Re: Why many settings arguments don't matter with RAW

John Bean wrote:
The settings don't effect the raw data but they're used to
generate the thumbnail/preview and/or the accompanying JPEG.
You wouldn't want to lose the ability to view images on the
camera would you?

True there, although on that LCD, color space and sharpening/etc
probably don't have much meaning. I've never shot with an accompanying
JPEG, so I hadn't thought of that.

In addition they are sometimes used to give a hint to the
raw converter. They're harmless, so why worry about them?

Yes, I can see their value, especially for accompanying JPEGs. As for
hints to the RAW converters, I'd venture that since those hints are
generated from the RAW data itself, and not from other camera settings
(most of the time), raw converters are technically better prepared to
make these judgements on their own. The exception might be if the
photographer wanted to provide these hints at the time of taking a
picture, and have those remembered through the workflow process.

I think that it just isn't always known that these settings don't have
meaning to your RAW workflow. It certainly wasn't to me at first. I
spent a good bit of time internally considering color spaces to shoot
in before coming to the realization that it didn't matter in the least.
In reading 20 different flamewars on usenet, flickr, and dpreview on
the subject, I never saw anyone raise his hand and say "Just shoot in
RAW, and it doesn't really matter". (I'm sure folks have, but not
enough for me to have seen it in several discussions.)

Part of my post was also a question. Is my understanding incorrect?
(Preview and accompanying JPEG are already two things I hadn't thought
of.)

-drew

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Why many settings arguments dont matter with RAW
    ... hints to the RAW converters, I'd venture that since those hints are ... generated from the RAW data itself, and not from other camera settings ... raw converters are technically better prepared to ... Some converters use more or less of the camera ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: Why many settings arguments dont matter with RAW
    ... hints to the RAW converters, I'd venture that since those hints are ... generated from the RAW data itself, and not from other camera settings ... raw converters are technically better prepared to ... Some converters use more or less of the camera ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)