High-end digital cameras, or dSLR cameras, come with an option to shoot pictures in RAW format. In essence, RAW files are like exposed, unprocessed negatives from a film camera. Because your camera only minimally processes the photos, the resulting storage size is greater than JPEG files. Taking pictures in RAW format allows you to have more control over your pictures contrast, sharpness and white balance.
Instructions
1. Turn your camera on. Make sure you have a high speed memory card. RAW files are larger and take more time for your camera to write to memory than shooting in JPEG format.
2. Select "Settings" from the menu options and scroll to "Image Quality."
3. Select RAW format. Most dSLR cameras have several image size options ranging from small to large files and also have a RAW format option. Newer dSLR cameras usually have a RAW + JPEG option so you can store both the minimally processed and JPEG file format.
4. Take pictures as you normally would. You may notice your camera takes a little longer to process each photo because of the file size.
5. Review your pictures on camera and delete photos you know you don't want to save to help conserve memory.
6. Upload the images to your computer and begin post-processing. Your camera doesn't apply any presets such as contrast, white balance or sharpness to RAW files, so plan to work with the photo to get it where you want it. One popular software option available to help you process your RAW files is Adobe Photoshop.
7. Save all of your photos and backup as needed. Remember to reformat your memory so your card is clear to take more photos in RAW format.
