Many professional photographers prefer using a raw format with digital cameras.
Most digital cameras give the option to record images in multiple file types. While the default is to save pictures in a joint photographers expert group (JPEG) format, many photographers don't like the data lost during compression that comes with this file type. When you're taking pictures in raw or untouched format, more visual information is stored in the file, according to the Luminous Landscape website. After taking raw pictures, upload them to a computer. Once uploaded, alter and enhance your pictures using a photo manipulation software program.
Instructions
1. Turn on your digital camera. Use the universal serial bus (USB) cable that came with the camera and plug the small end of the USB cable into the USB port on the side of the digital camera. Plug the larger end of the cable into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click "Open Files and Folders" if a window pops up asking you what you want to do. If nothing pops up, click the "Start" menu button. Click "Computer." Double-click the icon for your digital camera to open up the file and folders on your memory card.
3. Click through the folders on the memory card until you find the raw files you want to upload. Click and hold the raw file icon and drag it to a folder on your computer, whether on the desktop or in a dedicated "Pictures" folder. This uploads the raw files to your PC. This may take a few minutes depending upon image sizes and how many pictures you're uploading.
4. Close the window for the contents of the digital camera's memory card. Unplug the USB cable from the computer and turn off the power to the digital camera. Double click on the appropriate software for viewing and editing.
