Canon® EOS 40D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 10. Working with RAW Capture and Updating Firmware

In This Chapter

• Characteristics of RAW images

• Choosing a RAW conversion program

• Sample RAW image conversion

• Creating an efficient workflow

• Updating the 40D firmware

Most digital photographers are familiar with RAW capture, but for those who aren't, the advantages of RAW capture can't be overstated. RAW capture is the gold standard for creating images that provide all that the 40D image sensor offers. Equally important, RAW capture is the gateway to greater creative expression and control over the final image.

Characteristics of RAW Images

RAW capture allows you to save the data that comes off the image sensor with virtually no internal camera processing. Because the camera settings have been noted but not applied in the camera, you have the opportunity to make changes to key settings such as image brightness, white balance, contrast, and saturation after the image is captured. The only camera settings that the camera applies to a RAW image are ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. During RAW image conversion, you can make significant adjustments to exposure, color, and contrast. In addition to the RAW image data, the RAW file also includes information, called metadata, about how the image was shot, the camera and lens used, and other description fields.

RAW capture mode offers advantages that are akin to traditional film photography. For example, in some cases, you can push digital RAW exposures during shooting with a slight overexposure, ...