Raw Mode with Canon A80

[Divesherpa]

I have read in several threads where shots are taken in Raw mode. What is raw and what are the benefits?
Also, how did you learn to edit white balance? Coming from Nikonos V's, I have never dealt with white balance.

Thanks.

 

[derekb]

I think I can answer part of your question. Raw mode stores images with no compression. Under normal circumstances, pictures are stored on flash as jpg files, which render a certain amount of compression. Raw mode uses none.

Under raw mode, you have the ability to manipulate the white balance. I'm not sure how to do this, but I'm sure there are several third party applications on the net that will give you this capability (BreezeBrowser?).

 

[Jason B]

Canon A80 has no RAW mode. I personally would not sweat it.

 

[alcina]

RAW stores images without compression and without the camera making certain choices (white balance among them) for you. You can adjust these in the software once you download. RAW gives you maximum & excellent control of your image without loss of data. Do a little search - it was a hot topic a few weeks back with some examples posted. I shoot almost everything in RAW now and will not look back...

For my own use I would now not buy a camera without it.

BUT I love the Canon A series and would purchase those again to use for teaching and to hire out to divers. A Canon A70 is still my backup camera.

 

[PhotoTJ]

The A-80 does not offer RAW, but I havn't really found it necessary. The 80 seems to make all the right choices!