Tone-mapping: Single RAW vs 7 exposures generated from single RAW

Had a few people inquiring after reading my blog post about HDR if I’d tried tone-mapping from a single RAW file. So here’s the result… the top image is tone-mapped from a single RAW file using Photomatix, the bottom image is tone-mapped from an HDR file generated from my 7 exposure from a single RAW method that I described in my blog post.

There are noticeable differences, the 7 exposure version definitely still gives a wider range of detail, it’s especially noticeable behind the pipe on the far right… I found it interesting that there was a slight color variation as well. I’ve uploaded this larger than I usually do to give you a better chance to see some of the differences.

Anyways… just thought I’d test it out and fill you all in!

Tags: hdr, jpg, photomatix, RAW, Tips, Tutorials

Why You Should Be Shooting RAW

Somewhat of a short post but has a few good reasons to be shooting in RAW format if your camera has the functionality.

There’s some confusion as to what the RAW photo format actually is, and, like any good photographic fact, it can incite forum flame wars as quickly as the mention of the words Leica and Bokeh in the same sentence. Although it comes in various flavors — seemingly one for every different camera model — RAW is essentially the raw data from the camera’s sensor, hence the name.

I love RAW, when I first got my XTi, I switched it over to RAW+JPEG shooting and I really like being able to have maximum flexibility with my files once I get them onto computer. Not only can I change things like the White Balance, I can shoot in B&W and revert to color if I so desire. Not to mention, I find the RAW file crisper than the JPG file the camera spits out as well.

Make sure you read Why You Should Be Shooting RAW over on the Wired.com Gadget Lab.

Tags: gadget lab, RAW, Tips, wired.com