RAW format

[elvis-the-king]

I'm looking at a pocket size camera (Canon PowerShot SD870 IS) and would like to know if there is much benefit to getting one that will store pictures in RAW format. Memory seems cheep enough that file size won't be an issue for me. I'm mainly thinking about the possibility that I would have better results when editing RAW vs. JPEG photos.

[WestCoast]

I didn't even know that anybody makes pocket-sized compacts with RAW capability.

Being able to shoot in RAW is nice because it allows one to impose potentially better noise reduction and white balance than what the camera automatically does when it produces the JPEG file. It's a nice feature but, if I'm really that interested in image quality, I'd be looking for the camera that produces the best shots at higher ISO values. Then again, that's JMO.

[zero_0_zero]

The only compact camera with RAW that I know of is the Canon S70. It's discontinued now, and costs over $500!

Pocket cameras can give you great IQ with JPEGs. The Fuji F40 is best for lowlight. Take a look at the Canon A-Series, too.

I recommend you fill out the Q&A here: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5111

[elvis-the-king]

Maybe I found some incorrect specs because I don't seem to see the same thing on Canons web site. This link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd870-is/4507-6501_7-32471274.html?tag=sub

shows RAW as a format option on the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. Any ideas if this is a mistake?

[edl]

The only compact camera with RAW that I know of is the Canon S70. It's discontinued now, and costs over $500!


I'd be willing to sell you my S70 for $400. I can confirm that it does indeed shoot RAW :)

Actually, I did a RAW vs. JPEG test with the S70 recently. Yes, RAW may extract a bit more detail but we're splitting hairs on this camera. The JPEG's that come out of it are perfectly fine for web or small prints.

I don't plan on using RAW on my S70 after my recent test...it's not worth doing all that PP work for a miniscule improvement in IQ.

[AndyfromVA]

There's a public domain program for some Canon powershot cameras called CHDK hack which, among other things, allows you to shoot in RAW mode.

See http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_Wiki:About

[David Metsky]

Maybe I found some incorrect specs because I don't seem to see the same thing on Canons web site. This link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd870-is/4507-6501_7-32471274.html?tag=sub

shows RAW as a format option on the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. Any ideas if this is a mistake?
Yes, this is a mistake; this camera doesn't have a RAW mode. The CHDK hack only works (currently) for the Digic-II logic chip, so it won't work for any current model.

[GrAnd]

The CHDK hack only works (currently) for the Digic-II logic chip, so it won't work for any current model.

Outdated info. The CHDK already works with Digic-III based cameras (A560, A570, G7).

[David Metsky]

Outdated info. The CHDK already works with Digic-III based cameras (A560, A570, G7).
Cool. Progress can't be stopped. :)

[Squirt]

You have to think about RAW files in a different way. RAW files are a digital negative just as the negative that came out of a film camera. A JPeg file is a "Developed" image. It has been processed and developed by the processor of the camera. It's very similar to comparing apples to oranges. Each format allows you to do different things. Raw maintains the integrity of the image, in a file that can be developed in many different ways and at different times. A JPeg file is made in "Lossy" format, which means that every time the original is opened and re saved it loses more image information. That's why it's recommended that you work with a copy of the file, when making changes to it. JPeging an image in processing allows the processor to make decisions as to what image detail is contained in the file, areas of subtile color change and detail will lose bits and pieces of information, as a result of the format, with the end result being lose of resolution and not the true image information.

[ranojin]

the canon g9 is a realy good cam from what ive seen. it has raw format among with tons of cool features that the sd870 dosn't have. plus its pocket sized too, not ulta slim as the sd870, but it should still fit in your pocket. id recommand geting a sdhc class 6 card maybe around 8-16gb since raw files are alot bigger then jpegs, so it might take up your memery card alot faster then you would think. and because of the size, saving the file to the memory card takes a lil longer, so a sdhc class 6 card is best for that since to my knolege, its the fastest card to write too. but i never used the g9 or any cam with raw, so i can't realy be sure on all this.
the cam gos for about $500 and you can get it on ebay for like $200 more with all the extras like a case, lens extentions, tripods and other stuff. you can find lots of video reviews of it on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUSPT7YnsS8
thats a good review of all the features and the pros and cons.
ive been thinking about geting the sd870 my self as with the g9 and s5, so if you decide not to bother with the raw, the sd870 is still a good choice. but if you do want raw, then the g9 might be something you might want to look into, or maybe the s5 for the extra optical zoom and AA batteries if there more convinate for you and you don't mind the extra size. good luck:eek: