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Question:
What is RAW file format, and why should I shoot in RAW?
Answer: The RAW format (.orf) applies no compression and no image processing, resulting in Olympus’s own proprietary file format. Because RAW files are not compressed like JPG files, the file sizes are much larger. The trade-off is often worth it, however, since shooting in RAW offers the most control by allowing you to adjust exposure compensation, white balance, sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color space as you convert the image to a standard file format such as TIFF or JPEG.
RAW (.orf) files need to be opened in OLYMPUS Master, OLYMPUS Studio, or a supported third-party program to view and convert the image to a standard file format such as TIFF or JPEG.
Note: Images shot in the Scene modes will lose the automatic adjustments made by the camera in this mode, therefore use TIFF, SHQ or RAW+SHQ as your highest quality setting for the Scene Modes.
Rule of Thumb: Shoot in the highest quality setting you can, depending on your card size and how fast you need to be able to take consecutive shots. Larger file sizes, like those created when shooting RAW format, require more time for the camera to process and save the image to the card. Keep in mind, you can always downsize an image to a lower quality file size if needed, but you can’t do the reverse. Shooting in one of the “RAW+” modes will result in two files saved on your memory card – a version in RAW format for advanced processing and a JPG version for immediate viewing, printing, and distribution.
Edit Modes for RAW shooting
RAW Development in OLYMPUS Master – Exposure compensation, White Balance, WB Fine Adjustment, Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation.
RAW Development in OLYMPUS Studio – Exposure compensation, White Balance, WB Fine Adjustment, Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Space, Noise Cancellation, and False Color Suppression.
In-camera Editing, RAW Data Edit
Some newer Olympus cameras support editing certain aspects of RAW files right in the camera. This feature is typically found in the camera’s “Edit” menu. Raw editing options include image quality, White Balance, Sharpness, Contrast, and Saturation.
Archive - E-System:
- Advantages of digital lenses
- Transferring your photos to a CD
- Printing the date on your photos
- Best image sizes for emailing
- Lens connections and F-stop
- Indoor sports photos
- AF illuminator and camera flashes
- Camera locks up while shooting closeups
- Taking photos of the Northern Lights
- Shooting in cold weather
- Pixel Mapping
- Waterfall and Stream Effects
- Camera unable to secure autofocus
- Night sports photos
- Can I use a teleconverter with my kit lens?
- What is MY MODE?
- Saving Your Camera Settings
- What does the Fn button do?
- Tips for shooting holiday lights outdoors
- Tips about memory card usage
- The purpose of IMAGE ASPECT when shooting?
- Tips for digitizing 35mm color slides
- Double exposures and xD card questions
- Taking better indoor photos
- Shooting in RAW
- Battery charging guidelines
- E-System Compatibility
- Cleaning your mirror box
- Studio Lighting
- Tricks for manually focusing
- Focusing E-System cameras in low light
- P, A, S and M modes
- Keeping a zoom lens steady
- What lenses can I use with my DSLR?
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography
- Post-processing color controls in OLYMPUS Master
- How do I use bracketing modes?
- Save a zoomed playback image
- How can CONTRAST, SHARPNESS and
SATURATION be applied creatively? - Shooting indoors in the winter
- What does the GRADATION feature in the menu do?
- Using OM-System lenses and accessories
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If you have a specific tech support issue for which you need immediate assistance, please contact our technical support group by sending an email to distec@cs.olympus.com, or by calling 1-888-55-DIGITAL.
