The RAW Crutch: Convenience or Excuse?
After shooting a basketball series in JPG-only burst mode, I made a discovery: JPG is more than enough. When we default to RAW (or RAW+JPG), we subconsciously whisper: “I’ll fix it in post.” But is “fixing it later” truly part of photography—or just an excuse to slack off in the moment?
JPG: The Digital Film Experience
For special scenarios like high-contrast landscapes, RAW’s flexibility is invaluable. But for everyday shooting? JPG forces you to commit, like film. No safety net means you focus intensely on exposure, composition, and seizing the moment—the essence of photography. No more hiding behind sliders.
The “Fake Photo” Epidemic
Yes, RAW can transform dull shots into neon-drenched masterpieces. But this feels like digital taxidermy—artificial enhancement that betrays reality. It’s no different from slapping filters on fast food ads: the burger glistens in the photo; IRL, it’s a sad, soggy mess.
My rule: Post-processing should reveal truth, not invent it.
The JPG Experiment: Freedom in Constraints
During the basketball games, I shot exclusively in JPG. The result? Liberating simplicity. My only edit was occasional B&W conversion—no exposure tweaks, no shadow recovery. And guess what? The images felt honest.
Sony A7s: The Dark Horse Hero
My 12MP Sony A7s, often overlooked, delivered a revelation: at ISO 6400, JPGs burst with vibrant, film-like color. No wonder DxOMark ranks its high-ISO performance top 5—even today. Sometimes, less (pixels) really is more (character).
The $200 Miracle: Vivitar 135mm f/2.8
Then there’s my thrifted Vivitar 135mm f/2.8. For $20, this “Leica-handfeel” lens stunned me: tack-sharp in dim gym light, rendering colors like a dream. Proof that greatness isn’t defined by price tags.
The Verdict: Shoot Like It Matters
- Light is king. Good light = glorious JPGs. Bad light? No RAW wizardry saves a poorly captured moment.
- Photography is personal. Your images should reflect your truth, not algorithmic hype.
- Try the JPG challenge. For one week, shoot JPG-only. You’ll rediscover the thrill of getting it right—not just “fixable.”
Final thought: RAW has its place. But if you’re using it as a crutch, you’re missing the point. JPG isn’t a compromise—it’s a return to photography’s beating heart: the decisive moment, nailed in-camera.
📸 Your future self (and your hard drive) will thank you.
