File Settings

There are a few settings that affect the quality of your final images: file format, image size, and "image quality". Most medium to high end cameras have setting that differ in name, but effectively do the same thing.



File Formats
RAW-If you want the highest possible quality and file information to work with during the editing process, this is your setting. These are larger files, and you will need plugins to view them on your computer etc.
Jpeg-These are easier to handle because you don't have to convert them to share them. But be careful how you handle them because the quality can be degraded.
RAW+Jpeg-This is a nice option that gives you the best of both worlds. It makes a copy of the image in each file format. But this setting will fill your memory card up quickly.

Image Size
This is exactly what it sounds like. This will determine the dimensions of your final image. Most cameras have a large, medium, and small setting. The exact dimensions differ from camera to camera, so you will have to check your manual. Obviously the larger the image, the larger the file size and the more room it will take up.

Image Quality
Quality settings can be very different depending on the manufacturer and the age of the camera. The settings are "Fine" and "Basic", or sometimes they are "Smooth"and "Blocky". These are generally paired with a file format. Basically this refers to how fine the details of the image are due to how much the image is compressed. The greater the detail, the larger the file size.



Most of the time a RAW file will have to most information and automatically be the choice with the best detail in the final image. However if you are not shooting professionally, editing, or intending to sell the image, a medium size jpeg will do. And if you want to save space and don't mind small pictures and poor detail, a small jpeg of basic/rough quality will do.

New Project: Mini Photography Lessons

For the next few weeks I will be helping friends with an interest in Photography. My more experienced friends are welcome to correct me, make suggestions, or discuss topics. Perhaps what they found useful when they were first learning.

Topics I'll cover:

• File Settings-quality adjustments, pros and cons.
• Exposure-how to make adjustments and the effects those methods of adjustments have.
• Automatic camera modes-Automatic, aperture & shutter priority modes.
• Focusing-modes and tips.
• Lighting-equipment and environments.
• Basic Composition-composing an appealing image.

More may be introduced as ideas come to me, and if questions are asked. After learning about a topic, apply what you've learned as soon as possible, it's more likely to stick that way. You'll learn the most by actually having your camera in your hands and putting it to work in different situations.

For now, anyone interested should briefly read their camera manual (you may need to find it online, Camerapedia is a good place to start). If you have time, read through a section at a time. At the very least, find out which buttons do what.