RAW Compressed vs Uncompressed sony a7iii

This week I take a look at the sony RAW compressed and uncompressed files from the A7iii and try and work out what the difference is between the two. Is it worth saving huge files or can you get away with using the compressed raw files in your sony a7iii.

I tried the compressed raw files and took identical photographs in the uncompressed raw setting to see what the difference is. When photographing good exposures it was hard to see the difference between the sony raw files but when pushing the settings, you could really notice the difference. So I bracketed my shots to see how far I could push it as well as trying HDR images in both raw compressed and raw uncompressed file settings.

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Thanks

Mike

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[VagabondOriginal]

Man, every time I see a setting and think, "hmm I should look into that..." I see that you've covered it! You're saving me so much time researching and experimenting. Thanks again for the awesome content, and all the work you're putting into this channel.

[stephenwoodburn]

Great video, Mike. I had done some research on this subject when I first got my A7iii, and decided that I would shoot compressed. Nobody described the difference quite as well as you did here. Of course, after watching all of your other tutorials, I always have perfect exposure. Okay, maybe that last statement was a stretch. Keep these great tutorials coming. Cheers!

[afferist]

finally! I spent 2 hours on the Internet searching and reading, only at the end I found this video - where everything is clearly visible! thanks

[TheMicroGhost]

Pls make a video on the new timelapse function on the A7iii! Especially how to use the option to track the exposure automatically!

[ethanfink]

This answered all of my questions! Thanks a ton, Mike. I just purchased the Nikon D500 and I've had my nose stuck in the manual for the last two days, but even the manuals don't have all the answers. I can always rely on informative YouTubers to give me the answers I am searching for.

[pndamonium]

I have learned a lot of my Sony A73 and Photography in general thanks to your videos. I really appreciate the content you are sharing.

[shadzscape]

8:16 - The Answer I was Looking for. Thank you 😊👍🎉

[ABAJZA]

So helpful! Even 2 years later.. thank you!

[grantdecker]

Awesome explanation! I shoot in uncompressed Raw for the Dynamic Range. If I was 100% confident in getting the proper exposure every time I would probably shoot compressed. I made a mistake yesterday and I adjusted my white balance incorrectly and had a V1 flash with a 1/2 CCO gel. The preview image actually looked really good, but when I opened my raw file it very very dark. I adjusted the exposure around +2 and the image came back great.

[amybella]

Comparison between the two: 4:52 The blue sky is different, right darker blue, and left is lighter blue. Also the tall buildings the one on
on the left is little brighter by abit compared to the right one.

[YourDriver]

You are amazing, I've spent the last few hours binge watching your videos because each one leads to another one that interests me! I wish I had found you sooner!

[vincentmarcolla]

This is very useful Mike, I was actually asking myself this question no later than yesterday.

[patrickl]

Except for astrophoto, I'm shooting in compressed mode. I've enough dynamics and as you mentionned, no difference when normal exposure. Thanks for the test !

[uwriteme]

Nice observation. It is not only when the entire picture is underexposed, but also when you work with the dynamic range. Sometimes I need to highlight the shadows and with CRAW I will have this effect.

[biscuitsalive]

By way. Worth checking out the diff with Adobe colour vs standard SRGB. If working in Lightroom then Adobe is better etc.

[Thexderify]

Great video. Rather than just saying "Shoot uncompressed because it's the best", you showed why this isn't necessary. Have wondered how much the compressed files took a quality hit.

[phynesse]

try hitting 'c' after selecting 2 images you want to compare in Lightroom...

[LXDV]

This was so interesting. I always thought that a RAW file is a RAW file and that the compressed version was just the camera using an algorithm to write the file in a more efficient way. A bit like a ZIP file. So there shouldn't be any loss of data or quality but files would take longer to read and write. It would be so interesting to see what the camera manufacturers have to say in this point.

[martindo]

I love your videos. You've got a nice diction and that makes your content clear and easy to follow. Greetings from Copenhagen!

[sganzerla]

Mike, the difference on the underexposed compressed x uncompressed files looks exactly what was the problem with Sigma lenses being used with 5D MK IV if I remember well. It looks like a pattern for lens distortion correction (peripheral illumination). Take a second look at it, I have downloaded your files and in ACR it was likely that it was the case. I'm doing lots of real state photo and uncompressed option may be worth a look here, thanks!