Allie

[Allie]

Not sure if I can ask here. I'm wondering if someone can explain the difference between RAW, MRAW & SRAW. Does it make a difference in editing? 

[Christina Keddie]

YES.  Because M-Raw and S-Raw are smaller files -- they spit out files that have been resized down, and throw away tons of pixels.  Unless you're shooting with one of the ridiculous new 50MP cameras, it's a BAD idea to start out with such small files.

[Allie]

Thank you Christina, that's what I understood, but I wanted a second opinion. :0))

[Brian]

It's better to stick with Raw, uncompressed preferred...or lossless compressed. 12-Bit is fine if that's an option on your camera. 14-bit Raw is also fine, but you really won't see a real-world difference between 12-bit and 14-bit. Now, I'm sure there are plenty of Measurebators out there that will tell me otherwise, but I like to keep things simple.

Oh, the difference between Raw and JPEG can be summed up as this statement:

RAW = "The End."

JPEG = thend

Now, to take it one step further, lets add MRAW and SRAW to the mix:

Raw = "The End."
mRaw = "The End

sRaw = ThEnd

JPEG = thend

As you can see, you are throwing bits of data away, in addition to resolution. So it's best to stick with plain old boring Raw and keep things simple. The only time you want to throw bits of data away is when you are converting to JPEG.

[Allie]

Thanks so much Brian !