Raw Images...

[ihlenfea1]

I am very new to DD so please be gentle to me. I have noticed that a lot of people are saying to turn your camera to raw images. How do I do that, I can't seem to figure it out..

My boyfriend just got me a camera, and I have no idea how to use any of it! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XS camera.

Lenses: EFS: 18-35MM, EF 50mm f/1.8II, EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6IS

I have no idea how to use any of this. Very overwhelmed... but I love photo's and would love to learn how to use all this!

Thanks everyone.

[lima]

In the camera settings, there will be an option to shoot RAW, RAW+jpg, jpg, etc. I shoot RAW+jpg, but it does take up more storage space. Right now, the camera manual will be your friend!

[DesignerDigitals]

Make sure to get Adobe Lightroom as well. You can now get the Beta v3 for FREE to process your RAW images.

[ihlenfea1]

I am downloading the free trail from adobe right now.... should I edit all my images in this program?

[DesignerDigitals]

Originally Posted by ihlenfea1

I am downloading the free trail from adobe right now.... should I edit all my images in this program?

I do. Checkout Scott Kelby's tutorials (books, videos) to help with Lightroom.

The biggest LR tip that I can give you is when you bring in your images go to the Develop module, then on the right hand side all the way to the bottom is Camera Calibration. Select one of the profiles besides Adobe Standard. This only works for RAW images and is the same profiles that your camera uses to process the image (Canon, Nikon, etc.). You can even build a preset to import your images with this automatically added.

[sarahorton]

I think on that model, you have to shoot in one of the Creative Modes in order to shoot in RAW.
Here's a link to the online user's guide for your camera.

Page 66 talks about RAW mode

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

And to REALLY learn how to use your camera to its full potential, check out Katrina Kennedy's tutorials in the store. Just click on her name under the "Designers" heading.

[ihlenfea1]

Thanks so much for all the help guys! I cant wait until I actually know what I'm doing

[esther_a]

I have the same camera. I got it last year. I also have lightroom that I purchased more recently. Someone might shoot me down here, but I think there is a lot of learning to do about which lens to use when and getting comfortable using your camera in auto mode. THEN get your camera off auto and start to learn about aperture and shutter speed and ISO and focus, etc, etc (these are the things Katrina explains in her tutorials and online lessons). THEN you might like to consider shooting in raw. I usually shoot as jpg. If the photo is not well exposed I am able to fix it using screen and softlight layer styles in photoshop. I have played around in Lightroom but I have so much more to learn there before it will be worth my time to shoot in raw.

ETA, yes, as Sara said, RAW is not available in any of the auto modes (the ones with symbols), so you'll need to understand the P, Tv, Av and M modes before you can use RAW.

[ihlenfea1]

Yes I figured that out yesterday.... I have no idea how to use P, Tv, Av and M... I am trying to find a good book that will explain the basics to me.. so that I hope I can soon understand all this!

[Jola]

I agree with Esther. The first two years I had my camera I did everything on the automatic, ha ha And it took me very long ( but thats me ;.) )to learn to shoot on the M ( anual )
And sometimes I still don't know what Iam doing. After you start taking your camera from the automate its wise to first learn how to shoot with Av and TV ( half automatic.)
Once you figured that out, and know why and how, you can go on the Manual. Succes!

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by ihlenfea1

Yes I figured that out yesterday.... I have no idea how to use P, Tv, Av and M... I am trying to find a good book that will explain the basics to me.. so that I hope I can soon understand all this!

If I can be so bold, I'd suggest you check out Get Me Off of Auto. It was written for those of us who want to make the transition and don't want to get bogged down in technical info. I think you'll like it!

I've heard the author is a pretty decent person too

[iUma]

You HAVE to get Katrina's Get ME OFF AUTO class. Got to the store and click her name and it will come up. It is the best, clearest, most straight-foward and Kind (I might add)way of learning this about your camera. I have read a lot of books about this but her ebook is the best.

[ihlenfea1]

Originally Posted by katrinak

If I can be so bold, I'd suggest you check out Get Me Off of Auto. It was written for those of us who want to make the transition and don't want to get bogged down in technical info. I think you'll like it!

I've heard the author is a pretty decent person too

I already downloaded it! Printing it off after work and getting to work!