Why are my RAW photos more grainy than my JPEGS?

4 years 7 months ago #657445 by JADavis
When shooting on my Lumix GX8 camera saving in JPEG & RAW, the RAW files are far more grainy.

How do I fix this? Is it a problem with my camera or just needs processing?

RAW image on left for reference. Thank you!


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4 years 7 months ago #657453 by Nikon Shooter
The camera converts onboard the RAW data into an
image. Along with the conversion, some processing
may be applied like noise reduction, sharpening, sa-
turation, etc… the same as you could do in any con-
verter… but you are better off with the RAWs

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 7 months ago #657516 by garyrhook
Let's throw some more words at this.

JPGs are processed by the camera. When you have a RAW file, guess how that processing gets done?

You do it.

The advantage here is that you are not relying upon the camera to make technical or aesthetic decisions for you. So you'll need to go learn about post processing. There are recent threads on here that mention a number of possible software solutions for you to investigate.

Detail: the camera applies exposure adjustment, temperature/tint, contrast, sharpening, smoothing, possibly a color profile depending upon whether you're using a preset, etc. That's why the JPG is less grainy. It's been worked on, and no longer represents reality. The problem with smoothing (noise reduction) is that it can go overboard (read: most mobile phones). Makes for an unattractive image, IMNSHO.

So, go forth and learn, and PP, and express your personal vision.


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4 years 7 months ago #657684 by H Rocky


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