How important is RAW in a compact?

rsatd · 20 Feb 2011 at 08:51

So how important is it if you already have a dslr, the compact in question is:

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/digital-compact/specifications/optio-WG1-GPS

This is more of a backup or something to take around to the beach for example, or just carry around in case something interesting happens. Basically would this be an alternative to say something like Cannon S95?

Whats the opinion of OcUK photographers?

Adrianr · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:47

To be perfectly honest I don't think it's that important at all. I've always thought of compact cameras as tools to capture moments. The moment being more important than the technical aspects of the photo (to a point, ofc!). Realistically all you're affording yourself with RAW is a little more breathing room for error, but it's not huge. As long as it puts out a high enough res Jpeg to fill your favourite picture frame, I wouldn't give it a second thought

Any problem with a Jpeg can be fixed afterwards too, if you really wanted too.

greedy123 · 20 Feb 2011 at 12:33

Well in my opinion, it is generally not needed for general compact cameras as the people who buy them aren't the people who will 1. know what it is and 2. spend hours processing their photos. The S95/G12 is a high end compact aimed at people with more demand from their compacts such as pros and enthusiasts who want the best quality possible in a compact camera. Admittedly the RAW function on these cameras is just a bonus feature with the actually quality of shot being more relevant to their pricing and quality. Most compacts these days have decent auto balance anyway so the reasons for shooting in RAW seem to be removed.

The_blue · 21 Feb 2011 at 06:49

My next compact will again be for underwater usage.

RAW will be important in my choosing as it is more forgiving on white balance and exposure changes.

Compacts can WB great on land but in the darker green waters of the uk they can struggle.

cochoc · 21 Feb 2011 at 09:41

The_blue said:
My next compact will again be for underwater usage.

RAW will be important in my choosing as it is more forgiving on white balance and exposure changes.

Compacts can WB great on land but in the darker green waters of the uk they can struggle.

WB in an underwater situation would be a great feature to adjust in post, so RAW for this application would be great in any camera. It would be more difficult to adjust in a jpeg without losing some image quality.

bigredshark · 21 Feb 2011 at 11:59

Depends what you want it for, if you intend to take decent shots with it rather than just quick snaps then it makes a difference, not least as you can use the same workflow as your DSLR. If you intend to just take snapshots, or to you workflow means dumping everything in a folder and editing the nice looking ones in photoshop then it's likely not to matter...