How do you deal with noise and dynamic range when shooting jpeg vs raw for architectural photography?

1 Why shoot raw?

Raw files are the unprocessed data captured by your camera sensor, which means they contain more information and detail than jpeg files, which are compressed and edited by your camera. Shooting raw gives you more control and flexibility over your images, as you can adjust the exposure, white balance, contrast, color, and sharpness without losing quality. You can also recover more details from the highlights and shadows, which can improve the dynamic range of your images. However, raw files are larger and take more space and time to process, so you need a fast and large memory card and a powerful computer.

2 Why shoot jpeg?

Jpeg files are the standard format for most digital images, which means they are compatible and easy to share with different devices and platforms. Shooting jpeg saves you time and space, as your camera applies some basic adjustments and compression to your images, which reduces their size and optimizes their quality. Jpeg files are also more suitable for situations where you need to shoot fast and continuously, as they have a faster buffer and write speed than raw files. However, jpeg files have less information and detail than raw files, which means they have less dynamic range and more noise. You also have less room for editing, as any changes you make can degrade the quality and introduce artifacts.

3 How to reduce noise?

Noise in images can reduce the clarity and quality of your shots, especially when shooting in low light or high ISO settings. To reduce noise, you can employ a few tips and techniques. Utilize a tripod to prevent camera shake which can cause blur and noise. Opt for the lowest ISO setting available for the scene, as higher ISOs will amplify the noise. Additionally, using a fast lens with a wide aperture will let more light into your camera, enabling you to use lower ISOs and faster shutter speeds. Employ a remote shutter release or self-timer to avoid touching your camera and causing vibrations that can introduce noise. Lastly, use a noise reduction software or feature in your camera or post-processing program to smooth out the noise and enhance the details in your images. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much noise reduction can make your images look soft and unnatural.

4 How to improve dynamic range?

Dynamic range can affect the exposure and contrast of your images, particularly when shooting in harsh or mixed lighting conditions. To improve dynamic range, you can use a histogram to check the exposure of your images, which shows you the distribution of tones from black to white. You should also use exposure compensation to adjust the exposure of your images, as well as bracketing to take multiple shots with different exposure settings. Additionally, consider using filters to control the amount of light that enters your camera. By doing this, you can balance the exposure and contrast of your images. For example, polarizing filters can reduce reflections and glare, while neutral density filters darken the whole scene or part of it. Graduated filters, on the other hand, can help darken or lighten specific areas of your scene.

5 How to choose between raw and jpeg?

Choosing between raw and jpeg formats depends on personal preference, style, and purpose. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, you can consider the quality and detail of your images, the editing and processing of your images, and the sharing and printing of your images when making a decision. If you want to capture the highest quality and detail possible, raw is the best option. If you want to edit and process your images extensively, raw gives more control and flexibility. However, if you want to share and print your images quickly and easily, jpeg is the best option as it is compatible with different devices. Additionally, if you want to share and print with the highest quality and detail possible, raw preserves the original data of your images.

6 How to shoot both raw and jpeg?

If you are undecided or want to have both options, you can shoot both raw and jpeg at the same time as most cameras have a setting that allows you to do so. This gives you the best of both worlds, with the high quality and detail of raw files and the compatibility and convenience of jpeg files. However, shooting both raw and jpeg also has some drawbacks. It requires more space, time, and resources such as a larger and faster memory card and a more powerful computer. Additionally, it creates more work and confusion as you have to manage and organize two files instead of one for each shot; thus, it is important to have a clear workflow and system to sort and edit both files.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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