RAW

[Bdarin]

I'm new to Canon, have a Rebel 1200D. I don't fully understand the RAW setting. What does it mean and how does it affect the resolution? Thanks.

[ScottyP]

I don't know, Robert.  I used DPP for about 2 weeks before buying Lightroom so I am not sure how auto gamma and the default WB looks.  

I was was thinking of something like a clearly labeled button that makes it really clear that it is showing you a real Canon camera's best effort at processing. And showing it in a non-destructive "recipe" form, not burned-in, so you could just use it as a starting point.  This may be my Lightroom bias showing, together with my unfamiliarity with DPP.

i also wonder why Adobe can't approximate the same thing and offer it in Lightroom. 

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

Raw does nothing for resolution. You get the same number of pixel's either way. As stated it does give you more latitude for post processing. However, I disagree a bit, JPEG processing is so good these days that I don't bother unless it is a tricky, one-of-a-kind shot like a sunset or eclipse.

The RAW processor matters, too. Canon's DPP can do everything the DIGIC Raw processor does, so you can get your image to look just like a JPEG the camera would make - including lens corrections like distortion. There is no guarantee that a third party processor can do that.

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JPEG post processing cannot hold a candle to what you can do with RAW post processing.  You should try taking another look at RAW.  As noted, you cannot correct the white balance of a JPEG image file.  You cannot make fine contrast adjustments to the shadow and highlight areas, either. 

Most importantly, IMHO, you cannot apply lens aberration correction to the JPEG image.

[EDIT]  You cannot perform lens correction on a JPEG.  The OP has a 1200D, Rebel T5, which cannot perform lens correction in camera..  But, you can shoot RAW and perform lens correction in DPP.

[ebiggs1]

"As noted, you cannot correct the white balance of a JPEG image file."

Really?  Whoever 'noted' it is screwy!

[ebiggs1]

"i also wonder why Adobe can't approximate the same thing and offer it in Lightroom."

I apologize right off in the first place but this is an amateurish request and Adobe Lightroom is a professional software.  It is unlikely you will ever see that request. 

[Waddizzle]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"As noted, you cannot correct the white balance of a JPEG image file."

Really?  Whoever 'noted' is screwy!

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I cannot adjust the white balance of a JPEG.  Can you?

[ebiggs1]

Yes.

This is a jpg from my 1D Mk IV being edited in Lightroom.

[ebiggs1]

Why do you think it can't?  It is just one of any number of adjustments available in LR.  You do not have as much latitude with some of them that is true.  But they are still there.  I am just curious!

[Waddizzle]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

Why do you think it can't?  It is just one of any number of adjustments available in LR.  You do not have as much latitude with some of them that is true.  But they are still there.  I am just curious!

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Figured you'd say that.  Sorry, but Lightroom does not count.  Canon's DPP software does not allow it, which is what the OP is most likely using.  No WB adjustments are possible.

[ebiggs1]

Doesn't matter what the OP's intent was, the answer to this question .....

"I cannot adjust the white balance of a JPEG.  Can you?"   .... is, Yes, I can.  If you are using DPP and it doesn't do what you need, or want, why are you still using it? 

[Waddizzle]

Youre going off-topic, Ernie.  The OP has a new Rebel T5, and wanted to know what RAW meant.  I seriously doubt that the OP is using Lightroom, or ever will for the foreseeable future. 

The correct answer is one reason the OP should use RAW is because you are not able to make WB adjustments to JPEGs using Canon's Digital Photo Professional software that came with the camera..