposure and white balance flexibility with the RAW files.

However, all printers I know only work with 8-bit images, so you have to eventually convert your image to 8-bit, so if all you do with your RAW file is convert it to jpeg, then there should be no benefit with the RAW. On the other hand, if you do some processing, then you may benefit from the RAW file.

It is penny-wise and pound-foolish to not shoot RAW. I suppose, if you were fortunate enough to capture a narrow-latitude image perfectly, you would not need the extra data from RAW to improve on it, but who can say that they can do that all the time every time?

Further, if you have an image that, at 8-bit, has colors that are out of gamut, you will loose that fidelity, however, at 12-bit you'll capture those colors, and be able to control how they are rendered in the end.

I think that in the end, where you will see the biggest effect is in shadow/highlight detail, where the raw file will capture and keep the information in those areas, and you can then determine how it's best rendered in the smaller gamut of an 8-bit file.

John

I have said it here before: I am a recent convert to RAW and won't ever purposefuly shoot just jpeg again!

I agree with you Steve. For many reasons, RAW is the best way to go!


Tony

I hope Will doesn't read this thread

I think both have there place when i'm shooting outdoors especially landscape work I only shoot Raw.

When i'm in the studio and have complete control over my work environment I shoot jpg because it saves me a ton of time downstream.

Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Cris...