TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
TIFF, commonly referred to as TIF, is the industry standard for digital images. TIF files can be either compressed or uncompressed and are available in both PC and Mac versions, accessible on either platform. These files are compatible with all computer systems and can be viewed and edited in almost any image editing software.
RAW
RAW files come in various formats but share common characteristics:
- A RAW file is the untouched data directly from the camera’s CCD or CMOS sensor.
- RAW files can be either compressed or uncompressed.
- Each camera manufacturer has its own RAW format: Canon uses CRF (Canon Raw Files), Nikon uses NEF (Nikon Electronic Files), and Adobe has introduced DNG (Digital Negative) as an industry standard.
- RAW files offer a dynamic range, known as headroom, which can be adjusted in post-production to reveal more details in highlights or shadows.
- With RAW files, you can modify white balance and other properties during post-production, a task that is more challenging with TIF and JPEG files unless using newer software versions like Photoshop.
- RAW files include metadata about the photograph, such as the camera model, lens, exposure, aperture, and GPS data if available. This metadata is valuable for cataloging and online presentations.
Image software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Elements comes with a plug-in called Camera Raw, capable of opening almost all RAW file formats. RAW files are approximately one-third smaller than TIF files, allowing you to store more images on your card.
