Shooting and saving in RAW form

[sbug_adam]

I have a Sony F717 and I shoot and save in JPEG format. There is a function to save it in TIFF format but it takes about 30 secs to save after each shot. Is it suppose to save that slow...? anyone else have problem with slow saving RAW photos..

Adam

[Mongo]

RAW always saves slower since the file is so much larger than a jpeg.

[chloew]

But 30 seconds sounds a bit too slow. If you compare file sizes between your JPG and TIF files, you should be able to estimate how much time it should take to save a TIF. TIF files come in compressed and uncompressed formats. Uncompressed (20-35MB) it may take that much time.

On my Canon 10D, a 5-6MB RAW files saves in ~4-5 seconds.

[mattchow]

I never really notice any difference until I start to fill out the buffer on my 20D.

[sbug_adam]

i checked the size and I usually save JPEGS 1.6mb at about 1-2 secs, but the TIFF file (im pretty sure its uncompressed) is 14.0mb and saves MUCH MUCH slower. I'll have to take a look at my manual to figure out how to save compressed TIF files.

Adam

[Abel]

if im not mistaken raw files are smaller than tiffs, in fact tiffs arent really considered raw files

tiff is another image format similar to jpg but just not compressed.

raw files are like digital negatives of what the sensor actually sees. tiffs still involve camera processing so to speak as to where RAW doesnt.

again, someone correct me if im wrong... hehee

[sbug_adam]

not correcting you but I was talking to a friend of mine and he stated that TIF files are more similar to RAW files than JPG.. but regardless, I gotta figure out how to speed up the saving.. Its upsetting me
LOL

Adam

[Abel]

no they are more similar... thats very true.

just that tiff does not offer the same extras as does a RAW file.

btw, what is it saving to? a regular memory stick etc? do they offer higher speed memory sticks? it may also be limited by the camera and not the media...

might have to look into it more

[sbug_adam]

its not a regular Sony Memory Stick, its the new High speed ones. And like you said, it could be the camera as well so I'll look into it soon enough.

Adam

[chloew]

Abel, you're right.

TIF files are more like JPG than true RAW files. Their main and probably only advantage are the lack of lossy compression as is part of the JPG files. TIF does support 16-bit color depth, but I suspect that most cameras only generate 8-bit TIF files.

RAW will offer many advantages over TIF files, allowing you to set the image processing parameters (white balance, contrast, sharpening, etc.) after the fact.

[gpgyo]

Before buying a Digital Rebel I looked very seriously at the F828. One of the criticisms of that model was the extremely slow save time when shooting RAW. I recall one review making the point that the long save times made the RAW option unusable (I don't recall which review it was but I do remember thinking the review at www.steves-digicams.com was comprehensive.)

Long story longer, I can't say for sure this is a problem with the F717 but if its a problem with the F828...

Good luck,
Greg

[Hogleg 44]

Adam,

I have a Sony 707, and an 828.

I don't even know if the 707 will shoot raw cause I only shot jpg with it.
The 828 does shoot raw, but after shooting a raw image one time, and waiting for what seemed forever for it to write to the Pro stick, I vowed to never shoot raw with it again. My Canon cameras process the raw almost instantly, and that's all I shoot with them.
Another little problem with raw on the Sony is lack of support in third party software, ie; Bibble, C1, or Breezebrowser, etc. Photoshop CS does process Sony Raw though, I think.
On my Sony I will just stay with jpg, since it produces virtually no shutter lag. I would only shoot it in raw format with it if I felt a real need to do it for some unusual circumstance, and felt I needed the processing variables it allows....and, had the time to wait on it.

[sbug_adam]

thanks for the tip! :lol:

adam

[Vik_7]

Hi Adam,
Just keep shooting in jpg mode. Tiff won't offer any really visible improvements in general prints. As people have noted, sony writes 8-bit tiff files, so you won't get the ability to recover some highlight/shadow detail that is possible with 16-bit tiffs.
Frankly I do miss my 707 sometimes for general walk-around camera. It's hard to have 10D everywhere, and trying to be inconspicuos at parties with a 10D/grip/lens is _hard_ :)

[Abel]

Originally Posted by Vik_7

It's hard to have 10D everywhere, and trying to be inconspicuos at parties with a 10D/grip/lens is _hard_ :)

aint that the truth!